Prophets

[CatholicGirl]

In the bible it states that there will not be any more prophets after Jesus, but yet the LDS still have prophets. How does that work? And then in Deuteronomy, 18:20-22 tells us how to distinguish a true prophet from a false one:
"But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if though say in thine heart, how shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumtuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."
That is in the King James Version, which I have been told is the only version of the bible that the LDS accept.
Now we have to look at some of the claims made by prophets:
In Doctrine and Covenants, 112, Joseph Smith clearly prophesied that he would be alive at the Second Coming. He also said that a mormon temple would be built in Missouri. That is also in the Doctrine and Covenants. Now over 100 years later, there is still no temple there.
He also claimed that "in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted". That's in the History of the Church.

Brigham Young foretold that the Civil War would NOT result in freeing the black slaves. (Journal of Discourses)

[Palerider]

This is going to be an interesting discussion.....I think I will just sit back and watch this one.....

[Elgama]

Catholic we get so many of these discussions and people get upset - often the person asking the questions. They start to feel got at because they cannot understand one of the most important tenants of our faith is that we believe in personal revelation, the Bible is divinely inspired but for me at least it is a long way second to my relationship with God

I know Joseph Smith was a prophet because God answered my prayers, I know the Bible is scripture because that same God answered my prayers. Thomas S Monson comes before the Bible for me and for that matter Joseph Smith because he is the person on Earth who knows the best route back to my Heavenly Father.

I personally do not use scripture quotes in my debate posts - I know my Bible very well but a wise local leader in my church taught me because they are precious in the wrong setting, nothing removes the spirit of God from a discussion quicker than arguing over what a scripture means - ultimately only God either through his prophets or through prayer can guide us.

Before you start this discussion its important you know each of us is LDS because we know God, and that a prophet who teaches us today is the most relevant, prophets of the past whether Moses or Brigham Young or Gordon B Hinckley are great men with much for us to learn from but they were for their day. The gospel isn't static as we grow we learn more and grow closer to God in 2008 the church is in general better educated and has access to more information we can be taught more.

-Charley

[MichaelPAGuy]

I don't think that answers the question.

[Elgama]

Originally Posted by MichaelPAGuy

I don't think that answers the question.

in a way it does for me the Bible is only Gods Word because of Faith and revelation, same reason todays conference is Gods Word because of Faith and Revelation. What Deuteronomy has to say is important and each of the points she has raised can be answered, Prophecies can change after a prophet has given a warning for example with Ninevah or the king in the OT that was told he was going to die but earned his life back, and a 100 years is a drop in the ocean to Heavenly Father and the church owns the space, there is a temple in Nauvoo etc etc

But my experience on the boards has changed me a lot and one thing anyone investigating or asking questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, needs to know before they start is for many LDS nothing comes before that relationship with God, if that isn't established it can cause contention and lack of spirit

-Charley

[Misshalfway]

What verse in the Bible are you referring to with regards to no more prophets after Jesus?

[Elgama]

Originally Posted by Misshalfway

What verse in the Bible are you referring to with regards to no more prophets after Jesus?

I'm curious about this because I am wondering what Paul was or John or Jude?

-Charley

[Palerider]

Originally Posted by Elgama

I'm curious about this because I am wondering what Paul was or John or Jude?

-Charley

or Steven

[Elgama]

Originally Posted by Palerider

or Steven

ooh your a clever sausage you lol yeah and Stephen. And also I was under the impression Popes were chosen by and receive revelation/inspiration, but I could be wrong

-Charley

[Loudmouth_Mormon]

Hi CG, welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by CatholicGirl

In the bible it states that there will not be any more prophets after Jesus

No it doesn't. Some people interpret scripture in that way, but no, the Bible never says anything about no more prophets. Feel free to cite the particular scriptures, and we'll see how plain and unambiguous they really are.

And then in Deuteronomy, 18:20-22 tells us how to distinguish a true prophet from a false one

No it doesn't. It tells us how to judge prophecies. But let's assume for a moment that it does.

That is in the King James Version, which I have been told is the only version of the bible that the LDS accept.

Well, it's the main version we use, but I wouldn't say we reject non-KJV translations. I personally go to places like blueletterbible and studylight where I can compare dozens of different translations.

In Doctrine and Covenants, 112, Joseph Smith clearly prophesied that he would be alive at the Second Coming.

No he didn't. He said if he lived to be 70-something, he'd see the face of God. Well, he was shot in his '30's, and as far as that goes, we figure a person can see God's face after death.

He also said that a mormon temple would be built in Missouri.

Yes, he did. And it hasn't been built yet. No time frame was placed on the prophecy.

Isaiah and Christ both fortold the 2nd coming, and that hasn't happened yet either. Using your logic, I suppose you consider them false prophets?

He also claimed that "in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted". That's in the History of the Church.

Brigham Young foretold that the Civil War would NOT result in freeing the black slaves.

When it comes to criticism of my church, I've learned to demand exact quotes and sources. I've also learned to distinguish between prophecies and opinions. How about you cite your source, and lets take a look.

So, just out of curiosity, did you come here expecting to overthrow a church with more than 13 million members? Or are you just interested in how we respond to the stuff you've read? If the latter, I can tell you that it's all been answered a thousand times before. You can save yourself a bunch of typing if you go somewhere like fairlds.org and look at their topical guide.

Again, welcome.
LM