One Response to “Can a Mormon prophet really see into the future?”
Miguel Leal
2007-11-09 19:49:20
When Mormons say "prophet," we don't automatically think of someone who can "see into the future." For Mormons, prophets are much more.
1. A prophet receives revelation (a message) from God and communicates that message to others.
2. A prophet receives such communication for the entire Church. Others can receive messages from God, but these messages apply only to their own "stewardships," meaning their family if they're a mother, their congregation if they're a bishop (pastor), their geographical area if they're a general authority, etc.
3. A prophet has the authority to act in God's name. This authority, called "priesthood keys," is very important in Mormonism. We don't believe that getting a degree in theology authorizes one to act in God's name. God must call a prophet through His established channels, and the prophet must receive all "priesthood keys" from someone else who has those keys, as in New-Testament times.
4. Finally, on rare occasions, when it is part of the message God wants to transmit to His people, God can reveal future events through His prophets. I would say, however, that in Mormonism this is one of the minor roles a prophet plays, not the principle role.
Regarding terminology, when we say THE Prophet, we are referring to the president of the church, even though the twelve apostles and members of the first presidency are also considered to be prophets.
1. A prophet receives revelation (a message) from God and communicates that message to others.
2. A prophet receives such communication for the entire Church. Others can receive messages from God, but these messages apply only to their own "stewardships," meaning their family if they're a mother, their congregation if they're a bishop (pastor), their geographical area if they're a general authority, etc.
3. A prophet has the authority to act in God's name. This authority, called "priesthood keys," is very important in Mormonism. We don't believe that getting a degree in theology authorizes one to act in God's name. God must call a prophet through His established channels, and the prophet must receive all "priesthood keys" from someone else who has those keys, as in New-Testament times.
4. Finally, on rare occasions, when it is part of the message God wants to transmit to His people, God can reveal future events through His prophets. I would say, however, that in Mormonism this is one of the minor roles a prophet plays, not the principle role.
Regarding terminology, when we say THE Prophet, we are referring to the president of the church, even though the twelve apostles and members of the first presidency are also considered to be prophets.
Hope this helps!