2007-11-26 04:13:50 · 32 answers · asked by RF57 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
All prophets are both true and false. When the prophet undergoes an ecstatic experience, or altered state of consciousness, they receive messages from some Other -- God, the Gods, the Ancestors, Aliens from the Sirius Star System, etc. Those messages are, in turn, filtered through the brain of the prophet -- their memories, experiences, expectations, beliefs, culture, world-view, politics, prejudices, hopes and fears all color how they will hear the message, and even how they define the source of the message. Then, they have to communicate the message, so they must phrase it in human language, with all its limitations, and phrase it in such a way that the listeners will understand it and be reasonably able to accept it. So, again, it is filtered through the language and culture of the listeners. In that process, a lot of noise gets in the mix -- cultural presuppositions, prejudices, taboos, hopes, fears, etc.
And, then, look at how the prophecy is being used. Is the goal of the prophet to liberate humanity, or to enslave it? That should tell you right there if the prophecy is "true" or "false."
2007-11-26 04:33:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prophets predict something in the future. If their prediction comes true more than could be expected by chance then they are true prophet. If not they are false prophets.
Which means that when you hear the prophecy there is no sure way to tell. Though you can use your common sense to some extent.
Metereologists are prophets some of the time. Yesterday they prophesized a lot of rain, and it is really happening...
2007-11-26 04:18:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
In Deuteronomy 18:21-22, the question is raised:
"How can we know a message has not been spoken by the LORD?" If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
2007-11-26 04:26:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
True prophets speak the truth accepting that Jesus has walked upon the earth in flesh. The false prophets will deny that and will lure people with worldy wants.
2007-11-26 04:23:04 · answer #4 · answered by Michael C 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A true Prophet speaks in the name of the Lord - but I suppose you have to be careful as some people for certain reasons get delusional so the Holy Catholic Church investigates all claims.
best wishes
Star
2007-11-26 04:23:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Bible says: To law and testimony, If they do not speak according to these words they dont have light in them.
Law: Must be based on scriptures and not oral traditions and crafted stories.
Testimony: there must be proof! Proofs are prophetic writings mentioned in the scripture. Jesus Christ mentioned the proof of his being the messenger of God and the Son of God based on the writings of the Prophet Isaiah and Psalms. Of course, the most notable proof was the foretold death of Christ as sign of obedience to God.
You can follow the law but you cannot just claim testimony.
2007-11-26 04:24:32 · answer #6 · answered by bongnate 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
True prophets will align themselves with the Word of God. False ones will try to win people over by telling pretty lies. How to identify them is all throughout the bible.
2007-11-26 04:19:43 · answer #7 · answered by Scooterette1! 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
What a good question. I think I would look to the personal gain aspect. Is the person making money, do they have a big ego, do they seek to control others, etc. Do they isolate themselves and any following they may have instead of seeking unity with others. Have they been shown to be dishonest before, in regards to anything. Do they preach love and tolerance or hate and judgement. Do they have some really bizarre ideas and beliefs--even beyond what non spiritual people find farfetched.
Finally, feeling what rings true in your heart and soul. Listening to that inner voice.
Thanks for your question and peace be with you.
2007-11-26 04:21:37 · answer #8 · answered by An Independent 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Deuteronomy 18:21 "And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' - 22 "when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
2007-11-26 04:17:18 · answer #9 · answered by Cuchulain 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Go to the source. If God answers prayers (He does) why would he not verify the words of a true prophet and bring confusion to your mind in response to the teachings of a false one. How is this a hard question? What harm can prayer do?
2007-11-26 04:19:50 · answer #10 · answered by Mike B 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋