How can you tell if a person is a False Prophet?

Answer 1

a tree is known by its fruit

a fruit is known by its tree

Answer 2

Using this definiton of "prophet" (since I don't know how you are defining it):

1. A person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed.
2. A person gifted with profound moral insight and exceptional powers of expression.
3. A predictor; a soothsayer.
4. The chief spokesperson of a movement or cause.

For number 1, there is no way to tell because there is no way of proving what god or goddess is "real" or "fake", so there is no way to prove if someone is or isn't speaking for him or her or them. Is the truth written in the Bible? Koran? Bhavad Gita? Book of Shadows? None of the above? Whose book is right? Is any book right? Personally I'd love to discover that Hogwarts and Narnia are both real, but...

For number 2, this is in the eye of the beholder. What is profoundly moral or exceptionally insightful is judged solely by the listener(s) and each listener will have a different judgement.

For number 3, that's easy. Does what they say will happen actually happen every single time? But then you have to think, does it matter how specific the prediction is? Am I a prophet if I predict the sun will rise every morning...and it does...every single morning? OK, not so easy.

For number 4, this one's really easy. Does the majority of the group agree that this is their spokesperson? Oh wait, does it have to be unanimous or just the majority? If 49% of the followers say this isn't their spokesperson, are they still the prophet? What if the majority of persons in a group do not agree that this is their leader and the person is called leader anyways by a very tiny portion of the group called an "Electoral College". Then what? Again, not so easy.

My conclusion is that, for the four definitions of prophet located, it is not possible to definitely and conclusively tell whether a person is a false prophet or not. Sorry.

Answer 3

When they put more emphasis on their teaching than what God has already said. When their prophesies do not come to pass. Examples, Joseph Smith, Jim Jones, Muhammed, Hare Krishna, and all the founders of the JW's. Most religion is a bunch of made up #### by control freaks on a power trip. Benny Hinn, Jim and Tammy Baker, Paul and Jan Crouch are modern day false prophet wackos. A true prophet puts God first and does nothing to exalt their self. A true prophet will be humble, not so theatrical as we now see.

Answer 4

A person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed. <<<
Is one definition. They also predict certain things in the future that will happen when those who claim to be his people rebell against his will and sin. A false prophet is one who makes a prediction and it never comes true. But the one who accurately foretells the punishments to come is a true prophet.

Answer 5

That's easy. In the religious context all prophets are false. (Examples: Muhammad; Joseph Smith; L. Ron Hubbard; Jim Jones; John the Baptist). That's how you tell. No need to bother with identification criteria.

Answer 6

The first answer is right. If they claim to be a prophet, they are a false prophet. Prophets do not actually exist.

Answer 7

if they are self righteous, or if the things they say go against your conscience. Besides that, most religions tell you that all other prophets are false prophets, believe in only yours.

Answer 8

A prophet is one who can foresee the future. If his or her predictions don't come true then they are false prophets and furthermore God doest use prophets any more ever thing has already been prophesied.

Answer 9

It would depend on what Religion you follow. If you are Christian you would know a false prophet by what he/she preaches or teaches. If it is not alligned or in agreement with the Holy Bible, he/she might be considered a "False Prophet."

Answer 10

you look at the prophet..does he have good morals? did he come up with peace love? did he make mircles from God? did he kill anyone did he hurt anyone?
for example i believe mohammed is fase prophet because he killed, kidnapped, commit adoltery, he wasnt peaceful or loving and he made alot of false morals...he also didnt make any mircles so i believe hes a false prophet

Answer 11

I concur with Bregweid. He has very aptly summarized the words of Jesus regarding this question.