A Prophet To The World?

[mormonnewb]

When we say that our Prophet is a prophet to the world. What do we mean? We certainly don't mean that our Prophet is giving prophetic wisdom to anyone other than Mormons. After all, besides the Family Proclamation, what have we claimed to "the world" in, say, this century?

And the proclamation that everyone should see Meet the Mormons or our billboard in Times Square doesn't count. What prophetic insight has the world glean from us as it grapples with climate change, wealth inequality, civil unrest, racial strife, etc.?

So what do we mean by the term "prophet to the world"?

Edited December 7, 2014 by mormonnewb

[JAHS]

The proclamation on Jesus Christ come to mind.

Edited December 7, 2014 by JAHS

[mormonnewb]

The proclamation on Jesus Christ come to mind.

Huh? Which one do you mean?

Edited December 7, 2014 by mormonnewb

[bluebell]

Huh? Which one do you mean?

 

I think he's talking about the one called "The Living Christ".

 

As for the prophet being the prophet of the world, it means that when God calls a prophet, he is to speak prophetically to everyone, not just members of the church.  He testifies of Christ to the entire world, for example, and not just to members.

[JAHS]

Huh? Which one do you mean?

 

It was more like a testimony to the world:

https://www.lds.org/new-era/2000/04/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=eng

 

Also a proclamation was made in 1980 from the first presidency about the Church.

http://www.mormonhaven.com/proc1980.htm

[mormonnewb]

I think he's talking about the one called "The Living Christ".

As for the prophet being the prophet of the world, it means that when God calls a prophet, he is to speak prophetically to everyone, not just members of the church. He testifies of Christ to the entire world, for example, and not just to members.

And our prophet is testifying to the world about Christ in what way? Does he regularly/ever address non-Mormon audiences? Appear on The Daily Show?

Seriously, I can't think of a single instance of testifying to the world but I certainly am not an authority of the Prophet's calendar, so he may be out on a speaking junket right now for all I know.

[ERayR]

When we say that our Prophet is a prophet to the world. What do we mean? We certainly don't mean that our Prophet is giving prophetic wisdom to anyone other than Mormons. After all, besides the Family Proclamation, what have we claimed to "the world" in, say, this century?

And the proclamation that everyone should see Meet the Mormons or our billboard in Times Square doesn't count. What prophetic insight has the world glean from us as it grapples with climate change, wealth inequality, civil unrest, racial strife, etc.?

So what do we mean by the term "prophet to the world"?

 

You seem to think a prophet is supposed to solve all the worlds problems.  A prophet is supposed to lead the way back to Christ.  That you do not see and follow is your choice.

[ERayR]

And our prophet is testifying to the world about Christ in what way? Does he regularly/ever address non-Mormon audiences? Appear on The Daily Show?

Seriously, I can't think of a single instance of testifying to the world but I certainly am not an authority of the Prophet's calendar, so he may be out on a speaking junket right now for all I know.

 

 

He addresses human audiences.  It is broadcast to the world every six months.  Again if you choose not to listen . . .

Edited December 7, 2014 by ERayR

[Kevin Christensen]

When we say that our Prophet is a prophet to the world. What do we mean? We certainly don't mean that our Prophet is giving prophetic wisdom to anyone other than Mormons. After all, besides the Family Proclamation, what have we claimed to "the world" in, say, this century?

And the proclamation that everyone should see Meet the Mormons or our billboard in Times Square doesn't count. What prophetic insight has the world glean from us as it grapples with climate change, wealth inequality, civil unrest, racial strife, etc.?

So what do we mean by the term "prophet to the world"?

Several decades ago, I began gathering Biblical Keys for Discerning True and False Prophets.  A few years ago, I prepared this study for FAIR

 

http://en.fairmormon.org/Biblical_Keys_for_Discerning_True_and_False_Prophets

 

The overall picture includes all three elements—tests to apply, actions and attitudes to demonstrate, and mistakes to avoid—and reveals an organic interaction between them. That is, those who use the appropriate tests for prophets also demonstrate the behavior recommended for seeing truth. Those who reject true prophets fall short of the recommended behavior. In consequence, they miss or misapply the actual tests for true prophets, and repeat the kinds of arguments used by those who rejected true prophets anciently. This shows why Jesus said “He that receiveth you receiveth me.” (Matthew 10:40). Despite the passage of millennia, that same issues arise. We too quickly congratulate ourselves for being modern.

 

If you want a look at how a modern prophet might address environmental issues, try:

 

http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1094&index=4

 

Or civil unrest and violence:

 

http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1094&index=9

 

As usual, the good stuff is available for those who seek it. 

 

FWIW

 

Kevin Christensen

Bethel Park, PA

[JAHS]

And our prophet is testifying to the world about Christ in what way? Does he regularly/ever address non-Mormon audiences? Appear on The Daily Show?

Seriously, I can't think of a single instance of testifying to the world but I certainly am not an authority of the Prophet's calendar, so he may be out on a speaking junket right now for all I know.

 

Besides Conference President Hinckley appeared on 60 minutes:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/an-interview-with-gordon-hinckley/

 

and Larry King:

[mormonnewb]

You seem to think a prophet is supposed to solve all the worlds problems. A prophet is supposed to lead the way back to Christ. That you do not see and follow is your choice.

Well, we do agree that our church leaders have no inspired solutions to the problems facing the world (something I wish we had ALL agreed on before Prop .

But given their limited role to merely lead the way to Christ, how do you see them serving that role? And let me be clear, once someone is in the tent, they speak with great clarity about how to serve HF. But for the "world," how do their words reach them?

[ERayR]

But given their limited role to merely lead the way to Christ, how do you see them serving that role? And let me be clear, once someone is in the tent, they speak with great clarity about how to serve HF. But for the "world," how do their words reach them?

 

Isn't modern technology marvelous?

[JAHS]

Well, we do agree that our church leaders have no inspired solutions to the problems facing the world (something I wish we had ALL agreed on before Prop .

But given their limited role to merely lead the way to Christ, how do you see them serving that role? And let me be clear, once someone is in the tent, they speak with great clarity about how to serve HF. But for the "world," how do their words reach them?

Church presidents have also met with US presidents to let them know our stance on worldly affairs:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sJXaLQRsZA

Edited December 7, 2014 by JAHS

[mormonnewb]

Besides Conference President Hinckley appeared on 60 minutes:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/an-interview-with-gordon-hinckley/

and Larry King:

Believe it or not, my wife still remembers this appearance. It was her first exposure to Mormonism in any way. When the missionaries first came around, she told them about how moved she was by his "warmth and kindness."

However, wasn't that appearance some time ago now? Has anyone in the last two DECADES needed exposure to the best of what Mormonism has to offer -- a living prophet?

[bluebell]

Conference addresses, as well as the occasional newspapers release are probably the most popular ways that they address the world right now.

[Mystery Meat]

When we say that our Prophet is a prophet to the world. What do we mean? We certainly don't mean that our Prophet is giving prophetic wisdom to anyone other than Mormons. After all, besides the Family Proclamation, what have we claimed to "the world" in, say, this century?

 

This is exactly what we mean.

[Avatar4321]

I hear the prophet is sending out an email newsletter as well too

[carbon dioxide]

When we say that our Prophet is a prophet to the world. What do we mean? We certainly don't mean that our Prophet is giving prophetic wisdom to anyone other than Mormons. After all, besides the Family Proclamation, what have we claimed to "the world" in, say, this century?

And the proclamation that everyone should see Meet the Mormons or our billboard in Times Square doesn't count. What prophetic insight has the world glean from us as it grapples with climate change, wealth inequality, civil unrest, racial strife, etc.?

So what do we mean by the term "prophet to the world"?

The term means to me that God has one spokesman to the world that holds and exercises all the keys for salvation and exaltation.  The world may ignore what the prophet says but God does not have multiple prophets in the world teaching their own thing and in competition with each other.   Political or current event issues like racial strife, wealth inequality are all temporal things.  They are important to use today but they will not affect our eternal situation.  By the way, God will engage in large scale climate change when he burns the Earth with fire. 

[mormonnewb]

The term means to me that God has one spokesman to the world that holds and exercises all the keys for salvation and exaltation. The world may ignore what the prophet says but God does not have multiple prophets in the world teaching their own thing and in competition with each other. Political or current event issues like racial strife, wealth inequality are all temporal things. They are important to use today but they will not affect our eternal situation. By the way, God will engage in large scale climate change when he burns the Earth with fire.

So HF couldn't care less about climate change, world hunger, etc., but He is ultra-concerned with whether I have a tattoo, pierced ears or hot caffeine? Because His Prophet has tons to say about the latter set of issues.

[rodheadlee]

When we say that our Prophet is a prophet to the world. What do we mean? We certainly don't mean that our Prophet is giving prophetic wisdom to anyone other than Mormons. After all, besides the Family Proclamation, what have we claimed to "the world" in, say, this century?

And the proclamation that everyone should see Meet the Mormons or our billboard in Times Square doesn't count. What prophetic insight has the world glean from us as it grapples with climate change, wealth inequality, civil unrest, racial strife, etc.?

So what do we mean by the term "prophet to the world"?

Same old prophet stuff that's been prophesied for hundreds/ thousands of years: Repent for the day of the Lord is near, at hand. 

[Rivers]

The President of the church holds all of the keys to the Priesthood. The priesthood ordinances performed in the temple bless the entire human family.

[Robert F. Smith]

Well, we do agree that our church leaders have no inspired solutions to the problems facing the world (something I wish we had ALL agreed on before Prop 8 .

.

I doubt that you find much agreement on anything on this board, least of all on which political position is the will of God.  The action on Prop 8 was a top-down advisement of the Brethren, and in league with evangelicals, the Black churches, and the Roman Catholic Church.  The Mormons were a very small minority in comparison.  This was also true of the official Church opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and to the placing in Utah by the Reagan administration of a certain type of ICBM.  In each of those cases, the LDS Church was successful, even though Prop 8 was finally overturned by court action.  Note that I did not say that the Church was correct in those policy decisions.  Sub specie aeternitatis it is very difficult to know just what will eventually be seen as good or bad.

 

When Joseph Smith ran for President, his policy proposals were quite enlightened and might have prevented the Civil War.  Brigham Young and his successors spent most of their time dealing with a very hostile gov't dedicated to exterminating Mormons, and did not have time to do more than send out missionaries and gather converts to Zion -- while consolidating gains.  In the mid-20th century that all changed.

 

When David O. McKay became the Prophet in the early 50s, the LDS Church had perhaps 1 million members.  Yet, when he traveled or sent the Tabernacle Choir on tour, the press loved it.  Quite aside from Apostle Richard L. Evans' weekly broadcast of "The Spoken Word" on radio and television.

 

Whether and to what extent the Brethren (all are prophets) should have been joining in Freedom Rides in the deep South with Dr. King (some Mormons did so privately) is arguable, and the same applies to a number of regional, nationwide, and worldwide crises.  The low profile of the Church can hurt it, but at times can be an advantage -- in China, for example, low key Mormons are unmolested as they go about daily tasks as well as practicing their religion.  Clearly, the Brethren have chosen to deal with world problems quietly by building a solid base of charitable cooperation where needed and socio-religious cooperation wherever possible (meeting with the heads of other religions has been common for the Brethren ever since they began doing so at the World Religions Parliament in 1893 in Chicago, and will be the case for the next one in SLC in 2015).  You just saw some of the Brethren at the Vatican.  Interfaith cooperation is a big deal now for Mormons, at both the local and international level.

 

The Mormon Prophet does not have the cache which the Pope has, yet, and so does not often issue encyclicals to the world.  He would probably say that the way to improve society is to have committed converts repent and live good lives.  Their influence for good, along with the presence of a growing number of temples throughout the world is often touted by the Brethren as improving society.  Indeed, most Mormons live outside the USA and do not speak English.

 

But given their limited role to merely lead the way to Christ, how do you see them serving that role? And let me be clear, once someone is in the tent, they speak with great clarity about how to serve HF. But for the "world," how do their words reach them?

The LDS Church has a huge and growing outreach, both in person and on the internet.  What do you think of the strategy of the Brethren to teach people how to live good lives, as opposed to engaging in political campaigns to deal with global warming, human trafficking, the rampant drug trade, etc.?  Which, in the long run, will the more successful policy?

[Robert F. Smith]

The term means to me that God has one spokesman to the world that holds and exercises all the keys for salvation and exaltation.  The world may ignore what the prophet says but God does not have multiple prophets in the world teaching their own thing and in competition with each other.   Political or current event issues like racial strife, wealth inequality are all temporal things.  They are important to use today but they will not affect our eternal situation.  By the way, God will engage in large scale climate change when he burns the Earth with fire. 

There are at least 15 prophets in SLC right now, in addition to which God inspires people outside the LDS Church:

 

"Perhaps the Lord needs such men on the outside of His Church to help it along... They are among its auxiliaries, and can do more good for the cause where the Lord has placed them, than anywhere else. … Hence, some are drawn into the fold and receive a testimony of the truth; while others remain unconverted … the beauties and glories of the gospel being veiled temporarily from their view, for a wise purpose. The Lord will open their eyes in His own due time. God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of His great and marvelous work. The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous for any one people."  Elder Orson F. Whitney of the Quorum of the Twelve

 

Quoted by President Ezra Taft Benson in 1972:

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1972/07/civic-standards-for-the-faithful-saints?lang=eng 

[carbon dioxide]

 

There are at least 15 prophets in SLC right now, in addition to which God inspires people outside the LDS Church:

 

"Perhaps the Lord needs such men on the outside of His Church to help it along... They are among its auxiliaries, and can do more good for the cause where the Lord has placed them, than anywhere else. … Hence, some are drawn into the fold and receive a testimony of the truth; while others remain unconverted … the beauties and glories of the gospel being veiled temporarily from their view, for a wise purpose. The Lord will open their eyes in His own due time. God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of His great and marvelous work. The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous for any one people."  Elder Orson F. Whitney of the Quorum of the Twelve

 

Quoted by President Ezra Taft Benson in 1972:

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1972/07/civic-standards-for-the-faithful-saints?lang=eng 

 

Yes and one could broaden that further.  Anyone who speaks by the Holy Ghost is a prophet.  I am sure there are people outside the church who God inspires for various things but are they prophets like the President of the Church or the other Apostles? 

[Robert F. Smith]

Yes and one could broaden that further.  Anyone who speaks by the Holy Ghost is a prophet.  I am sure there are people outside the church who God inspires for various things but are they prophets like the President of the Church or the other Apostles? 

No.  The Newby is speaking about official prophets at least, and focusing especially on the Prophet and President of the LDS Church. He appears to be very dubious about the prophetic status of someone claiming to be a prophet who does not regularly speak out on controversial issues.  In OT and NT fashion.  Maybe he is motivated by the lack of an encounter nowadays between Elijah and the priests of Baal at Carmel, or the lack of a court prophet like Nathan confronting King David.  Wouldn't it be great to capture something like that on videotape?  It would immediately go viral.