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On Prophet Fallibility

Recently, in a group I am a part of we discussed the fallibility of prophets. Here are some bullet points of my take away of the discussion:
  • The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “a prophet [is] a prophet only when he [is] acting as such." (1) Also this scripture was shared from Deuteronomy 18:12 "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 presumptuously:" (2) 
    • From the quote and this scripture we know that prophets can and will make mistakes.

  • "The Church will know by the testimony of the Holy Ghost in the body of the members, whether the brethren in voicing their views are ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost’; and in due time that knowledge will be made manifest” (3)
    •  From this quote we learn that it is our responsibility as members to seek the Holy Ghost in confirming if what we are taught is true.

  • From what I understand, it's basically a check and balance. We are given prophets to teach truth. But because they are human and will make mistakes, we are given the spirit/light of Christ to help us know when they are teaching truth and when they are not. Also, we are given the spirit/light of Christ but the words of prophets can also help us double check ourselves and make sure what we are deeming as the spirit really is the spirit and not our own personal world view influenced by culture, social views, etc. 

  • Avoid making gods of self or others: 
    • We make a god of our self when we put our world view first without questioning it. (4) If we think we have all the answers and only listen to the prophets and apostles when they agree with us, then we are seeing ourselves as perfect in our knowledge setting ourselves up as a god. Prophets are there to help give us a check on ourselves and our views and make sure they are from the spirit.
    • We make a god of others when we expect perfection out of our leaders and think that every word they say is God's word. This can lead to blind obedience. We are given the spirit/light of Christ to help us know what is right or wrong and when prophets are speaking as a prophet or as a person. 

  • Using the words of prophets and the spirit we can come to know God and truth. 

  • Approach what the prophets and apostles say with an attitude of trust instead of a cynical attitude. Remember they have given their lives to serve Jesus! 

  • Another helpful quote by Brigham Young: "What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not. This has been my exhortation continually."
  • And lastly: This scripture: Numbers 11:29 "And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!"



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