Changes

In [[religion]], a '''prophet''' (or ''' prophetess''') is a person who has directly encountered the [[numinous]] or the [[Divinity|divine]] and serves as an intermediary with humanity. Prophets existed in many ancient cultures, including each [[Abrahamic religion]], the [[Sibyl|Sybilline]] and [[Oracle of Delphi#Oracle|Delphic Oracles]] in [[Ancient Greece]], the [[Völuspá]] in [[Old Norse]], [[Zoroaster]] in [[Persia]], and many others. Traditionally, both prophets and [[false prophets]] are regarded as having a founding or galvanizing role in society due to their teachings and actions. The label 'prophet' can be extremely [[subjective]]: Without exception, someone who is considered a '[[Truth|true]]' prophet by some people, is simultaneously considered a 'false' prophet by some others.

In [[religion]], a '''prophet''' (or ''' prophetess''') is a person who has directly encountered the [[numinous]] or the [[Divinity|divine]] and serves as an intermediary with humanity. Prophets existed in many ancient cultures, including each [[Abrahamic religion]], the [[Sibyl|Sybilline]] and [[Oracle of Delphi#Oracle|Delphic Oracles]] in [[Ancient Greece]], the [[Völuspá]] in [[Old Norse]], [[Zoroaster]] in [[Persia]], and many others. Traditionally, both prophets and [[false prophets]] are regarded as having a founding or galvanizing role in society due to their teachings and actions. The label 'prophet' can be extremely [[subjective]]: Without exception, someone who is considered a '[[Truth|true]]' prophet by some people, is simultaneously considered a 'false' prophet by some others.

Alternatively, social commentators who suggest escalating crisis in environment and society due to a lack or failure of due care are often referred to as 'prophets of doom.'  

Alternatively, social commentators who suggest escalating crisis in environment and society due to a lack or failure of due care are often referred to as 'prophets of doom.'  

 

==Judaism==

==Judaism==

A Jewish tradition suggests that there were 600,000 male and 600,000 female prophets. Judaism recognizes the existence of 48 male prophets who bequeathed permanent messages to mankind.[http://www.shamash.org/lists/scj-faq/HTML/faq/12-11.html] According to the [[Talmud]] there were also seven women who are counted as prophets whose message bears relevance for all generations: [[Sarah]], [[Miriam]], [[Devorah]], [[Hannah (given name)|Hannah]] (mother of the ''prophet'' [[Samuel (Bible)|Samuel]]), [[Abigail]] (a wife of [[King David]]), [[Huldah]] (from the time of [[Jeremiah (prophet)|Jeremiah]]), and [[Esther]]. There were, of course, other women who functioned as prophets, and the last prophet mentioned in the Bible, [[Noahdiah]] ([[Nehemiah]] 6:14) was a woman.

A Jewish tradition suggests that there were 600,000 male and 600,000 female prophets. Judaism recognizes the existence of 48 male prophets who bequeathed permanent messages to mankind.[http://www.shamash.org/lists/scj-faq/HTML/faq/12-11.html] According to the [[Talmud]] there were also seven women who are counted as prophets whose message bears relevance for all generations: [[Sarah]], [[Miriam]], [[Devorah]], [[Hannah (given name)|Hannah]] (mother of the ''prophet'' [[Samuel (Bible)|Samuel]]), [[Abigail]] (a wife of [[King David]]), [[Huldah]] (from the time of [[Jeremiah (prophet)|Jeremiah]]), and [[Esther]]. There were, of course, other women who functioned as prophets, and the last prophet mentioned in the Bible, [[Noahdiah]] ([[Nehemiah]] 6:14) was a woman.

Malachi's full name was Ezra Ha'Sofer (the scribe), and he was the last prophet of Israel if one accepts the opinion that Nechemyah died in Babylon before 9th Tevet 3448 (313 BCE). {{Citation | title = Babylonian Talmud | first = Vilna Gaon | volume = San.11a, Yom.9a/Yuch.1.14/Kuz.3.39,65,67/Yuch.1/Mag.Av.O.C.580.6}}

Malachi's full name was Ezra Ha'Sofer (the scribe), and he was the last prophet of Israel if one accepts the opinion that Nechemyah died in Babylon before 9th Tevet 3448 (313 BCE). Babylonian Talmud | first = Vilna Gaon | volume = San.11a, Yom.9a/Yuch.1.14/Kuz.3.39,65,67/Yuch.1/Mag.Av.O.C.580.6}}

;See also

;See also

Some Christians, including many who believe in [[dispensationalism]], believe prophecy ended with the coming of [[Jesus]], who delivered the "fullness of the law." Within this group, many Protestants believe that prophecy ended with the last of the Hebrew prophets of the [[Torah]] of the Hebrew Bible, leaving a gap of about 400 years between then and the life of Jesus. The majority, including the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]], allow an exception for [[John the Baptist]] as a prophet contemporary with Jesus.

Some Christians, including many who believe in [[dispensationalism]], believe prophecy ended with the coming of [[Jesus]], who delivered the "fullness of the law." Within this group, many Protestants believe that prophecy ended with the last of the Hebrew prophets of the [[Torah]] of the Hebrew Bible, leaving a gap of about 400 years between then and the life of Jesus. The majority, including the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]], allow an exception for [[John the Baptist]] as a prophet contemporary with Jesus.

[[New Testament]] passages that explicitly discuss prophets existing after the death and resurrection of Christ include Revelation 11:10, {{bibleref|Matthew|10:40-41}} & 23:34, John 13:20 & 15:20, and Acts 11:25-30, 13:1 & 15:32. Christians believe that the Holy Spirit leads people to faith in Jesus and gives them the ability to lead a [[Christianity#Worship and practices|Christian life]] and to give gifts (i.e. abilities) to Christians. These may include the [[charism]]atic gifts such as [[prophecy]], [[gift of tongues|tongues]], healing, and knowledge.  Christians holding a view  known as [[cessationism]] believe these gifts were given only in New Testament times and ceased after the last apostle died. Historical records, however, contradict this theory. Christians almost universally agree that certain more mundane "[[spiritual gifts]]" are still in effect today, including the gifts of ministry, teaching, giving, leadership, and mercy (see, e.g. {{nkjv|Romans|12:6-8|Romans 12:6-8}}).

[[New Testament]] passages that explicitly discuss prophets existing after the death and resurrection of Christ include Revelation 11:10, Matthew|10:40-41 & 23:34, John 13:20 & 15:20, and Acts 11:25-30, 13:1 & 15:32. Christians believe that the Holy Spirit leads people to faith in Jesus and gives them the ability to lead a [[Christianity#Worship and practices|Christian life]] and to give gifts (i.e. abilities) to Christians. These may include the [[charism]]atic gifts such as [[prophecy]], [[gift of tongues|tongues]], healing, and knowledge.  Christians holding a view  known as [[cessationism]] believe these gifts were given only in New Testament times and ceased after the last apostle died. Historical records, however, contradict this theory. Christians almost universally agree that certain more mundane "[[spiritual gifts]]" are still in effect today, including the gifts of ministry, teaching, giving, leadership, and mercy (see, e.g. Romans|12:6-8|Romans 12:6-8).

==Islam==

==Islam==

== Bahá'í ==

== Bahá'í ==

{{main|Manifestation of God}}

{{main|Manifestation of God}}

The [[Bahá'í Faith]] refers to what are commonly called prophets as ''Manifestations of God'', or simply ''Manifestations'' (''mazhar'') who are directly linked with the concept of [[Progressive revelation]].  Bahá'ís believe that God expresses this will at all times and in many ways, including through a series of divine messengers referred to as ''Manifestations of God'' or sometimes ''divine educators''.<ref name="eor">{{cite encyclopedia | last = Hutter | first = Manfred | editor = Ed. Lindsay Jones | encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Religion | title = Bahā'īs | edition = 2nd ed. | year = 2005 | publisher = Macmillan Reference USA | volume = 2 | location = Detroit | id = ISBN 0-02-865733-0 | pages = p737-740}}</ref> In expressing God's intent, these Manifestations are seen to establish religion in the world.  Thus they are seen as an intermediary between God and humanity.<ref name="manifestation">{{cite journal | first = Juan | last = Cole | title = | year = 1982 | title = The Concept of Manifestation in the Bahá'í Writings | journal = Bahá'í Studies | volume = monograph 9  | pages = pp. 1-38 | url = http://bahai-library.org/articles/manifestation.html}}</ref>

The [[Bahá'í Faith]] refers to what are commonly called prophets as ''Manifestations of God'', or simply ''Manifestations'' (''mazhar'') who are directly linked with the concept of [[Progressive revelation]].  Bahá'ís believe that God expresses this will at all times and in many ways, including through a series of divine messengers referred to as ''Manifestations of God'' or sometimes ''divine educators''.{{cite encyclopedia | last = Hutter | first = Manfred | editor = Ed. Lindsay Jones | encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Religion | title = Bahā'īs | edition = 2nd ed. | year = 2005 | publisher = Macmillan Reference USA | volume = 2 | location = Detroit | id = ISBN 0-02-865733-0 | pages = p737-740}} In expressing God's intent, these Manifestations are seen to establish religion in the world.  Thus they are seen as an intermediary between God and humanity.  

The Concept of Manifestation in the Bahá'í Writings | journal = Bahá'í Studies | volume = monograph 9  | pages = pp. 1-38 | url = http://bahai-library.org/articles/manifestation.html}}

The Manifestations of God are not seen as an incarnation of God, but they are also not seen as an ordinary mortals. Instead, the Bahá'í concept of the Manifestation of God emphasizes simultaneously the humanity of that intermediary and the divinity in the way they show forth the will, knowledge and attributes of God; thus they have both human and divine stations.<ref name="manifestation" /> This view resembles the [[Christianity|Christian]] view of [[Jesus|Christ]], as well as the  [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] understanding of the prophets and [[Shi'a Imam|Imams]].   

The Manifestations of God are not seen as an incarnation of God, but they are also not seen as an ordinary mortals. Instead, the Bahá'í concept of the Manifestation of God emphasizes simultaneously the humanity of that intermediary and the divinity in the way they show forth the will, knowledge and attributes of God; thus they have both human and divine stations. This view resembles the [[Christianity|Christian]] view of [[Jesus|Christ]], as well as the  [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] understanding of the prophets and [[Shi'a Imam|Imams]].   

[[Bahá'u'lláh]] referred to several historical figures as Manifestations. They include the figures in the Abrahamic Faiths such as [[Noah]], [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], [[Jesus]], and [[Muhammad]], but also include the founders of great non-Western religions such as [[Zoroaster]], [[Krishna]], and [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]. The [[Báb]], as well as himself, were included in this definition, and Bahá'u'lláh wrote that God will send more Manifestations in the future, when necessary. Thus religious history is interpreted as a series of [[dispensationalism|dispensations]], where each ''Manifestation'' brings a somewhat broader and more advanced [[revelation]], suited for the time and place in which it was expressed.  

[[Bahá'u'lláh]] referred to several historical figures as Manifestations. They include the figures in the Abrahamic Faiths such as [[Noah]], [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], [[Jesus]], and [[Muhammad]], but also include the founders of great non-Western religions such as [[Zoroaster]], [[Krishna]], and [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]. The [[Báb]], as well as himself, were included in this definition, and Bahá'u'lláh wrote that God will send more Manifestations in the future, when necessary. Thus religious history is interpreted as a series of [[dispensationalism|dispensations]], where each ''Manifestation'' brings a somewhat broader and more advanced [[revelation]], suited for the time and place in which it was expressed.  

These Manifestations are taught to be "one and the same", and in their relationship to one another have both the station of unity and the station of distinction.<ref name="manifestation" /> Bahá'u'lláh wrote in the ''[[Kitáb-i-Íqán]]'' that in respect to their station of unity "if thou callest them all by one name. and dost ascribe to them the same attribute, thou hast not erred from the truth."<ref name="iqan">{{cite book |author=Bahá'u'lláh |authorlink=Bahá'u'lláh |origyear=1862  |year=2003 |title=Kitáb-i-Íqán: The Book of Certitude |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust |location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA |id=ISBN 1-931847-08-8 |url=http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KI/ki-5.html#gr34 | pages = pp. 152-177}}</ref> In this sense, the Manifestations of God all fulfill the same purpose and perform the same function by mediating between God and creation. In this way each Manifestation of God manifested the Word of God and taught the same religion, with modifications for the particular audience's needs and culture. Bahá'u'lláh wrote that since each Manifestation of God has the same divine attributes they can be seen as the spiritual "return" of all the previous Manifestations of God.  Bahá'u'lláh then states the diversity of the teachings of the Manifestations of God does not come about because of their differences, since they are one and the same, but because they each have a different mission.<ref name="manifestation" /><ref name="iqan" />

These Manifestations are taught to be "one and the same", and in their relationship to one another have both the station of unity and the station of distinction.  Bahá'u'lláh wrote in the ''[[Kitáb-i-Íqán]]'' that in respect to their station of unity "if thou callest them all by one name. and dost ascribe to them the same attribute, thou hast not erred from the truth."The Book of Certitude, Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois, USA ISBN 1-931847-08-8 |url=http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KI/ki-5.html#gr34 In this sense, the Manifestations of God all fulfill the same purpose and perform the same function by mediating between God and creation. In this way each Manifestation of God manifested the Word of God and taught the same religion, with modifications for the particular audience's needs and culture. Bahá'u'lláh wrote that since each Manifestation of God has the same divine attributes they can be seen as the spiritual "return" of all the previous Manifestations of God.  Bahá'u'lláh then states the diversity of the teachings of the Manifestations of God does not come about because of their differences, since they are one and the same, but because they each have a different mission.

In addition to the Manifestations of God, in the Bahá'í view, there are also minor prophets. While the Manifestations of Gods, or major Prophets, are compared to the sun, which produces its own heat and light. The minor prophets, on the other hand, are likened to the moon, which receive their light from the sun. [[Moses]], for example, is taught as having been a Manifestation of God and his brother [[Aaron]] a minor prophet. Moses spoke on behalf of God, and Aaron spoke on behalf of Moses ([[Exodus]] 4:14-17). Other Jewish prophets are considered minor prophets, in the Bahá'í view, as they are considered to have come in the shadow of the dispensation of Moses to develop and consolidate the process he set in motion.

In addition to the Manifestations of God, in the Bahá'í view, there are also minor prophets. While the Manifestations of Gods, or major Prophets, are compared to the sun, which produces its own heat and light. The minor prophets, on the other hand, are likened to the moon, which receive their light from the sun. [[Moses]], for example, is taught as having been a Manifestation of God and his brother [[Aaron]] a minor prophet. Moses spoke on behalf of God, and Aaron spoke on behalf of Moses ([[Exodus]] 4:14-17). Other Jewish prophets are considered minor prophets, in the Bahá'í view, as they are considered to have come in the shadow of the dispensation of Moses to develop and consolidate the process he set in motion.

=== Latter-day Saints ===

=== Latter-day Saints ===

[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] ("LDS Church", see also [[Mormons]]) and other churches from the [[Latter Day Saint movement]] believes that God continues to communicate with his children. While anyone may receive [[Revelation (Latter Day Saints)|revelation]] for themselves or their own families, Mormons believe certain individuals have been called as prophets throughout history to proclaim God's message to the church and to the world. These prophets (including LDS [[Apostle (Latter Day Saints)|Apostles]]) are regarded as "special witnesses" of Jesus Christ, and are believed to have been foreordained as such as a part of God's [[Plan of salvation]] --to lead and guide His children on earth.  The message of the gospel of Christ, since the time of [[Adam and Eve (Mormonism)|Adam and Eve]], has consistently been a call for people to repent and exercise faith in God and in Jesus' [[Atonement]]. A form of [[Dispensationalism]] exists where periods of time are introduced by a ''major prophet''.  The [[Book of Mormon]] describes the ministries of many of these prophets among the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, and alludes to other prophets who would be chosen in nations other than in the Americas and [[Bible]] lands.

[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] ("LDS Church", see also [[Mormons]]) and other churches from the [[Latter Day Saint movement]] believes that God continues to communicate with his children. While anyone may receive [[Revelation (Latter Day Saints)|revelation]] for themselves or their own families, Mormons believe certain individuals have been called as prophets throughout history to proclaim God's message to the church and to the world. These prophets (including LDS [[Apostle (Latter Day Saints)|Apostles]]) are regarded as "special witnesses" of Jesus Christ, and are believed to have been foreordained as such as a part of God's [[Plan of salvation]] --to lead and guide His children on earth.  The message of the gospel of Christ, since the time of [[Adam and Eve (Mormonism)|Adam and Eve]], has consistently been a call for people to repent and exercise faith in God and in Jesus' [[Atonement]]. A form of [[Dispensationalism]] exists where periods of time are introduced by a ''major prophet''.  The [[Book of Mormon]] describes the ministries of many of these prophets among the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, and alludes to other prophets who would be chosen in nations other than in the Americas and [[Bible]] lands.

===Jehovah's Witnesses===

===Jehovah's Witnesses===

[[Jehovah's Witnesses]] do not consider any single person in their modern-day organization to be [http://www.bibletopics.com/biblestudy/images/88f.gif a prophet]. Their literature has referred to their organization collectively as  God's "prophet" on earth; this is understood however in the sense of declaring their interpretation of God's judgments from the Bible along with God's guidance of His Holy Spirit.  One issue of [[The Watchtower]] their magazine, said: "Ever since 'The Watchtower' began to be published in July of 1879 it has looked ahead into the future... No, 'The Watchtower' is no inspired prophet, but it follows and explains a Book of prophecy the predictions in which have proved to be unerring and unfailing till now. 'The Watchtower' is therefore under safe guidance. It may be read with confidence, for its statements may be checked against that prophetic Book."<ref>''The Watchtower 1 Jan 1969'' </ref> They also claim that they are God's one and only true channel to mankind on earth, and used by God for this purpose. They have made [[Jehovah's Witnesses#Jehovah.27s Witnesses and eschatology|many eschatological predictions]] and as a result have acknowledged they "have made mistakes in their understanding of what would occur".<ref>''Reasoning From the Scriptures'' p.136 </ref>

[[Jehovah's Witnesses]] do not consider any single person in their modern-day organization to be [http://www.bibletopics.com/biblestudy/images/88f.gif a prophet]. Their literature has referred to their organization collectively as  God's "prophet" on earth; this is understood however in the sense of declaring their interpretation of God's judgments from the Bible along with God's guidance of His Holy Spirit.  One issue of [[The Watchtower]] their magazine, said: "Ever since 'The Watchtower' began to be published in July of 1879 it has looked ahead into the future... No, 'The Watchtower' is no inspired prophet, but it follows and explains a Book of prophecy the predictions in which have proved to be unerring and unfailing till now. 'The Watchtower' is therefore under safe guidance. It may be read with confidence, for its statements may be checked against that prophetic Book." 'The Watchtower 1 Jan 1969'' They also claim that they are God's one and only true channel to mankind on earth, and used by God for this purpose. They have made [[Jehovah's Witnesses#Jehovah.27s Witnesses and eschatology|many eschatological predictions]] and as a result have acknowledged they "have made mistakes in their understanding of what would occur".''Reasoning From the Scriptures'' p.136

===Seventh-day Adventist===

===Seventh-day Adventist===

* [[Propheteering]]

* [[Propheteering]]

== References ==

== References ==

 

*[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=prophet Etymology of the English word "prophet"]

*[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=prophet Etymology of the English word "prophet"]

*[http://www.propheticmidrash.com Prophetic Midrash]: Stories of Biblical Prophets and Prophetesses

*[http://www.propheticmidrash.com Prophetic Midrash]: Stories of Biblical Prophets and Prophetesses

*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12477a.htm Entry for prophecy, prophet, and prophetess at the Catholic Encyclopedia on-line edition]

*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12477a.htm Entry for prophecy, prophet, and prophetess at the Catholic Encyclopedia on-line edition]

*[http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=554&letter=P Entry for prophecy and prophets at the Jewish Encyclopedia]

*[http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=554&letter=P Entry for prophecy and prophets at the Jewish Encyclopedia]

* {{cite web | title=The Family | work=The Religious Movements Homepage Project @ The University of Virginia | url=http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/Family.html | accessdate=August 5 | accessyear=2005}}

*[http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/Family.html The Family, The Religious Movements Homepage Project, The University of Virginia]

* {{cite web | title=Prophets, a Mormon Perspective | work=Mormon.org | url=http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,805-1,00.html | accessdate=August 5 | accessyear=2005}}

* [http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,805-1,00.htmlProphets, a Mormon Perspective]

== Further reading ==

== Further reading ==

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I admonish you to give up the practice of always quoting the prophets of old and praising the heroes of Israel, and instead aspire to become living prophets of the Most High and spiritual heroes of the coming kingdom. To honor the God-knowing leaders of the past may indeed be worth while, but why, in so doing, should you sacrifice the supreme experience of human existence: finding God for yourselves and knowing him in your own souls?[http://www.urantia.org/cgi-bin/webglimpse/mfs/usr/local/www/data/papers?link=http://mercy.urantia.org/papers/paper155.html&file=/usr/local/www/data/papers/paper155.html&line=111#mfs]

 

"I admonish you to give up the practice of always quoting the prophets of old and praising the heroes of [[Israel]], and instead aspire to become living prophets of the [[Most Highs|Most High]] and [[spiritual]] heroes of the coming kingdom. To honor the God-knowing leaders of the past may indeed be worth while, but why, in so doing, should you sacrifice the supreme [[experience]] of human existence: finding God for yourselves and knowing him in your own [[soul]]s?"[http://www.urantia.org/cgi-bin/webglimpse/mfs/usr/local/www/data/papers?link=http://mercy.urantia.org/papers/paper155.html&file=/usr/local/www/data/papers/paper155.html&line=111#mfs]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Religion]]