Joseph Smith's Prophecies
My first Mormon faith crisis at age seventeen was triggered by clicking on a Google suggestion for "joseph smith false prophet" and reading about, among other things, his failed prophecies. Because I had felt "the Spirit" (actually elevation emotion) at EFY a few weeks earlier, I put those concerns on the shelf, and when I discovered the apologetic explanations at FAIR, I felt vindicated. The situations were just more complex and nuanced than I first thought. And that actually is often the case in life, but this actually wasn't one of those times. I now recognize with considerable embarrassment that the apologists were and are just engaged in special pleading, making excuses for Joseph Smith (and his successors) that they would never make for Ellen White, Warren Jeffs, or any other self-proclaimed prophet outside of the LDS Church. So now I've come full circle much later than I should have. Life is funny. Of course, Mormons don't base their faith that Joseph Smith was a prophet on any actual prophecies he made, but on the feelings they get from the book he wrote.
On a separate page, I discuss prophecies made by other Mormon leaders.
On a separate page, I discuss prophecies made by other Mormon leaders.
Christopher Columbus and the American Revolution
1 Nephi 13:10-19, 1829
And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters; and they divided the Gentiles from the seed of my brethren.
And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren.
And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.
And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.
And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten.
And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.
And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them.
And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.
And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.
Analysis: There's nothing impressive about the Book of Mormon "prophesying" past events that everyone already knew about (and its core teaching that the Native Americans brought the Europeans' genocide and abuse on themselves by rejecting God really hasn't aged well). Its prophecies of actual future events after the time of its publication are a lot less specific for some reason. Also, a man as wicked even by the standards of his time as Christopher Columbus shouldn't have been worthy to feel the Spirit of God, according to LDS theology, but if Brigham Young gets a pass then I suppose he can too.
And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren.
And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.
And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.
And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten.
And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.
And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them.
And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.
And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.
Analysis: There's nothing impressive about the Book of Mormon "prophesying" past events that everyone already knew about (and its core teaching that the Native Americans brought the Europeans' genocide and abuse on themselves by rejecting God really hasn't aged well). Its prophecies of actual future events after the time of its publication are a lot less specific for some reason. Also, a man as wicked even by the standards of his time as Christopher Columbus shouldn't have been worthy to feel the Spirit of God, according to LDS theology, but if Brigham Young gets a pass then I suppose he can too.
The Learned and the Sealed Book
2 Nephi 27:15-18, 1829
But behold, it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall say unto him to whom he shall deliver the book: Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another, that he may show them unto the learned, saying: Read this, I pray thee. And the learned shall say: Bring hither the book, and I will read them.
And now, because of the glory of the world and to get again will they say this, and not for the glory of God.
And the man shall say: I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed.
Then shall the learned say: I cannot read it.
Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned.
Analysis: This prophecy is based on Isaiah 29:11-12, which Smith misunderstood as referring to a literal sealed book. Scholars today agree that it doesn't. It was supposedly fulfilled when Martin Harris visited Dr. Charles Anthon with a sample of Book of Mormon characters. According to Joseph Smith History, "He gave me [Martin Harris] a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him. He then said to me, 'Let me see that certificate.' I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, 'I cannot read a sealed book.'" In fact, though this account is in Harris' voice, it was written by someone else in 1838, after he had been excommunicated. The relevant part about the book being sealed was added at an unknown, even later date.
And now, because of the glory of the world and to get again will they say this, and not for the glory of God.
And the man shall say: I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed.
Then shall the learned say: I cannot read it.
Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned.
Analysis: This prophecy is based on Isaiah 29:11-12, which Smith misunderstood as referring to a literal sealed book. Scholars today agree that it doesn't. It was supposedly fulfilled when Martin Harris visited Dr. Charles Anthon with a sample of Book of Mormon characters. According to Joseph Smith History, "He gave me [Martin Harris] a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him. He then said to me, 'Let me see that certificate.' I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, 'I cannot read a sealed book.'" In fact, though this account is in Harris' voice, it was written by someone else in 1838, after he had been excommunicated. The relevant part about the book being sealed was added at an unknown, even later date.
Selling the Book of Mormon Copyright
Early 1830
...it Pleaseth me that Oliver Cowderey Joseph Knight Hyram Pagee & Josiah Stowel shall do my work in this thing yea even in securing the Copyright & they shall do it with an eye single to my Glory that it may be the means of bringing souls unto me Salvation through mine only Be{t\gotten} Behold I am God I have spoken it & it is expedient in me Wherefor I say unto you that ye shall go to Kingston seeking me continually through mine only Be{t\gotten} & if ye do this ye shall have my spirit to go with you & ye shall have an addition of all things which is expedient in me. amen & I grant unto my servent a privelige that he may sell a copyright through you speaking after the manner of men for the four Provinces if the People harden not their hearts against the enticeings of my spirit & my word for Behold it lieth in themselves to their condemnation &{◊\or} th{er\eir} salvation.
Analysis: One may wonder why God wanted his followers to sell the Book of Mormon copyright to unbelievers. In any case, the outcome of this prophecy was explicitly conditioned on the unbelievers' attitude, which renders it both unfalsifiable and useless. The copyright was not sold. David Whitmer, writing nearly six decades after the fact, claimed that Joseph Smith explained this failure with another revelation that said, "Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil." There is reason to be skeptical of his account, but apologists point out his bias against Smith and stop just short of accusing him of lying, which is odd because they need him to be a man of integrity when he testifies of the Book of Mormon.
Analysis: One may wonder why God wanted his followers to sell the Book of Mormon copyright to unbelievers. In any case, the outcome of this prophecy was explicitly conditioned on the unbelievers' attitude, which renders it both unfalsifiable and useless. The copyright was not sold. David Whitmer, writing nearly six decades after the fact, claimed that Joseph Smith explained this failure with another revelation that said, "Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil." There is reason to be skeptical of his account, but apologists point out his bias against Smith and stop just short of accusing him of lying, which is odd because they need him to be a man of integrity when he testifies of the Book of Mormon.
Orson Hyde Facilitating the Gathering of Israel
Circa 1832, Recalled by Orson Hyde in Letter to Joseph Smith, June 15, 1841
About nine years ago, a young man with whom I had had a short acquaintance, and one, too, in whom dwelt much wisdom and knowledge - in whose bosom the Almighty had deposited many secrets, laid his hand upon my head and pronounced these remarkable words - ’in due time thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy fathers, and be a watchman unto the house of Israel; and by thy hands shall the Most High do a great work, which shall prepare the way and greatly facilitate the gathering together of that people.’ Many other particulars were told me by him at that time, which I do not write in this letter. But sufficient is written to show that divine appointment is claimed as the mainspring that has sent me forth from the embraces of an affectionate family and kind friends, as well as from the land that gave me birth.
Analysis: European Jews emigrated to Palestine en masse beginning in 1882. There's no evidence that Hyde's work affected that in any way. Of course, apologists point out that we can't prove that it didn't, either.
Analysis: European Jews emigrated to Palestine en masse beginning in 1882. There's no evidence that Hyde's work affected that in any way. Of course, apologists point out that we can't prove that it didn't, either.
New Jerusalem Temple
Doctrine and Covenants 84, September 22-3, 1832
A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high.
Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem.
Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
Verily, this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.
For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.
Analysis: That generation did pass away, as did several others, and this house has not been built unto the Lord. The mainstream LDS Church doesn't even own the site. In order to save this prophecy, apologists have to come up with a unique definition of "generation" - but in fairness, Christian apologists have to do the same with the identical phrasing in Jesus' prophecies about the end of the world.
Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem.
Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
Verily, this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.
For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.
Analysis: That generation did pass away, as did several others, and this house has not been built unto the Lord. The mainstream LDS Church doesn't even own the site. In order to save this prophecy, apologists have to come up with a unique definition of "generation" - but in fairness, Christian apologists have to do the same with the identical phrasing in Jesus' prophecies about the end of the world.
American Civil War
Doctrine and Covenants 87, December 25, 1832
Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;
And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place.
For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations.
And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war.
And it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation.
And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations;
That the cry of the saints, and of the blood of the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.
Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.
Analysis: At the time this prophecy was given, tensions between the states were high and newspapers were speculating about the secession of South Carolina, which in November had passed an Ordinance of Nullification against a couple of federal tarriff acts. However, things calmed down for a couple decades before they flared up again. When the Civil War broke out, the Philadelphia Sunday Mercury commented on this prophecy and asked, "Have we not had a prophet among us?" In the end, though, enslaved people did not rebel en masse, other nations did not get involved, and the war did not escalate into a global apocalypse.
And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place.
For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations.
And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war.
And it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation.
And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations;
That the cry of the saints, and of the blood of the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.
Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.
Analysis: At the time this prophecy was given, tensions between the states were high and newspapers were speculating about the secession of South Carolina, which in November had passed an Ordinance of Nullification against a couple of federal tarriff acts. However, things calmed down for a couple decades before they flared up again. When the Civil War broke out, the Philadelphia Sunday Mercury commented on this prophecy and asked, "Have we not had a prophet among us?" In the end, though, enslaved people did not rebel en masse, other nations did not get involved, and the war did not escalate into a global apocalypse.
Second Coming in 1891
History of the Church, February 14, 1835
President Smith then stated that the meeting had been called, because God had commanded it; and it was made known to him by vision and by the Holy Spirit.... it was the will of God that they should be ordained to the ministry and go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, for the coming of the Lord, which was nigh - even fifty six years should wind up the scene.
Analysis: Fifty-six years later was 1891. The Lord did not come in 1891.
Analysis: Fifty-six years later was 1891. The Lord did not come in 1891.
Ministry of the Twelve Apostles
January 21, 1836
I saw the 12, apostles of the Lamb, who are now upon the earth who hold the keys of this last ministry, in foreign lands, standing together in a circle much fatiegued, with their clothes tattered and feet swolen, with their eyes cast downward, and Jesus <standing> in their midst, andthey did not behold him, he the Saviour looked upon them and wept— I also beheld Elder McLellen in the south, standing upon a hill surrounded with a vast multitude, preaching to them, and a lame man standing before him, supported by his crutches, he threw them down at his word, and leaped as an heart [hart] by the mighty power of God
Also Eldr Brigham Young standing in a strange land, in the far southwest, in a desert place, upon a rockin the midst of about a dozen men of colour, who, appeared hostile[.] He was preaching to them in their own toung, and the angel of God standing above his head with a drawn sword in his hand protecting him, but he did notsee it,— and I finally saw the 12 in the celestial kingdom of God,— I also beheld the redemption of Zion, and many things which the toung of man, cannot discribe in full,
Analysis: None of these things happened. This part was omitted when the rest of Smith's vision was canonized as Doctrine and Covenants 137 in 1976.
Also Eldr Brigham Young standing in a strange land, in the far southwest, in a desert place, upon a rockin the midst of about a dozen men of colour, who, appeared hostile[.] He was preaching to them in their own toung, and the angel of God standing above his head with a drawn sword in his hand protecting him, but he did notsee it,— and I finally saw the 12 in the celestial kingdom of God,— I also beheld the redemption of Zion, and many things which the toung of man, cannot discribe in full,
Analysis: None of these things happened. This part was omitted when the rest of Smith's vision was canonized as Doctrine and Covenants 137 in 1976.
Treasure in Salem
Doctrine and Covenants 111:1-5, August 6, 1836
I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies.
I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.
Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.
And it shall come to pass in due time that I will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours.
Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.
Analysis: They did not gain power over the city or discover any wealth therein.
I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.
Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.
And it shall come to pass in due time that I will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours.
Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.
Analysis: They did not gain power over the city or discover any wealth therein.
David W. Patten's Mission
Doctrine and Covenants 114:1, April 17, 1838
Verily, thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto the world.
Analysis: David W. Patten was murdered by a mob six months later and never served a mission. Apologists claim that he served a mission in the spirit world, and of course we can't disprove that.
Analysis: David W. Patten was murdered by a mob six months later and never served a mission. Apologists claim that he served a mission in the spirit world, and of course we can't disprove that.
Good and Evil Among All People
1838
He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.
Analysis: Smith claimed the angel Moroni told him this in 1823 when he was an obscure farm boy, and that would have been far more impressive. But the the first time he mentioned it was in 1838, when he was already a controversial figure throughout the United States.
Analysis: Smith claimed the angel Moroni told him this in 1823 when he was an obscure farm boy, and that would have been far more impressive. But the the first time he mentioned it was in 1838, when he was already a controversial figure throughout the United States.
Oliver Granger Held in Remembrance
Doctrine and Covenants 117:12-15, July 8, 1838
And again, I say unto you, I remember my servant Oliver Granger; behold, verily I say unto him that his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord.
Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord.
Therefore, let him come up hither speedily, unto the land of Zion; and in the due time he shall be made a merchant unto my name, saith the Lord, for the benefit of my people.
Therefore let no man despise my servant Oliver Granger, but let the blessings of my people be on him forever and ever.
Analysis: Most Mormons have no idea who Oliver Granger was. Apologists argue that the prophecy only claims that the Lord will remember him, which is impossible to prove, and/or that it's fulfilled simply by its own inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants, which is hardly impressive. I admit that I'm helping to fulfill it by mentioning Oliver Granger here.
Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord.
Therefore, let him come up hither speedily, unto the land of Zion; and in the due time he shall be made a merchant unto my name, saith the Lord, for the benefit of my people.
Therefore let no man despise my servant Oliver Granger, but let the blessings of my people be on him forever and ever.
Analysis: Most Mormons have no idea who Oliver Granger was. Apologists argue that the prophecy only claims that the Lord will remember him, which is impossible to prove, and/or that it's fulfilled simply by its own inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants, which is hardly impressive. I admit that I'm helping to fulfill it by mentioning Oliver Granger here.
Smith Ownership of the Nauvoo House
Doctrine and Covenants 124:56,59, January 19, 1841
And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding house which I have commanded you to build for the boarding of strangers, let it be built unto my name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my servant Joseph and his house have place therein, from generation to generation....
Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed after him have place in that house, from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord.
Analysis: The Nauvoo House is no longer owned by the Smith family, but since 1909 it's been owned by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ), and one could argue that counts as Joseph's "seed."
Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed after him have place in that house, from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord.
Analysis: The Nauvoo House is no longer owned by the Smith family, but since 1909 it's been owned by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ), and one could argue that counts as Joseph's "seed."
Queens Pay Respect to the Relief Society
Minutes of Nauvoo Relief Society, April 28, 1842
Action must be brough[t] to light - iniquity must be purged out - then the vail will be rent and the blessings of heaven will flow down - they will roll down like the Mississippi river. This Society shall have power to command Queens in their midst - I now deliver it as a prophecy that before ten years shall roll around, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society - they shall come with their millions and shall contribute of their abundance for the relief of the poor - If you will be pure, nothing can hinder.
After this instruction, you will be responsible for your own sins. It is an honor to save yourselves - all are responsible to save themselves.
Analysis: This did not happen, but conveniently, the prophecy itself invites us to blame the Relief Society women's lack of righteousness. Apologists agree with this characterization, pointing out that Joseph's first wife Emma used the organization to fight against his teaching of polygamy. Normal people would instead applaud her for opposing such a manipulative, oppressive, and degrading system.
After this instruction, you will be responsible for your own sins. It is an honor to save yourselves - all are responsible to save themselves.
Analysis: This did not happen, but conveniently, the prophecy itself invites us to blame the Relief Society women's lack of righteousness. Apologists agree with this characterization, pointing out that Joseph's first wife Emma used the organization to fight against his teaching of polygamy. Normal people would instead applaud her for opposing such a manipulative, oppressive, and degrading system.
Mighty People in the Rocky Mountains
Documentary History of the Church, August 1842
I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains, many would apostatize, others would be put to death by our persecutors or lose their lives in consequence of exposure or disease, and some of you will live to go and assist in making settlements and build cities and see the Saints become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains.
Analysis: This page wasn't even written until July 1845, over a year after Smith's death, and this particular passage was squeezed in sometime later in someone else's handwriting (possibly Thomas Bullock's). The historical evidence is clear that the pioneers, including Brigham Young himself, didn't know their final destination until they got there. Many assumed it was upper California and sang a hymn that John Taylor wrote to that effect. LDS historian Davis Bitton said, "There is no such prophecy in the handwriting of Joseph Smith, or published during the prophet’s lifetime, but it was referred to in general terms during the trek west. After the arrival in the Salt Lake Valley the prophecy became more specific as time went on."
Analysis: This page wasn't even written until July 1845, over a year after Smith's death, and this particular passage was squeezed in sometime later in someone else's handwriting (possibly Thomas Bullock's). The historical evidence is clear that the pioneers, including Brigham Young himself, didn't know their final destination until they got there. Many assumed it was upper California and sang a hymn that John Taylor wrote to that effect. LDS historian Davis Bitton said, "There is no such prophecy in the handwriting of Joseph Smith, or published during the prophet’s lifetime, but it was referred to in general terms during the trek west. After the arrival in the Salt Lake Valley the prophecy became more specific as time went on."
Drinking Wine in the Holy Land
January 20, 1843
Elder Hyde told of the excellent white wine he drank in the east [Palestine]. Joseph prophesied in the name of the Lord that he would drink wine with him in that country. Joseph [said], "From the 6th day of April next, I go in for preparing with all present for a Mission through the United States and when we arrive at Maine we will take ship for England and so on to all countries where we are a mind for to go." P[r]e[se]nt: H[yrum] Smith, B[righam] Young, H[eber] C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, W[ilford] Woodruff, Geo[rge] A. Smith, [and] W[illard] Richards.
[Joseph said,] "We must write for John E. Page. We must love the whole Quorum. We must send Kings and Queens to Nauvoo and we will do it. We must all start from this place. Let the 12 [Apostles] be called in on the 6th of April and a notice be given for a special conference on the platform on [the] House of the Lord. We are sure to go as we live till spring. If I live I [will] take these b[r]ethren through these United States and through the world. I will make just as big a wake as God Almighty will let me.
Analysis: Apologists point out the "If I live" disclaimer at the end, which would render this prophecy pointless even if it were applicable - but it's not, because the prophecy unambiguously refers to April 6, 1843, over a year before Smith died.
[Joseph said,] "We must write for John E. Page. We must love the whole Quorum. We must send Kings and Queens to Nauvoo and we will do it. We must all start from this place. Let the 12 [Apostles] be called in on the 6th of April and a notice be given for a special conference on the platform on [the] House of the Lord. We are sure to go as we live till spring. If I live I [will] take these b[r]ethren through these United States and through the world. I will make just as big a wake as God Almighty will let me.
Analysis: Apologists point out the "If I live" disclaimer at the end, which would render this prophecy pointless even if it were applicable - but it's not, because the prophecy unambiguously refers to April 6, 1843, over a year before Smith died.
Second Coming in 1891
Doctrine and Covenants 130:14-17, April 2, 1843
I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following:
Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.
I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face.
I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time.
Analysis: Joseph Smith would have turned eighty-five in December 1890, so this is consistent with his earlier failed prophecy that the Lord would come in 1891, but it has more wiggle room for interpretation and is moot anyway since he didn't live that long. Of course, the Lord supposedly knew all along that he would be murdered at age thirty-eight, and this might have been a good time to mention that.
Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.
I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face.
I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time.
Analysis: Joseph Smith would have turned eighty-five in December 1890, so this is consistent with his earlier failed prophecy that the Lord would come in 1891, but it has more wiggle room for interpretation and is moot anyway since he didn't live that long. Of course, the Lord supposedly knew all along that he would be murdered at age thirty-eight, and this might have been a good time to mention that.
Destruction of the Government
History of the Church, May 6, 1843
I prophecy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left for their wickedness in permitting the murder of men, women and children, and the wholesale plunder and extermination of thousands of her citizens to go unpunished, thereby perpetrating a foul and corroding blot upon the fair fame of this great republic, the very thought of which would have caused the high-minded and patriotic framers of the Constitution of the United States to hide their faces with shame. Judge [Stephen A. Douglas], you will aspire to the Presidency of the United States; and if you ever turn your hand against me or the Latter-day Saints, you will feel the weight of the hand of the Almighty upon you; and you will live to see and know that I have testified the truth to you; for the conversation of this day will stick to you through life.
Analysis: Apologists point out that the government of Missouri was "utterly overthrown and wasted" during the American Civil War and that the Whig party, which controlled the federal government during Smith's time, lost all of its political power. I grudgingly grant that as an acceptable interpretation. Stephen Douglas ran for president in 1852 and failed to secure the Democratic nomination. He turned against the Saints in 1857, along with most of the country, because of their practicing polygamy and building a theocracy in Utah. He secured the Democratic nomination in 1860 but lost to a newcomer named Abraham Lincoln. This is one of Smith's more impressive prophecies.
Analysis: Apologists point out that the government of Missouri was "utterly overthrown and wasted" during the American Civil War and that the Whig party, which controlled the federal government during Smith's time, lost all of its political power. I grudgingly grant that as an acceptable interpretation. Stephen Douglas ran for president in 1852 and failed to secure the Democratic nomination. He turned against the Saints in 1857, along with most of the country, because of their practicing polygamy and building a theocracy in Utah. He secured the Democratic nomination in 1860 but lost to a newcomer named Abraham Lincoln. This is one of Smith's more impressive prophecies.
Destruction of Congress
Millennial Star and History of the Church, December 16, 1843
While discussing the petition to Congress, I prophesied, by virtue of the holy Priesthood vested in me, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, they shall be broken up as a government, and God shall damn them. And there shall nothing be left of them—not even a grease spot.
Analysis: The "grease spot" was omitted from History of the Church for some reason, but in either case, this did not happen, even according to a creative apologetic interpretation like the last one.
Analysis: The "grease spot" was omitted from History of the Church for some reason, but in either case, this did not happen, even according to a creative apologetic interpretation like the last one.
No Second Coming in Forty Years
History of the Church, March 10, 1844
I also prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that Christ will not come in forty years; and if God ever spoke by my mouth, He will not come in that length of time. Brethren, when you go home, write this down, that it may be remembered. Jesus Christ never did reveal to any man the precise time that He would come. Go and read the scriptures, and you cannot find anything that specifies the exact hour He would come; and all that say so are false teachers.
Analysis: Christ did not come in forty years. Prophecy fulfilled!
Analysis: Christ did not come in forty years. Prophecy fulfilled!
Growth of the LDS Church
Date Unknown, Recalled by Wilford Woodruff, April 1898 General Conference
Brethren I have been very much edified and instructed in your testimonies here tonight, but I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap. You don’t comprehend it.... It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America - it will fill the world.
Analysis: It's not that hard for a new religion to attain exponential growth. The LDS Church actually grew much slower than the Jehovah's Witnesses or Seventh Day Adventists, similar high-demand Christian restorationist churches that were founded later and surpassed it in size. Its growth rate still impressed members and sociologists alike, but since the end of the 1980s it's decreased nearly every year, and it turns out most converts during the periods of most rapid growth weren't actually retained. The LDS Church has filled North and South America in the sense that it has congregations in most major cities in every country. But in terms of the spectacular, miraculous growth that Smith envisioned, it's failing hard.
Analysis: It's not that hard for a new religion to attain exponential growth. The LDS Church actually grew much slower than the Jehovah's Witnesses or Seventh Day Adventists, similar high-demand Christian restorationist churches that were founded later and surpassed it in size. Its growth rate still impressed members and sociologists alike, but since the end of the 1980s it's decreased nearly every year, and it turns out most converts during the periods of most rapid growth weren't actually retained. The LDS Church has filled North and South America in the sense that it has congregations in most major cities in every country. But in terms of the spectacular, miraculous growth that Smith envisioned, it's failing hard.
