LDS (Mormon) Prophecies
Joseph Smith's prophecies have their own page. His companions and successors who were/are also sustained as "prophets, seers, and revelators" haven't been nearly as bold in making predictions about the future, for good reason, but they've said some things sometimes. If any of these predictions fails, especially if it "only" came from an apostle, Latter-day Saints are likely to say it wasn't really a prophecy to begin with, just an opinion, whether that was clear to begin with or not. Of course, if it comes true or still might come true, even if it "only" came from an apostle, it's a prophecy without question.
Long as the Earth Shall Stand
Joseph Smith Sr., Amos B. Fuller's Patriarchal Blessing, June 17, 1836
Thou shalt stand on the Earth and proclaim the Gospel to the Nations of the Gentiles, and the seed of Abraham, long as the earth shall stand.
Analysis: Fuller died seventeen years later, and the earth continued to stand.
Analysis: Fuller died seventeen years later, and the earth continued to stand.
A Mother in Israel
Heber C. Kimball, October 1837, Recalled in Life of Heber C. Kimball by Orson F. Whitney, 1888
I will mention a circumstance in relation to the first child born in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Great Britain, which was on the 7th of October, 1837, at Barshe Lees. She was the daughter of James and Nancy Smithies, formerly Nancy Knowles. After she was born her parents wanted to take her to the church to be sprinkled, or christened, as they call it. I used every kind of persuasion to convince them of their folly; it being contrary to the scriptures and the will of God; the parents wept bitterly, and it seemed as though I could not prevail on them to omit it. I wanted to know of them why they were so tenacious. The answer was, "if she dies she cannot have a burial in the churchyard." I said to them, "Brother and Sister Smithies, I say unto you in the name of Israel's God, she shall not die on this land, for she shall live until she becomes a mother in Israel, and I say it in the name of Jesus Christ and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood vested in me." That silenced them, and when she was two weeks old they presented the child to me; I took it in my arms and blessed it, that it should live to become a mother in Israel. She was the first child blessed in that country, and the first born unto them.
Analysis: Apparently this comes from Kimball's journal. His grandson, who wrote the biography, explained: "Wherever possible, I have allowed the subject to speak for himself. In lieu of converting facts found of record in his Journal into 'original matter,' I have presented them mostly in all their freshness and simplicity; as flowers of the field, with the dew and fragrance of their native meadow yet clinging to them." I don't know how contemporaneous this account is with the alleged prophecy. If it was indeed a prophecy, Kimball fulfilled it himself by marrying this child, Mary Smithies, when she was nineteen and he was fifty-five. She was his forty-fourth wife. They had five children together.
Analysis: Apparently this comes from Kimball's journal. His grandson, who wrote the biography, explained: "Wherever possible, I have allowed the subject to speak for himself. In lieu of converting facts found of record in his Journal into 'original matter,' I have presented them mostly in all their freshness and simplicity; as flowers of the field, with the dew and fragrance of their native meadow yet clinging to them." I don't know how contemporaneous this account is with the alleged prophecy. If it was indeed a prophecy, Kimball fulfilled it himself by marrying this child, Mary Smithies, when she was nineteen and he was fifty-five. She was his forty-fourth wife. They had five children together.
Destruction of the Gentiles and Smiting of La Roy Sunderland
Parley P. Pratt, in Mormonism Unveiled: Zion’s Watchman Unmasked, and its Editor, Mr. L. R. Sunderland, Exposed: Truth Vindicated: the Devil Mad, and Priestcraft in Danger!, 1838
Now, Mr. Sunderland, you have something definite and tangible, the time, the manner, the means, the names, the dates; and I will state as a prophecy, that there will not be an unbelieving Gentile upon this continent 50 years hence; and if they are not greatly scourged, and in a great measure overthrown, within five or ten years from this date, then the Book of Mormon will have proved itself false. And furthermore, as Mr. LaRoy Sunderland has lied concerning the truth of Heaven, the fulness of the Gospel; and has blasphemed against the word of God, except he speedily repent, and acknowledge his lying and wickedness, and obey the message of eternal truth, which God has sent for the salvation of his people. God will smite him dumb, that he can no longer speak great swelling words against the Lord; and a trembling shall seize his nerves, that he shall not be able to write; and Zion’s Watchman shall cease to be published abroad, and its lies shall no longer deceive the public; and he will wander a vagabond on the earth, until sudden destruction shall overtake him; and if Mr. La Roy Sunderland enquires, when shall these things be? I reply, it is nigh thee--even at thy doors; and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Analysis: None of these things happened. Apologists defend this failed prophecy by pointing out that it was based on what he thought was a straightforward interpretation of the Book of Mormon. I would have hoped that an apostle who explicitly said he was prophesying in the name of Jesus Christ would be more careful regardless. Of course, even if we let him off the hook, the Book of Mormon has "proved itself false" in other ways.
Analysis: None of these things happened. Apologists defend this failed prophecy by pointing out that it was based on what he thought was a straightforward interpretation of the Book of Mormon. I would have hoped that an apostle who explicitly said he was prophesying in the name of Jesus Christ would be more careful regardless. Of course, even if we let him off the hook, the Book of Mormon has "proved itself false" in other ways.
Timing of the End of the Priesthood and Temple Ban
Brigham Young, Speech in Utah Legislature, February 5, 1852
Now I tell you what I know; when the mark was put upon Cain, Abels children was in all probability young; the Lord told Cain that he should not receive the blessings of the preisthood nor his see, until the last of the posterity of Able had received the preisthood, until the redemtion of the earth. If there never was a prophet, or apostle of Jesus Christ spoke it before, I tell you, this people that are commonly called negroes are the children of old Cain. I know they are, I know that they cannot bear rule in the preisthood, for the curse on them was to remain upon the, until the resedue of the posterity of Michal and his wife receive the blessings, the seed of Cain would have received had they not been cursed; and hold the keys of the preisthood, until the times of the restitution shall come, and the curse be wiped off from the earth, and from michals seed. Then Cain’s seed will be had in rememberance, and the time come when that curse should be wiped off.
Analysis: Michal [sic] is Adam, according to a weird quirk of LDS theology. Adam and Cain are both mythical people, but we can still interpret "the resedue of the posterity of Michal" to mean "the rest of the human race." And even if we generously loosen that interpretation to "a few representatives of each ethnicity besides black people," 1978 was much too early for the priesthood and temple ban to end according to Brigham Young's teaching. Some Latter-day Saints refused to accept Spencer W. Kimball's "revelation" for that very reason, and within their religious framework, they weren't wrong. Bruce R. McConkie's brilliant solution to this contradiction was "Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young or President George Q. Cannon or whomsoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation." When prophets are wrong, just don't think about it.
Analysis: Michal [sic] is Adam, according to a weird quirk of LDS theology. Adam and Cain are both mythical people, but we can still interpret "the resedue of the posterity of Michal" to mean "the rest of the human race." And even if we generously loosen that interpretation to "a few representatives of each ethnicity besides black people," 1978 was much too early for the priesthood and temple ban to end according to Brigham Young's teaching. Some Latter-day Saints refused to accept Spencer W. Kimball's "revelation" for that very reason, and within their religious framework, they weren't wrong. Bruce R. McConkie's brilliant solution to this contradiction was "Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young or President George Q. Cannon or whomsoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation." When prophets are wrong, just don't think about it.
Franklin D. Richards
September 1856
I hear that there are saints here who fear on account of the lateness of the season and may suffer in the crossing of the Rocky Mts. in snow storms. This I will say as the Saints have braved it thus far and has anything come to hurt or mar the peace or safety of anyone, therefore, I prophesy in the name of Israel's god through the storms we may come from the East, the West, the North, or the South God will keep the way open to the faithful at heart and will arrive in the valleys in safety and hoped that the Saints would be blessed with health and strength to pursue unto the journey's end and there to meet with the Lord's anointed and be saved with the just in the eternal world.
Analysis: The Willie and Martin handcart companies, whom Richards was addressing, famously experienced extreme suffering and a death rate over 20% because Mormon leaders made them start their trek too late in the year and promised that God would protect them. When Levi Savage warned them of the danger, he was publicly rebuked for his lack of faith. As soon as the survivors had all died, the LDS Church stopped treating this episode as an embarrassment and started spinning it as a faith-promoting story of sacrifice.
Analysis: The Willie and Martin handcart companies, whom Richards was addressing, famously experienced extreme suffering and a death rate over 20% because Mormon leaders made them start their trek too late in the year and promised that God would protect them. When Levi Savage warned them of the danger, he was publicly rebuked for his lack of faith. As soon as the survivors had all died, the LDS Church stopped treating this episode as an embarrassment and started spinning it as a faith-promoting story of sacrifice.
Timing of the End of the Priesthood and Temple Ban
Brigham Young, Speech in Salt Lake Tabernacle, October 9, 1859
Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race - that they should be the "servant of servants;" and they will be, until that curse is removed; and the Abolitionists cannot help it, nor in the least alter that decree. How long is that race to endure the dreadful curse that is upon them? That curse will remain upon them, and they never can hold the Priesthood or share in it until all the other descendants of Adam have received the promises and enjoyed the blessings of the Priesthood and the keys thereof. Until the last ones of the residue of Adam's children are brought up to that favorable position, the children of Cain cannot receive the first ordinances of the Priesthood. They were the first that were cursed, and they will be the last from whom the curse will be removed. When the residue of the family of Adam come up and receive their blessings, then the curse will be removed from the seed of Cain, and they will receive blessings in like proportion.
Analysis: Brigham Young reaffirms his previous false prophecy seven years later, in case anyone thought he just had an off day.
Analysis: Brigham Young reaffirms his previous false prophecy seven years later, in case anyone thought he just had an off day.
Demon of War
Orson Hyde, in Millennial Star, May 3, 1862
You have scarcely yet read the preface of your national trouble. Many nations will be drawn into the American maelstrom that now whirls through our land; and after many days, when the demon of war shall have exhausted his strength and madness upon American soil, by the destruction of all that can court or provoke opposition, he will remove his headquarters to the banks of the Rhine.
Analysis: The first part is wrong; many nations were not drawn into the American Civil War. The second part is chillingly accurate foreshadowing of Germany's role in both of the world wars. I guess they cancel each other out. Apologist Jeff Lindsay writes, "It is reasonable to assume that Hyde's reference to the banks of the Rhine is derived from unpublished prophetic statements from Joseph Smith, though we cannot be sure."
Analysis: The first part is wrong; many nations were not drawn into the American Civil War. The second part is chillingly accurate foreshadowing of Germany's role in both of the world wars. I guess they cancel each other out. Apologist Jeff Lindsay writes, "It is reasonable to assume that Hyde's reference to the banks of the Rhine is derived from unpublished prophetic statements from Joseph Smith, though we cannot be sure."
Law of God Re: the African Race
Brigham Young, Speech in Salt Lake Tabernacle, March 8, 1863
Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so....
If the Government of the United States, in Congress assembled, had the right to pass an anti-polygamy bill, they had also the right to pass a law that slaves should not be abused as they have been; they had also a right to make a law that negroes should be used like human beings, and not worse than dumb brutes. For their abuse of that race, the whites will be cursed, unless they repent.
Analysis: This "law of God" was not always so. Of course, even in the nineteenth century Mormons didn't actually put mixed-race couples to death, but nowadays only the most unhinged will accept this statement even in principle. Were whites cursed for their abuse of the black race, though? That's harder to say, and given the continued problems of American race relations, I think it would be difficult to argue that they/we have adequately repented. Of course, he may have been referring specifically to the whites who abused enslaved people, not to everyone who happens to have the same skin color as them.
If the Government of the United States, in Congress assembled, had the right to pass an anti-polygamy bill, they had also the right to pass a law that slaves should not be abused as they have been; they had also a right to make a law that negroes should be used like human beings, and not worse than dumb brutes. For their abuse of that race, the whites will be cursed, unless they repent.
Analysis: This "law of God" was not always so. Of course, even in the nineteenth century Mormons didn't actually put mixed-race couples to death, but nowadays only the most unhinged will accept this statement even in principle. Were whites cursed for their abuse of the black race, though? That's harder to say, and given the continued problems of American race relations, I think it would be difficult to argue that they/we have adequately repented. Of course, he may have been referring specifically to the whites who abused enslaved people, not to everyone who happens to have the same skin color as them.
Destruction of New York, Boston, and Albany
Wilford Woodruff, in Journal, August 22, 1863
As I arose to speak I was Clothed upon with the spirit of God And my Mind was turned towards the young people who had met us the Evening before and the following is a synopsis of Some of the remarks which I made...
Yea the day will come after your Father & these Prophets And Apostles are dead and gone into the spirit world you will have the privilege of going into the Tower of a glorious Temple built until the Name of the Most High God /East of us upon the Logan Bench/ and while you stand in the Tower of that Temple and your Eyes survey this glorious valley filled with Cities & village occupied [with?] tens of thousand of the Latter day saints, you will then Call to mind This visitation of Presidet Young & his Company. You will say that was in the day when Presidets B[enson?] & Maugn presided over us. That was the day when Presidet Young & the Apostles were with us. That was before New York was destroyed by an Earthquake. It was before Boston was swept into the sea by the sea heaving itself beyond its bounds. It was before Albany was destroyed By fire. Yea at that time you will remember the scenes of this day. Treasure them up & forget them Not.
President Young followed and said what Br Woodruff had said was revelation and would be fulfilled.
Analysis: It's obviously far too late for this prophecy to be fulfilled within the lifetime of anyone who heard it, as was obviously the intention. Apologists claim that it could be referring to Christ's Millennial reign after they've been resurrected. However, literally nothing in LDS teachings suggests that cities will be destroyed during the Millennium, which is always portrayed as a time of global peace and righteousness.
Yea the day will come after your Father & these Prophets And Apostles are dead and gone into the spirit world you will have the privilege of going into the Tower of a glorious Temple built until the Name of the Most High God /East of us upon the Logan Bench/ and while you stand in the Tower of that Temple and your Eyes survey this glorious valley filled with Cities & village occupied [with?] tens of thousand of the Latter day saints, you will then Call to mind This visitation of Presidet Young & his Company. You will say that was in the day when Presidets B[enson?] & Maugn presided over us. That was the day when Presidet Young & the Apostles were with us. That was before New York was destroyed by an Earthquake. It was before Boston was swept into the sea by the sea heaving itself beyond its bounds. It was before Albany was destroyed By fire. Yea at that time you will remember the scenes of this day. Treasure them up & forget them Not.
President Young followed and said what Br Woodruff had said was revelation and would be fulfilled.
Analysis: It's obviously far too late for this prophecy to be fulfilled within the lifetime of anyone who heard it, as was obviously the intention. Apologists claim that it could be referring to Christ's Millennial reign after they've been resurrected. However, literally nothing in LDS teachings suggests that cities will be destroyed during the Millennium, which is always portrayed as a time of global peace and righteousness.
American Civil War Will Not End Slavery
Brigham Young, Speech in Salt Lake City Bowery, October 6, 1863
Ham will continue to be the servant of servants, as the Lord has decreed, until the curse is removed. Will the present struggle free the slave? No; but they are now wasting away the black race by thousands. Many of the blacks are treated worse than we treat our dumb brutes; and men will be called to judgment for the way they have treated the negro, and they will receive the condemnation of a guilty conscience, by the just Judge whose attributes are justice and truth.
Treat the slaves kindly and let them live, for Ham must be the servant of servants until the curse is removed. Can you destroy the decrees of the Almighty? You cannot. Yet our Christian brethren think that they are going to overthrow the sentence of the Almighty upon the seed of Ham. They cannot do that, though they may kill them by thousands and tens of thousands.
Analysis: The Civil War did end slavery in the United States. Granted, for decades black people in the south were still kept in conditions that resembled slavery in all but name, but eventually those also became illegal.
Treat the slaves kindly and let them live, for Ham must be the servant of servants until the curse is removed. Can you destroy the decrees of the Almighty? You cannot. Yet our Christian brethren think that they are going to overthrow the sentence of the Almighty upon the seed of Ham. They cannot do that, though they may kill them by thousands and tens of thousands.
Analysis: The Civil War did end slavery in the United States. Granted, for decades black people in the south were still kept in conditions that resembled slavery in all but name, but eventually those also became illegal.
Devil Will Rejoice if Polygamy Ends
Brigham Young, Speech in Salt Lake Tabernacle, June 3, 1866
We are told that if we would give up polygamy — which we know to be a doctrine revealed from heaven and it is God and the world for it — But suppose that this church should give up this holy order of marriage, then would the devil, and all who are in league with him against the cause of God, rejoice that they had prevailed upon the Saints to refuse to obey one of the revelations and commandments of God to them. Would they be satisfied with this? No; but they would next want us to renounce Joseph Smith as a true Prophet of God then the Book of Mormon.
Analysis: It's impossible to say whether the devil rejoiced after the Manifesto in 1890 that said the practice of polygamy would end or the Second Manifesto in 1904 that actaully meant it. But one could argue that the LDS Church never really did give up this holy order of marriage because Doctrine and Covenants 132 is still canonized and men can still be sealed to multiple women for eternity if their first wives die.
Analysis: It's impossible to say whether the devil rejoiced after the Manifesto in 1890 that said the practice of polygamy would end or the Second Manifesto in 1904 that actaully meant it. But one could argue that the LDS Church never really did give up this holy order of marriage because Doctrine and Covenants 132 is still canonized and men can still be sealed to multiple women for eternity if their first wives die.
Destruction of the United States
Orson Pratt, Speech at London Conference, March 9, 1879
And the Lord also made a similar decree, recorded, too, in the same book, in regard to the present great populous nation called the people of the United States. They must perish, unless they repent. They will be wasted away, and the fullness of the wrath of Almighty God will be poured out upon them, unless they repent. Their cities will be left desolate. A time is coming when the great and populous city of New York - the greatest city of the American Republic, will be left without inhabitants. The houses will stand, some of them, not all. They will stand there, but unoccupied, no people to inherit them. It will be the same in regard to numerous other cities, or, in the words of the Lord, "I will throw down all their strongholds, and I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard." It will all be fulfilled. But there will be a remnant who will be spared. It will be those who repent of their sins; it will be those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and are willing to obey his commandments, willing to hearken to his voice, willing to be baptized for the remission of their sins, willing to be born of the spirit, or receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, willing to walk uprightly and honestly with all men, and justly one with another.
Analysis: This hasn't happened yet.
Analysis: This hasn't happened yet.
The New and Everlasting Covenant
John Taylor, September 27, 1886
You have asked me concerning the new and everlasting covenant and how far it is binding upon my people.
Thus saith the Lord - All commandments that I have given must be obeyed by those calling themselves by my name, unless they are revoked by me, or by my authority, and how can I revoke an everlasting covenant? For I, the Lord, am everlasting, and My everlasting covenant cannot be abrogated nor done away with, but they stand forever.
Have I not given my word in great plainness on this subject? Yet have not great numbers of my people been negligent in the observance of my law and the keeping of my commandments? Yet I have borne with them these many years, and this because of their weakness, because of the perilous times.
And, furthermore, it is now pleasing to me that men should use their free agency in regard to these matters; nevertheless I, the Lord, do not change, and my word, and my law, and my covenants do not.
And as I have heretofore said by my servant Joseph: All those who would enter into my glory must and shall obey my law and have I not commanded men, that if they were Abraham's seed and would enter into my glory they must do the works of Abraham? I have not revoked this law nor will I, for it is everlasting and those who will enter into my glory must obey the conditions thereof.
Even so Amen.
Analysis: Critics interpret this as revelation as claiming that polygamy would never be abolished, which would make it an obvious false prophecy - unless, of course, Lorin Woolley's claims in the 1920s that Taylor had secretly ordained him and four other men to make sure that polygamy continued indefinitely are true. Apologists, of course, follow the mainstream LDS interpretation that the "new and everlasting covenant" refers to all temple sealings, including monogamous marriage. In my opinion, this interpretation is contrived and disregards the obvious intent of Doctrine and Covenants 132, which introduces the "new and everlasting covenant" and is almost entirely about polygamy. It's also very unlikely that Taylor would have felt a need to ask the Lord "how far it is binding upon my people" if it just means temple sealings. With the persecution and pressure the people were facing because of polygamy - he was literally in hiding from the federal government at the time he wrote this - it's much more likely that he inquired whether they could stop doing that.
Thus saith the Lord - All commandments that I have given must be obeyed by those calling themselves by my name, unless they are revoked by me, or by my authority, and how can I revoke an everlasting covenant? For I, the Lord, am everlasting, and My everlasting covenant cannot be abrogated nor done away with, but they stand forever.
Have I not given my word in great plainness on this subject? Yet have not great numbers of my people been negligent in the observance of my law and the keeping of my commandments? Yet I have borne with them these many years, and this because of their weakness, because of the perilous times.
And, furthermore, it is now pleasing to me that men should use their free agency in regard to these matters; nevertheless I, the Lord, do not change, and my word, and my law, and my covenants do not.
And as I have heretofore said by my servant Joseph: All those who would enter into my glory must and shall obey my law and have I not commanded men, that if they were Abraham's seed and would enter into my glory they must do the works of Abraham? I have not revoked this law nor will I, for it is everlasting and those who will enter into my glory must obey the conditions thereof.
Even so Amen.
Analysis: Critics interpret this as revelation as claiming that polygamy would never be abolished, which would make it an obvious false prophecy - unless, of course, Lorin Woolley's claims in the 1920s that Taylor had secretly ordained him and four other men to make sure that polygamy continued indefinitely are true. Apologists, of course, follow the mainstream LDS interpretation that the "new and everlasting covenant" refers to all temple sealings, including monogamous marriage. In my opinion, this interpretation is contrived and disregards the obvious intent of Doctrine and Covenants 132, which introduces the "new and everlasting covenant" and is almost entirely about polygamy. It's also very unlikely that Taylor would have felt a need to ask the Lord "how far it is binding upon my people" if it just means temple sealings. With the persecution and pressure the people were facing because of polygamy - he was literally in hiding from the federal government at the time he wrote this - it's much more likely that he inquired whether they could stop doing that.
Cursed for Birth Control
George Q. Cannon, October 7, 1894
There is one thing that I am told is practiced to some extent among us, and I say to you that where it is practiced and not thoroughly repented of the curse of God will follow it. I refer to the practice of preventing the birth of children. I want to lift my voice in solemn warning against this, and I say to you that the woman who practices such devilish arts, or the man who consents to them, will be cursed of God. Such persons will be cursed in their bodies, cursed in their minds, cursed in their property, cursed in their offspring. God will wipe them out from the midst of this people and nation. Remember it. Mothers, teach this to your daughters, for I tell you it is true. I need not pronounce any curse, whatever my authority may be, but I say to you that women who take this course, and men who consent to it, will be cursed of God Almighty, and it will rest upon them until their generation shall be blotted out, and their name shall be lost from the midst of the Saints of God, unless, as I have said, there is deep, thorough and heartfelt repentance.
Analysis: Birth control can sometimes have serious side effects, but it would be difficult to find a substantial number of women or men who feel that they've been cursed in their bodies, minds, property, and/or offspring for using or consenting to it. Such men and women certainly have not been wiped out. The church's handbook currently says (in different words) that "such devilish arts" are a personal decision between couples and the Lord. Perhaps the curse now rests upon the entire institution.
Analysis: Birth control can sometimes have serious side effects, but it would be difficult to find a substantial number of women or men who feel that they've been cursed in their bodies, minds, property, and/or offspring for using or consenting to it. Such men and women certainly have not been wiped out. The church's handbook currently says (in different words) that "such devilish arts" are a personal decision between couples and the Lord. Perhaps the curse now rests upon the entire institution.
Return to Jackson County
Lorenzo Snow, General Conference, April 10, 1898
The time is speedily coming — we do not want to talk very much, though, about going to Jackson County, Missouri, because through our foolishness and weakness we would not care anything about building houses and making ourselves comfortable here. I know when we first started a colony in Brigham City, the people generally thought it was nonsense, perfectly useless, to plant peach trees, apple trees, currant bushes and the like, because we were going to Jackson County so speedily; and it was with the utmost effort that we were enabled to disabuse them of this idea. We are not going tomorrow, nor next day, this week or next week; but we are going, and there are many — hundreds and hundreds within the sound of my voice that will live to go back to Jackson County and build a holy temple to the Lord our God. Be prepared to do these things that have been taught us during this Conference, and make ourselves worthy, and we will receive everything that I have read to you in this section.
Analysis: There is still no LDS temple in Jackson County, Missouri, and everyone within the sound of Snow's voice in April 1898 is dead now. Apparently they failed to do the things and make themselves worthy.
Analysis: There is still no LDS temple in Jackson County, Missouri, and everyone within the sound of Snow's voice in April 1898 is dead now. Apparently they failed to do the things and make themselves worthy.
Return to Jackson County within 20 Years
Lorenzo Snow, Solemn Assembly in Salt Lake Temple, Rudger Clawson's Journal, July 2, 1899
Pres. Snow said, it may seem strange, you're being called together, but when you understand the object of the meeting you will understand the importance of it. Read Section 104 and a portion of Section 85, D.&C. Said that if the brethren present lived 10, 15, or 20 years, or perhaps less, they would go back to Jackson County. The time for returning to Jackson County is much nearer than many suppose and it is the faithful that would be selected to go and they will be required to accept the United Order. Read of the troubles and curses that are visited upon apostates. Said he would tell us what the Lord requires of us today. Read Section 1 19, D.[&]C. Talked upon the subject of tithing. If the people, he said, had paid an honest tithing for the past year, we would have received $1,000,000.00 more than we did receive, and if a full tithing had been paid for the past 12 years, we would have received $10,000,000.00 more than we did receive. Bp. Preston says, and the books prove it, that only about a 50% tithing is paid. A half tithing or a third tithing is no tithing at all, but simply an offering. If we do not observe this law, we have no promise that we shall remain in this land an hour....
President Snow read Sec. 86, Book of D.&C. Said, we are the sons and daughters of God, and descendants of the prophets and apostles. Said, the Lord has forgiven us for our carelessness in paying our tithing in the past, but he will forgive us no longer — and if we do not obey this law, we will be scattered as were the saints in Jackson County, and this by reason of the knowledge we have attained to. What I say is as true as God lives. We must teach the people this law of tithing — first by paying tithing ourselves. Just as sure as we live, if we do not honor the law of tithing, we will never possess the land of Jackson County, except it be by the shedding of blood, but it will not be by the shedding of blood because you will listen to my voice and the voice of my brethren. We are the sons of the prophets and the sons of God. The Lord will not send hornets to drive the people out of Jackson County, as he promised to drive the people out of the land of promise before the children of Israel, but he will send cyclones, earthquakes, and pestilences.
Analysis: 10, 15, or 20 years have passed, and they did not go back to Jackson County. They weren't scattered for not paying tithing either. So maybe he meant 20 years of God's time, which is 20,000 years for us?
President Snow read Sec. 86, Book of D.&C. Said, we are the sons and daughters of God, and descendants of the prophets and apostles. Said, the Lord has forgiven us for our carelessness in paying our tithing in the past, but he will forgive us no longer — and if we do not obey this law, we will be scattered as were the saints in Jackson County, and this by reason of the knowledge we have attained to. What I say is as true as God lives. We must teach the people this law of tithing — first by paying tithing ourselves. Just as sure as we live, if we do not honor the law of tithing, we will never possess the land of Jackson County, except it be by the shedding of blood, but it will not be by the shedding of blood because you will listen to my voice and the voice of my brethren. We are the sons of the prophets and the sons of God. The Lord will not send hornets to drive the people out of Jackson County, as he promised to drive the people out of the land of promise before the children of Israel, but he will send cyclones, earthquakes, and pestilences.
Analysis: 10, 15, or 20 years have passed, and they did not go back to Jackson County. They weren't scattered for not paying tithing either. So maybe he meant 20 years of God's time, which is 20,000 years for us?
No More Mandatory Tithing
Joseph F. Smith, General Conference, April 5, 1907
Furthermore, I want to say to you, we may not be able to reach it right away, but we expect to see the day when we will not have to ask you for one dollar of donation for any purpose, except that which you volunteer to give of your own accord, because we will have tithes sufficient in the storehouse of the Lord to pay everything that is needful for the advancement of the kingdom of God. I want to live to see that day, if the Lord will spare my life. It does not make any difference, though, so far as that is concerned, whether I live or not. That is the true policy, the true purpose of the Lord in the management of the affairs of His Church.
Analysis: He didn't live to see it, but the day has absolutely come. The church could function indefinitely off the interest from its stockpiled wealth and investments without receiving another dollar from members. However, it continues to demand tithing from them as a prerequisite for receiving its highest ordinances and being with their families forever. Technically Smith didn't say it wouldn't do that, just that it wouldn't need to, so this still counts as a successful prophecy.
Analysis: He didn't live to see it, but the day has absolutely come. The church could function indefinitely off the interest from its stockpiled wealth and investments without receiving another dollar from members. However, it continues to demand tithing from them as a prerequisite for receiving its highest ordinances and being with their families forever. Technically Smith didn't say it wouldn't do that, just that it wouldn't need to, so this still counts as a successful prophecy.
Return of Lost Tribes and More Scriptures
James E. Talmage, General Conference, October 8, 1916
As; the result of the combined labors of wise men I learn that man is but the developed offspring of the beast ; and yet I read that God created man in his own image, after his likeness; and again, I stand on the word of God, though it be in contradiction to the theories of men. This spirit of misconstruction, this attempt to explain away the sure word of prophecy, the indisputable word of revelation, is manifest even amongst our own people. There are those who would juggle with the predictions of the Lord's prophets. I read that in the last days one of the conditions preceding the return of the Christ to earth shall be the gathering of the Jews at their ancient capital, and in the land round about; and that another sign shall be the gathering of the people who have been scattered among the nations; and yet another shall be the bringing forth of the Lost Tribes from their hiding place, which is known to God, but unknown to man. Nevertheless, I have found elders in Israel who would tell me that the predictions relating to the Lost Tribes are to be explained in this figurative manner—that the gathering of those tribes is already well advanced and that there is no hiding place whereto God has led them, from which they shall come forth, led by their prophets to receive their blessings here at the hands of gathered Ephraim, the gathered portions that have been scattered among the nations. Yea, let God be true, and doubt we not his word, though it makes the opinions of men appear to be lies. The tribes shall come; they are not lost unto the Lord; they shall be brought forth as hath been predicted; and I say unto you there are those now living— aye, some here present—who shall live to read the records of the Lost Tribes of Israel, which shall be made one with the record of the Jews, or the Holy Bible, and the record of the Nephites, or the Book of Mormon, even as the Lord hath predicted; and those records, which the tribes lost to man but yet to be found again shall bring, shall tell of the visit of the resurrected Christ to them, after He had manifested Himself to the Nephites upon this continent. For, as not one jot or tittle of the Law has been permitted to fail, so surely no jot or tittle of the Gospel shall go unfulfilled.
Analysis: I love how he calls out Mormon apologists who make excuses for prophecies, just like they'll have to do for this one. Nobody present at the October 1916 General Conference is still alive, unless you speculate that the immortal three Nephites from Mormon folklore were there, which is a nice loophole. The tribes remain as lost as ever, and the LDS Church has added almost nothing to its scriptural canon in all that time.
Analysis: I love how he calls out Mormon apologists who make excuses for prophecies, just like they'll have to do for this one. Nobody present at the October 1916 General Conference is still alive, unless you speculate that the immortal three Nephites from Mormon folklore were there, which is a nice loophole. The tribes remain as lost as ever, and the LDS Church has added almost nothing to its scriptural canon in all that time.
Church Growth in South America
Melvin J. Ballard, in J. Vernon Sharp's Diary, July 4, 1926
Work will grow slowly for a time just as an oak grows slowly from an acorn–not shoot up in a day as does the sunflower that grows quickly and thus dies. Thousands will join here; it will be divided into more than one mission, and will be one of the strongest in the Church. The work here is the smallest that it will ever be. The day will come when the Lamanites here will get the chance. The South American Mission is to be a power in the Church.
Analysis: The South American Mission was divided into more than one mission, and for decades the LDS Church boasted of having some of its strongest growth in these missions, but in fact it was very much like "the sunflower that grows quickly and then dies." Convert retention in South America (and the rest of Latin America, for that matter) has historically ranged from 10-25%.
Analysis: The South American Mission was divided into more than one mission, and for decades the LDS Church boasted of having some of its strongest growth in these missions, but in fact it was very much like "the sunflower that grows quickly and then dies." Convert retention in South America (and the rest of Latin America, for that matter) has historically ranged from 10-25%.
More Scriptures
Anthony W. Ivins, General Conference, April 1928
This sealed portion of the record which came into the hands of Joseph Smith but was not translated by him so far as we are aware, the abridgment made by Mormon, the record of Ether, and the other sacred records which were deposited in the Hill Cumorah, still lie in their repository, awaiting the time when the Lord shall see fit to bring them forth, that they may be published to the world. Whether they have been removed from the spot where Mormon deposited them we cannot tell, but this we know, that they are safe under the guardianship of the Lord, and that they will be brought forth at the proper time as the Lord has declared they should be, for the benefit and blessing of the people of the world, for his word never fails.
Analysis: Nearly a century later, this hasn't happened, but of course it still could.
Analysis: Nearly a century later, this hasn't happened, but of course it still could.
Humans Will Never Visit Space or the Moon
Joseph Fielding Smith, Honolulu Stake Conference, 1961
We will never get a man into space. This earth is man's sphere and it was never intended that he should get away from it. The moon is a superior planet to the earth and it was never intended that man should go there. You can write it down in your books that this will never happen.
Analysis: That very year, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. Eight years later, humans walked on the moon. Apologists like to point to David Farnsworth's reminiscence that in a press conference after Joseph Fielding Smith became president of the church, someone asked him about this statement, and he said, "Well, I was wrong, wasn't I?" He may have made such a statement, but it's odd that nobody else seems to have remembered it.
Analysis: That very year, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. Eight years later, humans walked on the moon. Apologists like to point to David Farnsworth's reminiscence that in a press conference after Joseph Fielding Smith became president of the church, someone asked him about this statement, and he said, "Well, I was wrong, wasn't I?" He may have made such a statement, but it's odd that nobody else seems to have remembered it.
Silver Thread in Vietnam
Gordon B. Hinckley, General Conference, April 1968
I make no defense of the war from this pulpit. There is no simple answer. The problems are complex almost beyond comprehension. I seek only to call your attention to that silver thread, small but radiant with hope, shining through the dark tapestry of of war — namely, the establishment of a bridgehead, small and frail now; but which somehow, under the mysterious ways of God, will be strengthened, and from which someday shall spring forth a great work affecting for good the lives of large numbers of our Father’s children who live in that part of the world. Of that I have a certain faith.
Analysis: Most Vietnamese members had emigrated and/or died by the time the LDS Church received official recognition on May 31, 2016. Growth since then has been slow. I don't think it would have made much difference if the church had started from scratch.
Analysis: Most Vietnamese members had emigrated and/or died by the time the LDS Church received official recognition on May 31, 2016. Growth since then has been slow. I don't think it would have made much difference if the church had started from scratch.
Church Growth in Sweden
Gordon B. Hinckley, Missionary Conference, 1972
You are the Mattsson twins from Sweden who are soon going home, right? Let me say a few words to you that I want you to take home to Sweden. Sweden has for many years been like this glass of water - not much action. In the middle 1800s when the first missionaries came to Sweden, thousands of people joined the Church. It was a great and mighty harvest. When you go home, I want you to tell the members that there will be a new harvest, a second harvest in Sweden, that will bring thousands of Swedes into the Church.
Analysis: This is a secondhand account from Hans Mattsson, but the church considered it reliable enough to include in a glowing July 2000 Ensign article about the second harvest. Thousands of Swedes have joined the church since this statement was made, but not on a scale approaching the first harvest in the nineteenth century. In 2010, so many of them were having faith crises that the church sent its historians Marlin K. Jensen and Richard E. Turley to hold a special fireside that became known as "The Swedish Rescue." It failed to prevent Hans Mattsson, then an area authority Seventy, from sharing his doubts with the New York Times in 2013 and distancing himself from the church soon after.
Analysis: This is a secondhand account from Hans Mattsson, but the church considered it reliable enough to include in a glowing July 2000 Ensign article about the second harvest. Thousands of Swedes have joined the church since this statement was made, but not on a scale approaching the first harvest in the nineteenth century. In 2010, so many of them were having faith crises that the church sent its historians Marlin K. Jensen and Richard E. Turley to hold a special fireside that became known as "The Swedish Rescue." It failed to prevent Hans Mattsson, then an area authority Seventy, from sharing his doubts with the New York Times in 2013 and distancing himself from the church soon after.
Church Growth Among the Lamanites
Spencer W. Kimball, Mexico City Area Conference, February 13, 1977
When I was in Mexico in 1946, I was dreaming for the people of Mexico. I had a dream of your progress and development. Now this is precisely what I dreamed; this was my vision for the people of the Lamanites. I got up from my bed and wrote my dream. Maybe it was a vision rather than a dream. This is what I wrote: As I looked into the future, I saw the Lamanites from the isles of the sea and the Americas rise to a great destiny. I saw great numbers of Lamanites and Nephites in beautiful homes that have all the comforts that science can afford. I could see you children of Lehi with your herds and flocks on a thousand hills.... I saw the church growing with rapid strides, and I saw them organized in wards and stakes. (I think there was not a single stake or ward in all of Mexico when I dreamed this dream.) I saw a temple of God and expect to see it filled with men and women and young people.
Analysis: This dream or vision is pretty accurate, aside from the fact that Native Americans are not Lamanites or children of Lehi. Since Kimball didn't mention it for over thirty years, we can't be sure that it happened the way he remembered it, but it is consistent with his long-time hopes for Native Americans.
Analysis: This dream or vision is pretty accurate, aside from the fact that Native Americans are not Lamanites or children of Lehi. Since Kimball didn't mention it for over thirty years, we can't be sure that it happened the way he remembered it, but it is consistent with his long-time hopes for Native Americans.
Church Growth in Chile
Bruce R. McConkie, Area Conference, 1977
I foresee the day when the seven stakes in Chile will be seven times seven stakes, and then perhaps seven times seventy. I foresee the day when the 250 active Chilean missionaries will be increased by the thousands. I foresee the day when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be the most powerful influence in this nation.... The Lord will pour out blessings abundantly upon this nation because of the righteousness of the people who live here.
Analysis: On October 29, 1988, when Chile's fiftieth stake was created, John H. Groberg of the Seventy stated, "With satisfaction, we can say the first part of Elder McConkie's prophecy has been fulfilled. Today we can say that we have begun the journey to fulfill the second part of his prophecy as we create the 50th stake." Chile peaked at 116 stakes in 1999. Then, because of abysmal convert retention, 42 of them were consolidated between 2000-2005. The next new stake wasn't created until 2014. McConkie's bolder predictions are not on track to be fulfilled anytime soon.
Analysis: On October 29, 1988, when Chile's fiftieth stake was created, John H. Groberg of the Seventy stated, "With satisfaction, we can say the first part of Elder McConkie's prophecy has been fulfilled. Today we can say that we have begun the journey to fulfill the second part of his prophecy as we create the 50th stake." Chile peaked at 116 stakes in 1999. Then, because of abysmal convert retention, 42 of them were consolidated between 2000-2005. The next new stake wasn't created until 2014. McConkie's bolder predictions are not on track to be fulfilled anytime soon.
Church Growth from Righteous Women
Spencer W. Kimball (Read by Camilla Kimball), General Women's Meeting, September 1979
Finally, my dear sisters, may I suggest to you something that has not been said before or at least in quite this way. Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different - in happy ways - from the women of the world.
Among the real heroines in the world who will come into the Church are women who are more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish. These real heroines have true humility, which places a higher value on integrity than on visibility. Remember, it is as wrong to do things just to be seen of women as it is to do things to be seen of men. Great women and men are always more anxious to serve than to have dominion.
Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.
Analysis: With the church's growth flatlining, it doesn't seem like women or men are being drawn to it in large numbers. If the church were willing to acknowledge that, it could of course blame its women for not sufficiently reflecting righteousness and articulateness in their lives. In the western world, they are seen as distinct and different, but not in happy ways. The church's long history of misogyny (e.g. polygamy, fighting against the Equal Rights Amendment, telling women not to have careers, and making women covenant in the temple to obey their husbands) does not appeal to many. Thirty-six years later, Russell M. Nelson reiterated and added to this prophecy (see below).
Among the real heroines in the world who will come into the Church are women who are more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish. These real heroines have true humility, which places a higher value on integrity than on visibility. Remember, it is as wrong to do things just to be seen of women as it is to do things to be seen of men. Great women and men are always more anxious to serve than to have dominion.
Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.
Analysis: With the church's growth flatlining, it doesn't seem like women or men are being drawn to it in large numbers. If the church were willing to acknowledge that, it could of course blame its women for not sufficiently reflecting righteousness and articulateness in their lives. In the western world, they are seen as distinct and different, but not in happy ways. The church's long history of misogyny (e.g. polygamy, fighting against the Equal Rights Amendment, telling women not to have careers, and making women covenant in the temple to obey their husbands) does not appeal to many. Thirty-six years later, Russell M. Nelson reiterated and added to this prophecy (see below).
Church Growth in Nigeria
Anthony Obinna, Letter to Rendell and Rachel Mabey, October 1979
The seed of the gospel will grow into a giant tree. The Church in Nigeria will surprise the world in its growth. The number of baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations you performed in this country show only a beginning.
Analysis: Unlike most men featured on this page, Anthony Obinna was never sustained as a prophet, seer, and/or revelator. He was the first person baptized in Nigeria and the first black African mission president, having waited since he had a dream about Jesus Christ and the Salt Lake Temple in 1965. Nigeria has had some of the most successful LDS growth in the world, more so than any South American country (see Melvin J. Ballard's 1926 prophecy), though it hasn't yet "surprised the world" because most people in the world haven't noticed or cared.
Analysis: Unlike most men featured on this page, Anthony Obinna was never sustained as a prophet, seer, and/or revelator. He was the first person baptized in Nigeria and the first black African mission president, having waited since he had a dream about Jesus Christ and the Salt Lake Temple in 1965. Nigeria has had some of the most successful LDS growth in the world, more so than any South American country (see Melvin J. Ballard's 1926 prophecy), though it hasn't yet "surprised the world" because most people in the world haven't noticed or cared.
Australian Temples
Bruce R. McConkie, August 13, 1982
There is no reason why we can't have temples in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or wherever the number of saints justifies it.
Analysis: Mormons consider this statement after the groundbreaking of the Sydney Australia Temple to be prophetic because within two decades, temples were also built in these four cities. I would argue, though, that an important condition wasn't met. All four temples were of a new smaller model specifically designed for distant areas where the number of saints did not justify normal-sized temples.
Analysis: Mormons consider this statement after the groundbreaking of the Sydney Australia Temple to be prophetic because within two decades, temples were also built in these four cities. I would argue, though, that an important condition wasn't met. All four temples were of a new smaller model specifically designed for distant areas where the number of saints did not justify normal-sized temples.
Evidence for the Book of Mormon
Neal A. Maxwell, Plain and Precious Things, 1983
It is the author’s opinion that all the scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, will remain in the realm of faith. Science will not be able to prove or disprove holy writ. However, enough plausible evidence will come forth to prevent scoffers from having a field day, but not enough to remove the requirement of faith. Believers must be patient during such unfolding.
Analysis: When I looked up this quote to include it here, of course I realized that the author explicitly calls it his opinion - something LDS leaders almost never bother to do - so it can't fairly be considered a prophecy. But I wanted to mention it anyway because I think the subjectivity of whether it's been fulfilled is really interesting. As a believer, like many believers who pay attention to these things, I believed that the evidence for the Book of Mormon was overwhelming. I thought Maxwell was understating his case. I didn't understand how there could still be a requirement of faith. Now as an apostate, of course I believe apologists have cherry-picked the evidence and downplayed or ignored a much larger volume of evidence that proves the Book of Mormon a nineteenth-century work of fiction. Bias is real.
Analysis: When I looked up this quote to include it here, of course I realized that the author explicitly calls it his opinion - something LDS leaders almost never bother to do - so it can't fairly be considered a prophecy. But I wanted to mention it anyway because I think the subjectivity of whether it's been fulfilled is really interesting. As a believer, like many believers who pay attention to these things, I believed that the evidence for the Book of Mormon was overwhelming. I thought Maxwell was understating his case. I didn't understand how there could still be a requirement of faith. Now as an apostate, of course I believe apologists have cherry-picked the evidence and downplayed or ignored a much larger volume of evidence that proves the Book of Mormon a nineteenth-century work of fiction. Bias is real.
Second Coming and Church Growth in the Southern US
Vaughn J. Featherstone, Letter in Corner Stone of Atlanta George Temple, April 6, 1983
To my beloved fellow saints in the twenty-first century,
God bless you. We love you. We are grateful to you for your great faith in Christ. Many of you have probably lived through the darkest period in the history of the world. Those of you who read this letter have witnessed the second coming of Christ, the day for which we have long awaited. What a glorious experience to live in the day when our Lord, our Redeemer, the very Son of God is reigning personally upon the earth.
We can imagine what General Conference must be like, to have the Savior address the people. My thoughts entertain such questions as, will there still be wards and stakes? Will the Lord hold area conferences and solemn assemblies? Have those of you reading this letter been visited by Him? My heart and soul seem nigh to be consumed at the very thought. In 3rd Nephi Chapter 17 the people looked "steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them." Oh what a blessed generation you are and must be....
There is a great satanic thrust, both by enemies of the Church from other religions and apostates who are filled with lies, deceit, and insidious evils. But they nor all the hosts of Satan can stop this work. We are seeing modern-day bands of Gadianton Robbers. I believe we are on the very threshold of great trials. The darkest clouds in the history of the world are on the horizon. They are being driven with fierce satanic winds in our direction. Earthquakes, famine, pestilences, disease, plagues will soon be upon us but we trust in our God and He will spare us and take us under his wings.
The Atlanta Temple is the first temple in the South. I can see temples in Charlotte, Columbia, Birmingham, Jackson, Nashville, and in Louisiana and Arkansas.
We now have more than 110,000 members of the Church in this area. I can see in my minds eye great hosts of converts to exceed a million members in the South. We will baptize people in the tens of thousands. These members, traditional Protestant and Catholic – Christians are being prepared right now. We will baptize "pivotal" leaders and their influence will reach out. Non-members will want to know about the Church. These people will call the missionaries and will desire to be taught. The missionaries will be teaching large groups from early morning until late at night. Entire congregations will accept this message. Ten times tens of thousands will be baptized into the Lord’s true Church. I know that the spirit of the Lord is brooding over the South. You who are reading this letter are witnesses to my words.
Analysis: This letter is meant to be excavated and read on April 6, 2033, but the Church Historian's office and various individuals have copies in their possession. Featherstone's prediction of the Second Coming hasn't come true yet, but he still has some time - and in fairness, although he seems very confident of it here, in later sources he reiterated that nobody knows when it will be. All of the cities and states he mentioned except for Jackson, Mississippi now have temples. They're small temples that were built more to improve accessibility than in response to growth. The North America Southeast Area has grown a lot since 1983 but still has well under a million members. I doubt it will exceed a million by 2033.
God bless you. We love you. We are grateful to you for your great faith in Christ. Many of you have probably lived through the darkest period in the history of the world. Those of you who read this letter have witnessed the second coming of Christ, the day for which we have long awaited. What a glorious experience to live in the day when our Lord, our Redeemer, the very Son of God is reigning personally upon the earth.
We can imagine what General Conference must be like, to have the Savior address the people. My thoughts entertain such questions as, will there still be wards and stakes? Will the Lord hold area conferences and solemn assemblies? Have those of you reading this letter been visited by Him? My heart and soul seem nigh to be consumed at the very thought. In 3rd Nephi Chapter 17 the people looked "steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them." Oh what a blessed generation you are and must be....
There is a great satanic thrust, both by enemies of the Church from other religions and apostates who are filled with lies, deceit, and insidious evils. But they nor all the hosts of Satan can stop this work. We are seeing modern-day bands of Gadianton Robbers. I believe we are on the very threshold of great trials. The darkest clouds in the history of the world are on the horizon. They are being driven with fierce satanic winds in our direction. Earthquakes, famine, pestilences, disease, plagues will soon be upon us but we trust in our God and He will spare us and take us under his wings.
The Atlanta Temple is the first temple in the South. I can see temples in Charlotte, Columbia, Birmingham, Jackson, Nashville, and in Louisiana and Arkansas.
We now have more than 110,000 members of the Church in this area. I can see in my minds eye great hosts of converts to exceed a million members in the South. We will baptize people in the tens of thousands. These members, traditional Protestant and Catholic – Christians are being prepared right now. We will baptize "pivotal" leaders and their influence will reach out. Non-members will want to know about the Church. These people will call the missionaries and will desire to be taught. The missionaries will be teaching large groups from early morning until late at night. Entire congregations will accept this message. Ten times tens of thousands will be baptized into the Lord’s true Church. I know that the spirit of the Lord is brooding over the South. You who are reading this letter are witnesses to my words.
Analysis: This letter is meant to be excavated and read on April 6, 2033, but the Church Historian's office and various individuals have copies in their possession. Featherstone's prediction of the Second Coming hasn't come true yet, but he still has some time - and in fairness, although he seems very confident of it here, in later sources he reiterated that nobody knows when it will be. All of the cities and states he mentioned except for Jackson, Mississippi now have temples. They're small temples that were built more to improve accessibility than in response to growth. The North America Southeast Area has grown a lot since 1983 but still has well under a million members. I doubt it will exceed a million by 2033.
More Scriptures
Bruce R. McConkie, BYU Speech, 1984
Of this much we are quite certain: When, during the Millennium, the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon is translated, it will give an account of life in the premortal existence; of the creation of all things; of the Fall and the Atonement and the Second Coming; of temple ordinances, in their fullness; of the ministry and mission of translated beings; of life in the spirit world, in both paradise and hell; of the kingdoms of glory to be inhabited by resurrected beings; and many such like things.
As of now, the world is not ready to receive these truths. For one thing, these added doctrines will completely destroy the whole theory of organic evolution as it is now almost universally taught in the halls of academia. For another, they will set forth an entirely different concept and time frame of the creation, both of this earth and all forms of life and of the sidereal heavens themselves, than is postulated in all the theories of men. And sadly, there are those who, if forced to make a choice at this time, would select Darwin over Deity.
Analysis: Conveniently for McConkie, we have to wait until the Millennium to find out of his bold claim to know the contents of the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon was accurate, but we can make an educated guess right now. Of course he would assume that it teaches the distinctly Mormon doctrines that the actual Book of Mormon doesn't so much as mentioned because Joseph Smith hadn't thought of (or plagiarized) them yet. And of course he would assume that it corroborated his anti-science worldview, which he believed was just a straightforward common-sense reading of scripture and theology. But the church has quietly moved away from that worldview and taken a neutral position on evolution and the age of the Earth. Even if it hadn't, both of these theories are so thoroughly demonstrated by science that if any future book of scripture does contradict them, we can be confident that it's figurative or simply wrong. It may just as well "completely destroy the whole theory" that the Earth is round or that grass is green.
As of now, the world is not ready to receive these truths. For one thing, these added doctrines will completely destroy the whole theory of organic evolution as it is now almost universally taught in the halls of academia. For another, they will set forth an entirely different concept and time frame of the creation, both of this earth and all forms of life and of the sidereal heavens themselves, than is postulated in all the theories of men. And sadly, there are those who, if forced to make a choice at this time, would select Darwin over Deity.
Analysis: Conveniently for McConkie, we have to wait until the Millennium to find out of his bold claim to know the contents of the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon was accurate, but we can make an educated guess right now. Of course he would assume that it teaches the distinctly Mormon doctrines that the actual Book of Mormon doesn't so much as mentioned because Joseph Smith hadn't thought of (or plagiarized) them yet. And of course he would assume that it corroborated his anti-science worldview, which he believed was just a straightforward common-sense reading of scripture and theology. But the church has quietly moved away from that worldview and taken a neutral position on evolution and the age of the Earth. Even if it hadn't, both of these theories are so thoroughly demonstrated by science that if any future book of scripture does contradict them, we can be confident that it's figurative or simply wrong. It may just as well "completely destroy the whole theory" that the Earth is round or that grass is green.
More Scriptures
Neal A. Maxwell, A Wonderful Flood of Light, 1989
Many more scriptural writings will yet come to us, including those of Enoch (see D&C 107:57), all of the writings of the Apostle John (see Ether 4:16), the records of the lost tribes of Israel (see 2 Nephi 29:13), and the approximately two-thirds of the Book of Mormon plates that were sealed: "And the day cometh that the words of the book which were sealed shall be read upon the house tops; and they shall be read by the power of Christ; and all things shall be revealed unto the children of men which ever have been among the children of men, and which ever will be even unto the end of the earth" (2 Nephi 27:11). Today we carry convenient quadruple combinations of the scriptures, but one day, since more scriptures are coming, we may need to pull little red wagons brimful with books.
Analysis: Today we would just access all these scriptures through an app on our phones, but I think it's fair to disregard that speculative detail and focus on his main point. This hasn't happened, but of course it still could.
Analysis: Today we would just access all these scriptures through an app on our phones, but I think it's fair to disregard that speculative detail and focus on his main point. This hasn't happened, but of course it still could.
Calamities
"The Family: A Proclamation to the World," September 23, 1995
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
Analysis: Both in the context of this document's creation and how it's been interpreted since, "the disintegration of the family" mostly means the legalization of same-sex marriage, which hasn't brought many calamities yet. And if the Family Proclamation is prophetic, so is the Danvers Statement by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, which proclaimed in November 1988: "We are convinced that a denial or neglect of these principles will lead to increasingly destructive consequences in our families, our churches, and the culture at large."
Analysis: Both in the context of this document's creation and how it's been interpreted since, "the disintegration of the family" mostly means the legalization of same-sex marriage, which hasn't brought many calamities yet. And if the Family Proclamation is prophetic, so is the Danvers Statement by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, which proclaimed in November 1988: "We are convinced that a denial or neglect of these principles will lead to increasingly destructive consequences in our families, our churches, and the culture at large."
300 Operating Temples
David B. Haight, General Conference, October 2000
I know that we have a living prophet upon the earth today, and you can see the marvelous things that are happening in the Church now with 100 operating temples. Some of you here will live to see the day when there are 200 operating temples and then 300 operating temples, and whatever the number might eventually become.
Analysis: Russell M. Nelson announced the three hundredth temple twenty-two years later, so this prophecy is on track to be fulfilled within the specified timeframe. Of course, the church is wealthy enough to build as many temples as it wants, and under Nelson this number has become increasingly disconnected from its actual needs. It isn't nearly large or strong enough to warrant the number of temples in development. It will struggle to even staff them. So yes, but meh.
Analysis: Russell M. Nelson announced the three hundredth temple twenty-two years later, so this prophecy is on track to be fulfilled within the specified timeframe. Of course, the church is wealthy enough to build as many temples as it wants, and under Nelson this number has become increasingly disconnected from its actual needs. It isn't nearly large or strong enough to warrant the number of temples in development. It will struggle to even staff them. So yes, but meh.
Unprecedented Church Growth from Righteous Women
Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2015
My dear sisters, you who are our vital associates during this winding-up scene, the day that President Kimball foresaw is today. You are the women he foresaw! Your virtue, light, love, knowledge, courage, character, faith, and righteous lives will draw good women of the world, along with their families, to the Church in unprecedented numbers!
Analysis: This is an addendum to Spencer W. Kimball's 1979 prophecy. It gets a little more specific about the timeframe, the attributes required of the church's women, and the magnitude of growth. In the years since, neither women nor families have joined the church "in unprecedented numbers;" rather, its growth rate has continued to decline.
Analysis: This is an addendum to Spencer W. Kimball's 1979 prophecy. It gets a little more specific about the timeframe, the attributes required of the church's women, and the magnitude of growth. In the years since, neither women nor families have joined the church "in unprecedented numbers;" rather, its growth rate has continued to decline.
Jesus Christ's Mightiest Works
Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, April 2018
Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory.
Analysis: These claims are almost too vague to falsify, but I certainly haven't seen anything of the sort.
Analysis: These claims are almost too vague to falsify, but I certainly haven't seen anything of the sort.
Vitamin Pills and Rest
Russell M. Nelson, Interview, November 2018
If you think the Church has been fully restored, you're just seeing the beginning. There is much more to come. Wait till next year. Eat your vitamin pills. Get some rest. It’s going to be exciting.
Analysis: Despite the obvious context, some Latter-day Saints - I don't think many, but some - retroactively interpreted this statement as a warning to prepare for the Covid-19 pandemic. I don't think I need to explain how idiotic that is, but it really illustrates how starved they are for actual prophecies from their prophets. I don't think most subsequent developments in the church have been very exciting either, but I might feel differently if I still believed in it.
Analysis: Despite the obvious context, some Latter-day Saints - I don't think many, but some - retroactively interpreted this statement as a warning to prepare for the Covid-19 pandemic. I don't think I need to explain how idiotic that is, but it really illustrates how starved they are for actual prophecies from their prophets. I don't think most subsequent developments in the church have been very exciting either, but I might feel differently if I still believed in it.
Unforgettable Conference
Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2019
Select your own questions. Design your own plan. Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration. As you do, general conference next April will be not only memorable; it will be unforgettable.
Analysis: Despite the obvious context, many Latter-day Saints retroactively interpreted this statement as a prophecy of the Covid-19 pandemic, even though Nelson himself said that it wasn't. In the next conference he said, "Little did I know, when I promised you at the October 2019 general conference that this April conference would be 'memorable' and 'unforgettable,' that speaking to a visible congregation of fewer than 10 people would make this conference so memorable and unforgettable for me!" How memorable the conference was for anyone else is of course subjective and variable, but the proclamation he unveiled for the bicentennial of the First Vision was one of the most forgettable documents the church has ever produced. In the two years between then and when I left, I never heard anyone mention it again.
Analysis: Despite the obvious context, many Latter-day Saints retroactively interpreted this statement as a prophecy of the Covid-19 pandemic, even though Nelson himself said that it wasn't. In the next conference he said, "Little did I know, when I promised you at the October 2019 general conference that this April conference would be 'memorable' and 'unforgettable,' that speaking to a visible congregation of fewer than 10 people would make this conference so memorable and unforgettable for me!" How memorable the conference was for anyone else is of course subjective and variable, but the proclamation he unveiled for the bicentennial of the First Vision was one of the most forgettable documents the church has ever produced. In the two years between then and when I left, I never heard anyone mention it again.
Jesus Christ's Greatest Manifestations
Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2022
But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns "with power and great glory," He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.
Analysis: This is essentially the same thing he said four and a half years earlier, but more emphatic. Repeating it won't make it come true.
Analysis: This is essentially the same thing he said four and a half years earlier, but more emphatic. Repeating it won't make it come true.
