Alleged false prophecies of Joseph Smith

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Questions

== Critics claim that Joseph Smith was not a true prophet, and that he made "false prophecies."

To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

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Fulfilled prophecies

• The Word of Wisdom states that it is given in part because of the "evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days" (DC 89꞉4). Modern developments have vindicated this prophetic warning.
• A list of some examples of fulfilled prophecies can be found here:
  • Jeff Lindsay, "Fulfilled Prophesies of Joseph Smith," off-site

Accusations of false prophecy

Specific accusations of Joseph Smith having uttered "false prophecy" are treated in the following wiki articles:

Can't kill Joseph within 5 years of August 1843?

Summary: Sarah Scott's claim that Joseph Smith said on 27 August 1843 that nobody could kill him "till the Temple would be completed."

Civil War prophecy

Summary: Joseph Smith made an 1832 prophecy of the Civil War. Critics use a variety of tactics to dismiss this prophetic "hit."

• • Alexander Doniphan and destruction in Missouri—
    Brief Summary: Immense destructions in Missouri preceding the Second Coming, so extensive that “not a yellow dog will be left to wag his tail.” (Click here for full article)
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  • Attitude of Saints to Civil War prophecy—
    Brief Summary: One critic claims that the horrors of the Civil War actually brought the Saints "some degree of emotional satisfaction and comfort," since it fulfilled Joseph's prophecy. (Click here for full article)
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David Patten to serve a mission

Summary: Joseph Smith, under the inspiration of the Lord, issued a call for David Patten to go on a mission the following spring. Since Patten died before fulfilling this mission, critics claim that this is a failed prophecy.

Forged prophecy about Saints in Rocky Mountains?

Summary: Critics Jerald and Sandra Tanner claim that a prophecy from Joseph about the Saints' move to the Rocky Mountains was forged after the fact and inserted into the History of the Church.

• • Tanners' use of sources—
    Brief Summary: An examination of the sources used by the Tanners and how they do not support the critical claim. (Click here for full article)
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Official doctrine: what is it?

== Notes == None