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Question: Did Joseph Smith give a false prophecy by claiming that queens would pay respect to the Relief Society within ten years?: Difference between revisions
(De-snark; tighten wording; some corrections)
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If the prophecy remained unfilled, then it would be because the conditions set forth were not met. There is some evidence to support this position.
If the prophecy remained unfilled, then it would be because the conditions set forth were not met. There is some evidence to support this position.


For example, it is known that Joseph received considerable trouble from his wife, Emma, as head of the Relief Society.  Emma would not support [[Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Emma_Smith|plural marriage]], and used the Relief Society to attempt to thwart Joseph's teaching of the doctrine. Joseph was always trying to draw people up to their own better potential—"how mean, how trifling have been our conversations..."—and encourage people to prepare to behold the face of God. However, in this case, Joseph states, point blank, that "iniquity must be purged out," which implies that it has to be there to begin with. There were certainly apostates among the Relief Society.
For example, it is known that Joseph received considerable trouble from his wife, Emma, as head of the Relief Society.  Emma would not support [[Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Emma_Smith|plural marriage]], and used the Relief Society to attempt to thwart Joseph's teaching of it. Joseph was frequently trying to draw people up to their own better potential—"how mean, how trifling have been our conversations..."—and encourage people to prepare to behold the face of God. However, in this case, Joseph states, point blank, that "iniquity must be purged out," which implies that it has to be there to begin with. There were certainly apostates among the Relief Society.


Brigham was not pleased about what the Relief Society leadership had done to oppose Joseph and to oppose plural marriage, and the associated difficulties which the Relief Society and their "witch hunts" for impurity caused.  (Joseph spoke to them about this; you can read about the difficulties in Newell and Avery, even if their account is somewhat biased against Joseph.)  
Brigham was not pleased about what the Relief Society leadership had done to oppose Joseph and to oppose plural marriage, and the associated difficulties which the Relief Society and their "witch hunts" for impurity caused.  (Joseph spoke to them about this; you can read about the difficulties in [[#Endnotes|Newell and Avery]].)  
   
   
Following the death of Joseph Smith, the Relief Society as an organization went on "hiatus." This "hiatus" had a lot to do with that, in historical context.  
Following the death of Joseph Smith, the Relief Society as an organization went on "hiatus." This "hiatus" had a lot to do with that, in historical context.  
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It should be noted that Newell and Avery claim this is not true in the strict reading of the minutes, however, it is well known that Emma did everything she could to discourage people from following Joseph on this point, both in what she said privately and publicly.  Newell and Avery provide evidence themselves, but don't draw the obvious conclusion.
It should be noted that Newell and Avery claim this is not true in the strict reading of the minutes, however, it is well known that Emma did everything she could to discourage people from following Joseph on this point, both in what she said privately and publicly.  Newell and Avery provide evidence themselves, but don't draw the obvious conclusion.


Even Eliza R. Snow felt it necessary to correct the impression that the Relief Society in Nauvoo had done "more harm than good," emphasizing that it "saved many lives."  But, there mere fact that she needed to correct this impression should tell us something about how the Relief Society under Emma's tenure was seen—there were lives saved, but there was also a somewhat darker side that kept Brigham from reconstituting the organization for 10 years, and made Eliza need to emphasize that it had been worth it, on balance, even with the problems.{{ref|snow1}}
Even Eliza R. Snow felt it necessary to correct the impression that the Relief Society in Nauvoo had done "more harm than good," emphasizing that it "saved many lives."  But, the mere fact that she needed to correct this impression should tell us something about how the Relief Society under Emma's tenure was seen—there were lives saved, but there was also a somewhat darker side that kept Brigham from reconstituting the organization for ten years, and made Eliza need to emphasize that it had been worth it, on balance, even with the problems.{{ref|snow1}}


Emma, for her part, made her intent for the Relief Society clear. From ''Mormon Enigma'',
Emma, for her part, made her intent for the Relief Society clear:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
"We intend to look into the morals of each other, and watch over each other…All proceedings that regard difficulties should be kept among the members [of the Relief Society]… None can object to telling the good but withhold the evil."  Given human nature, Emma was demanding an impossible commitment from her members…Joseph also commented on the women's zeal to "purge out iniquity," but added that "sometimes [your] zeal is not according to knowledge." {{ref|enigma1}}
"We intend to look into the morals of each other, and watch over each other…. All proceedings that regard difficulties should be kept among the members [of the Relief Society]…. None can object to telling the good but withhold the evil."  Given human nature, Emma was demanding an impossible commitment from her members…Joseph also commented on the women's zeal to "purge out iniquity," but added that "sometimes [your] zeal is not according to knowledge." {{ref|enigma1}}
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


Note Joseph's line to the sisters: "You need not be teasing men for their deeds, but let the weight of innocence be felt which is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck."--i.e., quit acting as the witch-hunt committee. He spoke on this more than once; it was an on-going problem, and much of it was driven by Emma.
Note Joseph's line to the sisters: "You need not be teasing men for their deeds, but let the weight of innocence be felt which is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck."&mdash;i.e., quit acting as the "witch-hunt committee." He spoke on this more than once; it was an on-going problem, and much of it was driven by Emma.


Joseph said that there were problems that had to be improved. This could be good evidence that in Emma's case, that the problem wasn't solved. Joseph repeatedly talked to them about judging the actions of others, minding their own business, etc.
Joseph said that there were problems that had to be improved. This could be good evidence that in Emma's case, that the problem wasn't solved. Joseph repeatedly talked to them about judging the actions of others, minding their own business, etc.


====Was the prophecy fulfilled?====
====Was the prophecy fulfilled?====
One might ask, "What would it otherwise have taken to fulfill the prophecy? Was the Queen of England supposed to come to Nauvoo?" One could argue that the prophecy was in fact fulfilled. The queens in their midst were anointed to become such and some had their election made sure before leaving for Utah. Joseph's speech to the Relief Society could be a foreshadowing of the temple ordinances they would later receive and that would qualify and prepare them to receive such.
One might ask, "What would it otherwise have taken to fulfill the prophecy? Was the Queen of England supposed to come to Nauvoo?" One could argue that the prophecy was in fact fulfilled. The queens in their midst were anointed as part of the endowment, revealed by Joseph at Nauvoo, and some had their election made sure before leaving for Utah. Joseph's speech to the Relief Society could be a foreshadowing of the temple ordinances they would later receive and that would qualify and prepare them to receive such.


Consider also that at least ''one'' queen has visited the Saints in modern times.
Consider also that at least ''one'' queen has visited the Saints in modern times.
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===Conclusion===
===Conclusion===
It is telling that critics omit the qualifier as they try to discredit Joseph. By oversimplifying Joseph's statement to be "queens shall visit" within ten years and then respond that no queens came, ignores the context in which the prophecy was given.
Critics omit the qualifier as they try to discredit Joseph. Oversimplifying Joseph's statement to be "queens shall visit" within ten years, and then claiming that no queens came, ignores the context in which the prophecy was given.


This situation could be compared to the Lord's command that the Saints build up Zion in Jackson County. Obviously, the Saints were driven out of the county and this command was not fulfilled. It is ultimately not right to blame the Saints for not fulfilling the Jackson County commands as the Lord accepted their offering and put the blame squarely on their enemies. There is an implied condition based on 1) the diligence of the faithful and 2) plans not being frustrated by hostile agents. One can take the view that God adapts to the actions of good and bad moral agents and re-evaluates His plans: commanding and retracting as it seemeth good to him.
This situation could be compared to the Lord's command that the Saints build up Zion in Jackson County. [[Independence_temple_to_be_built_%22in_this_generation%22|The Saints were driven out of the county and this command was not fulfilled]]. It is ultimately not right to blame the Saints for not fulfilling the Jackson County commands, as the Lord accepted their offering and put the blame squarely on their enemies. There is an implied condition based on 1) the diligence of the faithful and 2) plans not being frustrated by hostile agents. One can take the view that God adapts to the actions of good and bad moral agents and reevaluates His plans: commanding and retracting as it seems good to him.


Regardless of whether or not one feels that the prophecy was literally fulfilled, or whether it yet ''remains'' to be fulfilled, we can all certainly agree with the opinion expressed by President Gordon B. Hinckley,
Regardless of whether or not one feels that the prophecy was literally fulfilled, or whether it yet ''remains'' to be fulfilled, we can all certainly agree with the opinion expressed by President Gordon B. Hinckley,

Revision as of 04:09, 30 July 2009

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Criticism

  • A record exists of Joseph prophesying that queens would pay their respects to the Relief Society within ten years of its formation. That no queens did so is held up as a sign of false prophecy.

Source(s) of the criticism

Response

The prophecy

Such a record exists, although critics generally do not cite the entire text. Abanes, One Nation, for example, cites only: "I now prophecy that before ten years shall roll around, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society." Abanes then notes, "No queens have ever fulfilled this prophecy.".

Here is the prophecy in context, with several key phrases highlighted:

Females, if they are pure and innocent can come into the presence of God, for what is more pleasing to God than innocence; you must be innocent or you cannot come up before God. If we would come before God let us be pure ourselves. The devil has great power-- he will so transform things as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God-- You need not be teasing men for their deeds, but let the weight of innocence be felt which is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck. Not war, not jangle, not contradiction, but meekness, love purity, these are the things that should magnify us. 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.[1]

According to Joseph's own words, the prophecy is clearly conditional on the continuing righteousness of the Relief Society.

Fulfillment of the prophecy

There are several schools of thought regarding this prophecy:

  1. That fulfillment has been delayed.
  2. That it has already been fulfilled.

We do not take a position on this issue, but present the various arguments here.

Was the fulfillment of the prophecy delayed?

If the prophecy remained unfilled, then it would be because the conditions set forth were not met. There is some evidence to support this position.

For example, it is known that Joseph received considerable trouble from his wife, Emma, as head of the Relief Society. Emma would not support plural marriage, and used the Relief Society to attempt to thwart Joseph's teaching of it. Joseph was frequently trying to draw people up to their own better potential—"how mean, how trifling have been our conversations..."—and encourage people to prepare to behold the face of God. However, in this case, Joseph states, point blank, that "iniquity must be purged out," which implies that it has to be there to begin with. There were certainly apostates among the Relief Society.

Brigham was not pleased about what the Relief Society leadership had done to oppose Joseph and to oppose plural marriage, and the associated difficulties which the Relief Society and their "witch hunts" for impurity caused. (Joseph spoke to them about this; you can read about the difficulties in Newell and Avery.)

Following the death of Joseph Smith, the Relief Society as an organization went on "hiatus." This "hiatus" had a lot to do with that, in historical context.

Brigham noted, one year after the martyrdom:

When I want Sisters or the Wives of the members of the church to get up Relief Society I will summon them to my aid, but until that time let them stay at home if you see Females huddling together, veto the concern, and if they say Joseph started it all tell them it is a damned lie for I know he never encouraged it. [2]

Note that Brigham's issue is not with the existence of the Relief Society, but the "huddling together" to seek out iniquity. John Taylor gives us further background on why the organization was suspended,

The "reason why the Relief Society did not continue from the first organization was that Emma Smith the Pres. taught the Sisters that the principle of Celestial Marriage as taught and practiced by Joseph Smith was not of God." [3]

It should be noted that Newell and Avery claim this is not true in the strict reading of the minutes, however, it is well known that Emma did everything she could to discourage people from following Joseph on this point, both in what she said privately and publicly. Newell and Avery provide evidence themselves, but don't draw the obvious conclusion.

Even Eliza R. Snow felt it necessary to correct the impression that the Relief Society in Nauvoo had done "more harm than good," emphasizing that it "saved many lives." But, the mere fact that she needed to correct this impression should tell us something about how the Relief Society under Emma's tenure was seen—there were lives saved, but there was also a somewhat darker side that kept Brigham from reconstituting the organization for ten years, and made Eliza need to emphasize that it had been worth it, on balance, even with the problems.[4]

Emma, for her part, made her intent for the Relief Society clear:

"We intend to look into the morals of each other, and watch over each other…. All proceedings that regard difficulties should be kept among the members [of the Relief Society]…. None can object to telling the good but withhold the evil." Given human nature, Emma was demanding an impossible commitment from her members…Joseph also commented on the women's zeal to "purge out iniquity," but added that "sometimes [your] zeal is not according to knowledge." [5]

Note Joseph's line to the sisters: "You need not be teasing men for their deeds, but let the weight of innocence be felt which is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck."—i.e., quit acting as the "witch-hunt committee." He spoke on this more than once; it was an on-going problem, and much of it was driven by Emma.

Joseph said that there were problems that had to be improved. This could be good evidence that in Emma's case, that the problem wasn't solved. Joseph repeatedly talked to them about judging the actions of others, minding their own business, etc.

Was the prophecy fulfilled?

One might ask, "What would it otherwise have taken to fulfill the prophecy? Was the Queen of England supposed to come to Nauvoo?" One could argue that the prophecy was in fact fulfilled. The queens in their midst were anointed as part of the endowment, revealed by Joseph at Nauvoo, and some had their election made sure before leaving for Utah. Joseph's speech to the Relief Society could be a foreshadowing of the temple ordinances they would later receive and that would qualify and prepare them to receive such.

Consider also that at least one queen has visited the Saints in modern times.

Tongan Queen Visits Utah During a six-day visit to Utah, Tongan Queen Halaevalu Mata‘aho met with members of the First Presidency, toured many sites of interest, and spoke at several gatherings....Queen Mata‘aho was met at the airport by Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elder John H. Groberg of the Seventy. While visiting in Tonga during the Church’s 1991 centennial celebrations, Elder Nelson had invited the queen to visit Utah. In addition to meeting with the First Presidency and holding a press conference, Queen Mata‘aho toured Brigham Young University campus, delivered an address on the role of women in Tonga at the BYU Kennedy Center for International Studies, visited the Missionary Training Center and the Primary Children’s Medical Center, and spoke at a Tongan community fireside.[6]

Conclusion

Critics omit the qualifier as they try to discredit Joseph. Oversimplifying Joseph's statement to be "queens shall visit" within ten years, and then claiming that no queens came, ignores the context in which the prophecy was given.

This situation could be compared to the Lord's command that the Saints build up Zion in Jackson County. The Saints were driven out of the county and this command was not fulfilled. It is ultimately not right to blame the Saints for not fulfilling the Jackson County commands, as the Lord accepted their offering and put the blame squarely on their enemies. There is an implied condition based on 1) the diligence of the faithful and 2) plans not being frustrated by hostile agents. One can take the view that God adapts to the actions of good and bad moral agents and reevaluates His plans: commanding and retracting as it seems good to him.

Regardless of whether or not one feels that the prophecy was literally fulfilled, or whether it yet remains to be fulfilled, we can all certainly agree with the opinion expressed by President Gordon B. Hinckley,

This is what the Relief Society does for women. It gives them opportunity for growth and development. It gives them status as queens in their own households. It gives them place and position, where they grow as they exercise their talents. It gives them pride and direction in family life. It gives them added appreciation for good, eternal companions and children.[7]

Endnotes

  1. [note] Joseph Smith, "Observations Respecting the Priesthood," A Sermon Delivered on 28 April 1842, from the Minutes of the Nauvoo [Illinois] Relief Society, original in LDS Church Archives; reproduced in The Essential Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1995), 162-163. Compare with edited versions of these remarks in Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected by Joseph Fielding Smith, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1976), 227. off-site and History of the Church, 4:605–606. Volume 4 link
  2. [note] Newell and Avery, p. 174; Brigham Young statement, 9 March 1845, Seventies Record, LDS Archives
  3. [note] Newell and Avery, p. 174; John Taylor, 29 June 1881, LDS Archives
  4. [note] Eliza R Snow, "A Book of Records Containing the Minutes of the Organization and Proceedings of the Female Relief Society of West Jordan Ward," 12 April 1868, LDS Archives
  5. [note] Mormon Enigma, 2nd ed., 109; citing RS Minutes, 18th meeting, 28 September 1842.
  6. [note] “Tongan Queen Visits Utah,” Ensign, Feb. 1992, 77.
  7. [note] Gordon B. Hinckley, “In the Arms of His Love,” Liahona, Nov 2006, 115–18.

Further reading

FAIR wiki articles

Template:ProphecyWiki

FAIR web site

  • Gilbert W. Scharffs, The Truth about ‘The God Makers’ (Salt Lake City, Utah: Publishers Press, 1989; republished by Bookcraft, 1994), chapter 15. Full text FAIR link ISBN 088494963X. off-site

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External links

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Printed material

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