Did Joseph Smith receive revelation that the moon was inhabited?
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We have no evidence that he did. This claim is based on a single third-hand report made in 1881, almost four decades after Joseph died. Even though the belief was popular in the nineteenth century, we have no evidence from Joseph's writings or speeches that he believed any such thing, or that he made any prophecies or revelations related to such a belief.
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Is DC 84꞉3-5 an example of a failed prophecy?
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Joseph Smith's revelation in D&C 84 may appear on the surface to be a failed prophecy, but a more nuanced exegesis reveals that it may not have been a prophecy, and if it is, its fulfillment is still in the future.
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Is DC 114꞉1 an example of a failed prophecy?
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This revelation is an admonition for David Patten to set all his affairs in order so that he may perform a mission, not a prophecy that he would serve a mission.
Another point to consider is that the revelation was directed to David Patten in his capacity as Head of the Quorum of the Twelve. This is how the LDS Church members understood it at the time. So although Patten himself did not survive until the spring, on the day in question, a group of Saints together with the Twelve Apostles gathered in the main square at Far West to take their leave, as prescribed in D&C 114. They then departed in a great hurry (the whole event occurring well before dawn) before anyone would notice because Far West was now enemy territory! They did this in a conscious effort to ensure that the prophecy was fulfilled. Shortly after that the Twelve, now led by Brigham Young, did indeed depart for Great Britain, where they had great success and secured the foundations for the LDS Church as we know it today.
To read more:
- "Did Joseph Smith Prophesy Falsely Regarding David Patten?" off-site
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Claim: Joseph Smith does not measure up to the Biblical standard for prophets in Deuteronomy 18꞉21-22
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There is no reliable evidence that Joseph Smith fails any sound test based on Deuteronomy 18꞉21-22. These critics have attempted to condemn Joseph Smith using a standard that would, if applied to Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Nathan, an angel of God, and Jonah, also condemn the Old Testament as a fraud. The critics are inconsistent, given their desire to condemn Joseph.
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Did Joseph Smith prophesy the exact date of the Second Coming of Christ?
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Joseph Smith was merely speculating in 1835 when he said "even 56 years should wind up the scene." It is clear the actual revelation recorded in DC 130꞉14-17 he had on the subject left the exact date much more uncertain.
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Other Protestant attacks on the Church of Jesus Christ:
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