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. Another revelation that Joseph Smith recorded in DC 124꞉49-51 rescinded the earlier command to build a temple at Independence. The Lord accepted the diligent efforts of the Saints and wisely instructed them to build temples at other places where they would not be hindered by enemies.
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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.
To read more:
- "Did Joseph Smith Prophesy Falsely Regarding David Patten?" off-site
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Claim: DC 1꞉37-38 "just says that you can’t make any excuses for a prophecy that doesn’t come true." (Chip Thompson)
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In this passage, the Lord confirms his word (e.g., prophecies and promises) in the Doctrine and Covenants shall all be fulfilled. By "search[ing] these commandments" we find that:
- promised blessings are predicated by obedience (DC 130꞉20-21)
- commandments and their promised blessings can be revoked due to disobedience (DC 58꞉30-31 DC 56꞉4)
- we need not "run faster or labor more than you have strength" (DC 10꞉4)
- if circumstances render one unable to perfectly keep a commandment, it is sufficient to have good intent (DC 124꞉49-51 see also Mosiah 4꞉24-27)
- if men use agency to be "anxiously engaged" in good acts, they won't "lose their reward" (DC 58꞉27-28)
- the mere presence of a commandment does not guarantee success, prayer is also needed to "come off conqueror" of Satan's opposition. (DC 10꞉5)
- if a person in an important calling can no longer fulfill important responsibilities due to apostasy or death, the Lord can appoint a replacement (DC 114꞉2 DC 118꞉6 DC 124꞉30)
It is a misuse of the passage to recast complex texts—texts dealing with commandments in the presence of agency and conditional promises—into unconditional prophecies that must be fulfilled by the letter.
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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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