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Prophecy?

Etritonakin

Well-Known Member
Daniel live in 165 BC and wrote about the past in Nebuchadnezzar's court in Babylon 400 years earlier. He also wrote about the Abomination of Desolation in the time of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the Maccabean Revolt.

He wrote NOTHING about Europe or the modern age and was NOT considered a prophet.

Have you been following Hal Lindsey?
No.

Even Daniel specifically wrote that many of the prophecies were for the end time.

He detailed a succession of rulers and kingdoms -beginning at the time of his own personal dealings with Nebuchadnezzar.
Nebuchadnezzar's dream -and the interpretation -spoke of a succession of rulers/kingdoms over time -from Nebuchadnezzar (head of gold) -to the time of a setting of a neverending kingdom.

He prophesied EVERY world-ruling kingdom -and many lesser related events -and the intent was certainly an overview of all future history until the setting up of the kingdom of God.



1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

5Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. 6And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. 8And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. 11And from the time that the daily shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall bea thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. 13But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
 
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sooda

Veteran Member
No.

Even Daniel specifically wrote that many of the prophecies were for the end time.

He detailed a succession of rulers and kingdoms -beginning at the time of his own personal dealings with Nebuchadnezzar.
Nebuchadnezzar's dream -and the interpretation -spoke of a succession of rulers/kingdoms over time -from Nebuchadnezzar (head of gold) -to the time of a setting of a neverending kingdom.
Daniel wrote about the past and Cyrus . Then he wrote about the time he was living in during the maccabean revolt. What you are referring to is bad theology promoted by hal lindsey, lahaye and Cyrus Scofield. Daniel wasn't born during the Babylonian exile. He was born more than 300 years later. To make matters more complicated the early stuff is borrowed from danel .a sryian poem from 1500 bc.
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
Daniel wrote about the past and Cyrus . Then he wrote about the time he was living in during the maccabean revolt. What you are referring to is bad theology promoted by hal lindsey, lahaye and Cyrus Scofield. Daniel wasn't born during the Babylonian exile. He was born more than 300 years later. To make matters more complicated the early stuff is borrowed from danel .a sryian poem from 1500 bc.

Thanks. but if you guys want to argue specific Abrahamic prophecies, can you start another thread for that? The OP was a about the concept of prophecy at all. But it's worth noting this from post 1 ... "Then there are the arguments about it, seemingly endless arguments. I see little use in that too. Whatever will be will be."

Thanks.
 

sooda

Veteran Member
No.

Even Daniel specifically wrote that many of the prophecies were for the end time.

He detailed a succession of rulers and kingdoms -beginning at the time of his own personal dealings with Nebuchadnezzar.
Nebuchadnezzar's dream -and the interpretation -spoke of a succession of rulers/kingdoms over time -from Nebuchadnezzar (head of gold) -to the time of a setting of a neverending kingdom.

He prophesied EVERY world-ruling kingdom -and many lesser related events -and the intent was certainly an overview of all future history until the setting up of the kingdom of God.



1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

5Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. 6And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. 8And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. 11And from the time that the daily shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall bea thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. 13But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

Jesus said that to escape the tribulation his people should flee to the mountains. They did. They went to Pella.. and it was over when Masada fell.

As for Daniel/Danel:

Book of Daniel, Another Borrowed Myth

Biblical stories are never really sequential: they commonly have identical plotlines told under different circumstances.

For example, the twenty-seventh book of the Old Testament is Daniel, which is regarded by many biblical scholars as being more apocalyptic in nature than prophetic.


In the book of Ezekiel (14:14), written 592-586 BCE, there is mention of a Daniel who, along with Noah and Job, is characterized as one of history’s most outstanding righteous men.

The biblical tale of Daniel is set in the timeframe of the sixth century BCE when Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylonia. The implied date in Daniel 1:1 is 606 BCE.

But this is Hebrew literature, and the book of Daniel is actually a make-over tale taken from a north Syrian poem dating c. 1500 BCE and updated c. second century BCE as part of the alleged historical background of the Judeans.

We should note as well, the Syrian Daniel was from a city named Salem, meaning “peace,” which also just happened to have become part of the name Jerusalem.

continued

Book of Daniel, Another Borrowed Myth

The Syrian poem is actually North coast Canaanites from the Ugarit.. aka Ras Shamra.
 

Segev Moran

Well-Known Member
I read topics about prophecy, and it seems that for some, it's just such a basic tenet ... so basic it's presented as fact.
In the Jewish belief, prophecies are only regarded as ones after they were validated :)
So you will never find a prophecy that is regarded as fact.
In the bible (Hebrew) there are many prophecies, many of them present a surprising description of our current reality.
As this is the case, many people assume the pother prophecies are also true.
Personally, I don't believe in prophecy, the concept. The idea that someone can predict the future with any accuracy at all just seems odd to me. Sure, some stuff is obvious. We're all going to die. The sun will come up tomorrow. The weather changes.
If you'll read the prophecies regarding the Jewish people and the world, some are very surprising.
I do not take the idea of prophecies as something to lead my life by, but there are things i really can't ignore.
But things like end time, the next coming of a prophet, avatar, all that, well, it seems a bit of a stretch. And often it seems folks, wishing to believe such a thing, go back and alter the wording, or scripture, using creative license, just to make it look like somebody somewhere made an accurate prediction.
Yep, many times people twist the actual texts to try and present a different thing.
Then there are the arguments about it, seemingly endless arguments. I see little use in that too. Whatever will be will be.
I agree.. at the end, days will tell if any of the prophecies are right or wrong.
The end time as an example, as described in Christianity or Islam is VERY different than the one described in the Jewish bible.
If you check the Jewish prophecy, it seem like the world is heading towards many things that are described there.
Today, with the recent scientific changes, i would not scratch those prophecies so fast.
I loved a teen novel called Dragonwings. In it a Chinese character often used the phrase ... "Maybe. Maybe not." That seems far more realistic to me. I'm happy with whatever future happens on this planet, and being a Hindu, this soul (certainly not this ego/personality) will likely see it.
This is all we have :) maybe... maybe not ;)
If someone could accurately predict the future, why not go to the race track, and make yourself a bundle, then put it to charity? (just an example, but there would be some positive uses.)
You are talking about psychics ?
I don't believe there are people today who can actually predict the future, for sure not in the sense of predicting specific results of specific events :)
So ... why do you believe in prophecy, as a concept? Or not, like me?
Mostly not, but as i said before, There are some things written in the Jewish bible that i simply can't ignore :)
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
In the Jewish belief, prophecies are only regarded as ones after they were validated :)
So you will never find a prophecy that is regarded as fact.
In the bible (Hebrew) there are many prophecies, many of them present a surprising description of our current reality.
As this is the case, many people assume the pother prophecies are also true.

If you'll read the prophecies regarding the Jewish people and the world, some are very surprising.
I do not take the idea of prophecies as something to lead my life by, but there are things i really can't ignore.

Yep, many times people twist the actual texts to try and present a different thing.

I agree.. at the end, days will tell if any of the prophecies are right or wrong.
The end time as an example, as described in Christianity or Islam is VERY different than the one described in the Jewish bible.
If you check the Jewish prophecy, it seem like the world is heading towards many things that are described there.
Today, with the recent scientific changes, i would not scratch those prophecies so fast.

This is all we have :) maybe... maybe not ;)

You are talking about psychics ?
I don't believe there are people today who can actually predict the future, for sure not in the sense of predicting specific results of specific events :)

Mostly not, but as i said before, There are some things written in the Jewish bible that i simply can't ignore :)

Thanks for the sensible well written post.
 

jonassmichael

New Member
I read topics about prophecy, and it seems that for some, it's just such a basic tenet ... so basic it's presented as fact.

Personally, I don't believe in prophecy, the concept. The idea that someone can predict the future with any accuracy at all just seems odd to me. Sure, some stuff is obvious. We're all going to die. The sun will come up tomorrow. The weather changes.

But things like end time, the next coming of a prophet, avatar, all that, well, it seems a bit of a stretch. And often it seems folks, wishing to believe such a thing, go back and alter the wording, or scripture, using creative license, just to make it look like somebody somewhere made an accurate prediction. Then there are the arguments about it, seemingly endless arguments. I see little use in that too. Whatever will be will be.

I loved a teen novel called Dragonwings. In it a Chinese character often used the phrase ... "Maybe. Maybe not." That seems far more realistic to me. I'm happy with whatever future happens on this planet, and being a Hindu, this soul (certainly not this ego/personality) will likely see it.

If someone could accurately predict the future, why not go to the race track, and make yourself a bundle, then put it to charity? (just an example, but there would be some positive uses.)

So ... why do you believe in prophecy, as a concept? Or not, like me?

If all were left to human agency we would be in really bad shape, no? Prophets predict divine intervention in human history. I deal with it on my thread.
 

Etritonakin

Well-Known Member
Jesus said that to escape the tribulation his people should flee to the mountains. They did. They went to Pella.. and it was over when Masada fell.

As for Daniel/Danel:

Book of Daniel, Another Borrowed Myth

Biblical stories are never really sequential: they commonly have identical plotlines told under different circumstances.

For example, the twenty-seventh book of the Old Testament is Daniel, which is regarded by many biblical scholars as being more apocalyptic in nature than prophetic.


In the book of Ezekiel (14:14), written 592-586 BCE, there is mention of a Daniel who, along with Noah and Job, is characterized as one of history’s most outstanding righteous men.

The biblical tale of Daniel is set in the timeframe of the sixth century BCE when Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylonia. The implied date in Daniel 1:1 is 606 BCE.

But this is Hebrew literature, and the book of Daniel is actually a make-over tale taken from a north Syrian poem dating c. 1500 BCE and updated c. second century BCE as part of the alleged historical background of the Judeans.

We should note as well, the Syrian Daniel was from a city named Salem, meaning “peace,” which also just happened to have become part of the name Jerusalem.

continued

Book of Daniel, Another Borrowed Myth

The Syrian poem is actually North coast Canaanites from the Ugarit.. aka Ras Shamra.
You CAN apply various words to various events as you will -and you are -but you are incorrect even according to those words -though there is little point in explaining how.

Anyway -consider it further or do not -hindsight is 20/20 as they say. When ALL IS FULFILLED -as stated in the scripture you referenced -you will see things differently.
Though things CAN be known beforehand -for those willing to look into it seriously (to, among other things, watch and pray that they may be counted worthy to escape all these things which must surely come to pass), etc., prophecy will mostly be a record referenced later -when all stand before God -to show that he has declared the end from the beginning.
 
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TransmutingSoul

Veteran Member
Premium Member
I do not discount the possibility that this will happen: is there an initiation ceremony needed for one to become a Baha'i'?

Like all Faiths, becoming a Baha'i is a realization within ones own self, that what you have been shown in your search and life is from God.

I would say at the moment one has accepted with Faith, that all the proofs and reasoning given by Baha'u'llah that has led them to that point, that they are already a Baha'i.

In the Baha'i Faith at that point, one can request to become a Baha'i to participate in the Administration aspect of the Faith. There is a declaration card that is submitted and allows those administrative actions to commence.

Regards Tony
 

sooda

Veteran Member
You CAN apply various words to various events as you will -and you are -but you are incorrect even according to those words -though there is little point in explaining how.

Anyway -consider it further or do not -hindsight is 20/20 as they say. When ALL IS FULFILLED -as stated in the scripture you referenced -you will see things differently.
Though things CAN be known beforehand -for those willing to look into it seriously (to, among other things, watch and pray that they may be counted worthy to escape all these things which must surely come to pass), etc., prophecy will mostly be a record referenced later -when all stand before God -to show that he has declared the end from the beginning.

Most prophecy is written after the fact.. Daniel wasn't alive during the time of King Nebuchadnezzar.. He was writing about the past.
 
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Etritonakin

Well-Known Member
Thanks. but if you guys want to argue specific Abrahamic prophecies, can you start another thread for that? The OP was a about the concept of prophecy at all. But it's worth noting this from post 1 ... "Then there are the arguments about it, seemingly endless arguments. I see little use in that too. Whatever will be will be."

Thanks.

To summarize... One in an "original" and all-inclusive position would be able to create the future by being able to "subdue all things unto himself" -including superseding the wills of humans.

Biblically, the prophets were "sent" -and didn't have much say in the matter (though usually willing due to understanding. Jonah was unwilling -but God made sure he did as God wanted). It is written that many will actually prophesy, but there are two which are specified to prophesy -and be given certain power over things as allows by God -later -called the two witnesses -most likely Elijah and David given other scriptures.
As it was prophesied long ago, it will be a matter of God causing it to come to pass.
 
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Shantanu

Well-Known Member
Like all Faiths, becoming a Baha'i is a realization within ones own self, that what you have been shown in your search and life is from God.
I used to have that faith, but now I am not inclined to accept that God has imparted any kind of realisation to me. This is because I have not been able to acquire a single follower to my faith of Existentialism so do not think it is going to be the unifying chapter in what Baha'u'llah prescribed. I have tried to reconcile it with Hindus and Buddhists but no one is prepared to listen to my faith, and it has stopped being a faith as I am now a Born Again Human Being just existing from day to day with my family. So no gods for me anymore. Sorry.
 

sooda

Veteran Member
A prophet needs to be more than a good guesser.

Daniel or whoever wrote Daniel wasn't guessing .. He was writing in 165 BC about what was happening then and about the past in Babylon before he was born. Oddly enough, he is NOT considered a prophet at all. In Judaism he is NOT listed among the prophets.
 

jonassmichael

New Member
Ah, just go visit my thread. What happened thousands of years ago is really open to debate today.

Found in religious debates. Titled: Atheists are paying a HIGH PRICE tonight.
 
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TransmutingSoul

Veteran Member
Premium Member
I used to have that faith, but now I am not inclined to accept that God has imparted any kind of realisation to me. This is because I have not been able to acquire a single follower to my faith of Existentialism so do not think it is going to be the unifying chapter in what Baha'u'llah prescribed. I have tried to reconcile it with Hindus and Buddhists but no one is prepared to listen to my faith, and it has stopped being a faith as I am now a Born Again Human Being just existing from day to day with my family. So no gods for me anymore. Sorry.

That's all good as it is your journey. I see there is no time when God does not guide us, I see life unfolds with all the choices constantly in front of us. God knows our end and our choices, so to find God we have to meditate on each choice we make and a lot of the time the right path springs into mind, but we ignore it because it may be too hard.

You may be interested in the 5 dynamics of prayer, to me this tells us all about our self and what we do with the choices we face;

"Use these five steps if we have a problem of any kind for which we desire a solution, or wish help.
  1. Pray and meditate about it. Use the prayers of the Manifestations, as they have the greatest power. Learn to remain in the silence of contemplation for a few moments. During this deepest communion take the next step.

  2. Arrive at a decision and hold to this. This decision is usually born in a flash at the close or during the contemplation. It may seem almost impossible of accomplishment, but if it seems to be an answer to prayer or a way of solving the problem, then immediately take the next step.

  3. Have determination to carry the decision through. Many fail here. The decision, budding into determination, is blighted and instead becomes a wish or a vague longing. When determination is born, immediately take the next step.

  4. Have faith and confidence, that the Power of the Holy Spirit will flow through you, the right way will appear, the door will open, the right message, the right principle or the right book will be given to you. Have confidence, and the right thing will come to meet your need. Then as you rise from prayer take immediately the fifth step.

  5. Act as though it had all been answered. Then act with tireless, ceaseless energy. And, as you act, you yourself will become a magnet which will attract more power to your being, until you become an unobstructed channel for the Divine Power to flow through you.
There is also another piece of advice that you may find interesting;

"Abdul'baha has said "...guidance was when the doors opened after we tried. We can pray, ask to do God's will only, try hard, and then if we find our plan is not working out, assume it is not the right one, at least for the moment."

All the best and may you and your family always be well and happy.

Regards Tony
 
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