It is hard to avoid the term Prophet in religious discourse. It is central to Abrahamic Religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith. I'm not aware of its use in Dharmic Faiths though there may be parallels, for example the word Avatar in Hinduism. I'm wanting to explore and better understand the concept of Prophethood in this thread. How important is it to interfaith and religious discourse?
Wikipedia states:
"In religion, a prophet is an individual who is regarded as being in contact with a divine being and is said to speak on behalf of that being, serving as an intermediary with humanity by delivering messages or teachings from the supernatural source to other people.[1][2] The message that the prophet conveys is called a prophecy."
"Claims of prophethood have existed in many cultures and religions throughout history, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, ancient Greek religion, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and many others."
I don't wish to debate conflicting claims of Prophethood or the existence of God. Instead, I wish to understand how the term Prophet is viewed across the spectrum of religious and secular beliefs. Does the term help clarify important religious concepts or simply antagonize on account of its association with beliefs about God. Does its use too easily lend to irreconcilable differences about who is and isn't a Prophet?
What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance for dropping by?
Wikipedia states:
"In religion, a prophet is an individual who is regarded as being in contact with a divine being and is said to speak on behalf of that being, serving as an intermediary with humanity by delivering messages or teachings from the supernatural source to other people.[1][2] The message that the prophet conveys is called a prophecy."
"Claims of prophethood have existed in many cultures and religions throughout history, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, ancient Greek religion, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and many others."
I don't wish to debate conflicting claims of Prophethood or the existence of God. Instead, I wish to understand how the term Prophet is viewed across the spectrum of religious and secular beliefs. Does the term help clarify important religious concepts or simply antagonize on account of its association with beliefs about God. Does its use too easily lend to irreconcilable differences about who is and isn't a Prophet?
What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance for dropping by?