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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhite Horse Prophecy
Having seen several references on the internets to a Mormon prophecy of an LDS president, I googled around some. I think the "presidential prophecy" thing is a (somewhat distorted) take on the "White Horse Prophecy," which is something Joseph Smith is purported to have said in 1843.
Essentially, that one day the US Constitution would hang by a thread and the Mormon Elders would have to save it. I don't know that there was an explicit prophecy of an LDS president.
The current LDS church does not favor the White Horse prophecy, and some say it was never made. It was, however, taken seriously by a lot of major LDS figures at times, including Brigham Young.
This is my personal observationFamous prophecies are often about things long past. It is important to note that in 1843 the US Constitution was already hanging by a thread. (Which would all but snap 17 years later) It was no secret the the United States was in danger of eventual dissolution over slavery. As to what the LDS elders would have done to resolve the slavery issue that was, at the time, endangering the Union, I do not know. But if Smith made the prophecy it's a good bet he wasn't thinking about 2012.
Mitt Romney has said he considers the White Horse Prophecy to be a matter of "speculation and discussion by [LDS] church members" and "not official [LDS] church doctrine."
As interpreted through the years, it has a very Tea Party ring to it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Horse_Prophecy#United_States_Constitution
msongs
(67,852 posts)notadmblnd
(23,720 posts)They felt they were being persecuted. May be one of the reasons Rmoney's granddad fled to Mexico
zeemike
(18,998 posts)The part about a secret organization taking the law into it's own hands and shredding the constitution...that was accomplished under Bush...the Bonesmen.
The patriot act did away with the bill of rights,
Enrique
(27,461 posts)I hear these stories and I want to groan. Thank God I dont live in a theocracy.
Jayce Cox
(34 posts)This has Utah folk lore written all over it! As a Mormon I have never heard this discussed in or out of Church, but I have read about members who buy into these "faith promoting rumors". I was not raised in Utah, so maybe my view is in the minority, but when Church HQ has publicly denounced this, we Mormons should listen. We do however believe the US Constitution was divinely inspired.
And if there is an elder who has to step in and save it, I pray it's good ole Brother Harry Reid!
Just my Mormon take
Jayce
Helena, Montana
arely staircase
(12,482 posts)Jayce Cox
(34 posts)Clearly the prophecy has been fulfilled and laid to rest, bless you for the memo.
This made my day
RedStateLiberal
(1,374 posts)...Gandalf will ride in at dawn on the fifth day to save us all.
siligut
(12,272 posts)To his website/artwork: http://www.mcnaughtonart.com/artwork/view_zoom/379
A video of his:
Colbert's take: http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/414028/may-09-2012/jon-mcnaughton-s--nation-under-socialism--artwork
I don't believe Joe Smith was a prophet, not one bit, but the Mormon people do and I do believe in self-fulfilling prophecies.
So I am not writing it off so easily.
Jayce Cox
(34 posts)Brother McNaughton needs to see a psychiatrist.
Oh Lord help us!
Jayce
siligut
(12,272 posts)Utah is where the nuts can be themselves and are often encouraged to be, by the other nuts.
dimbear
(6,271 posts)Have a chat with your Mormon friends about the temple rituals. Next time you're in Salt Lake City, take the tour through the basement of the Temple.
NB not the Tabernacle. The Temple.
Onlooker
(5,636 posts)... who heads an exMormon movement had this to say about it:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/08/07/exclusive-brigham-young-s-great-great-granddaughter-on-mormonism-and-mitt-romney.html
Regarding Romney and the presidency, Emmett cites a bit of Mormon lore called the White Horse Prophecy that has floated around since the time of Mormon founder Joseph Smith. It suggests that Mormons believe a time will come when the U.S. Constitution is eroding and Mormon leaders will save it and usher in a new theocracy with Mormons in charge. Emmetts great-great-grandfather talked about it. In a discourse from 1855, Young wrote that "when the Constitution hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the 'Mormon' Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it."