Are prophesies conditional?

[Monica4316]

Here’s something I’ve been wondering… let’s say a person receives a valid ‘prophesy’ from the Holy Spirit, and it’s accepted by the Church. Is it conditional? meaning that - if it’s about something bad happening, can it be averted if people turn to God and pray? Just wondering about prophesy in general.

thanks

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

Here’s something I’ve been wondering… let’s say a person receives a valid ‘prophesy’ from the Holy Spirit, and it’s accepted by the Church. Is it conditional? meaning that - if it’s about something bad happening, can it be averted if people turn to God and pray? Just wondering about prophesy in general.

thanks

Some of them are, and some of them aren’t. It reminds me of what one author distinguished as “God’s conditional promises” and “God’s unconditional promises”. It isn’t much different from a conditional and unconditional prophecy. A conditional prophecy generally goes along the lines that “if you continue to do X, you will have a bad experience”. An unconditional prophecy goes along the lines “you will have a bad experience”.

Generally speaking, conditional prophecies tend to come to fruition anyway because humans have the tendency to fall into sin.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

I agree with Bohm. There are conditional and unconditional prophecies. However, even for the unconditional prophecies, for instance, the unconditional assurance given to some saints that there will be a severe chastisement on the earth, it is generally possible to alleviate the suffering somewhat through our prayers and sacrifices.

Also, as St. John of the Cross points out, sometimes a prophecy is delivered in a definite voice, but it is nonetheless actually conditional. For a person can pray and be heard, and the prophecy fail to be fulfilled, because of that prayer. So it’s not always clear when a prophecy is conditional and when it’s truly unconditional. It might sound unconditional but actually be conditional.

 

[mariamar]

I’m just thinking in Jonah and the people of Niniveh.
What God wants is our conversion: turning back from our sinful lives and going towards Him.
God bless you