Prophets and prophecy seem to play significant roles in the Abrahamic faiths. When I read the Bible and and the Qua’ran, I noticed an extraordinary emphasis placed on prophecy and prophets.
In trying to
understand the definition of the word, prophecy, I came across the following
passage from David Deutsch’s book on The Beginning of Infinity.
Prophecy is anything that claims to know what is not yet
knowable. “Trying to know the unknowable leads inexorably to error and
self-deception”, as pointed out by Deutsch.
Contrast this with definition of Prediction. “Prediction is
a conclusion about a future event that follows from good explanation.” Prediction
is testable or verifiable and therefore, more reliable.
Astrology and astronomy are good examples. Astrology is
prophecy. Astronomy allows prediction. Predictions are more likely to turn out
to be true. If not, the idea is discorded. But people cling to prophecy.
All cultures and traditions believe in miracles. In the
Indian tradition, although miracles performed by Krishna and Rama are
described, the emphasis is NOT on the miracle but on the compassion and love of
Krishna and Rama. In other words, the emphasis is on Krishna’s and Rama’s love
for their devotees, and the extent Rama and Krishna will go for the sake of
their devotees. It is that Divine love which has to be believed and cherished
and nourished, even if you do not believe those miracles.
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