Theology as Seen in Prophets and Psalms/The nature and purpose of prophecy in the ancient near east

use this page to discuss Nature/purpose

""The purpose of prophecy is to cause change".

It isn't simply a prediction of the future (that's a very small element of biblical prophecy) but rather is God rebuking and challenging his people (usually the King) and warning of what will happen unless they change their ways...

Now I'd agree with this and also with the (probably stronger) statement that "all prophecy is contingent" but what do others make of this? I mean, if all prophecy is contingent because it is intended to cause people to change their ways and if they do respond appropriately things will not come to pass then don't all eschatological scenarios based upon prophecy become rather fuzzy? And doesn't trying to 'disprove Scripture' on the basis of unfulfilled prophecy become impossible...

From a less biblical and more philosophical POV simply the act of telling somebody the future changes the future, right? (Unless you believe in a very strict determinism and well, let's avoid all talk of paradoxes here)... Now for those of you who will demand I furnish you with Scriptures to support my view (rather than just refer you to a couple of academic papers where the view is fully explained) I'd suggest that Jeremiah 18:7-10 seems to suggest that prophecy isn't fixed in stone either." James Peter

Source http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?p=1352287

The Bible condemns divination Deut 18:10-15 but followers of God should desire to hear the prophets that God will send. So I would agree with this essay. The issue is what is the difference between a prophet or priest that tells the future and an evil truth-teller?