The Destruction of Congress: A Political Prophecy That Fell Flat

Joseph Smith prophesied that if Congress did not grant protection to the Saints, it would be "broken up as a government, and God shall damn them, and there shall be nothing left of them—not even a grease spot" (Millennial Star, Vol. 22, p. 455).

Failure: Congress did not grant the requested protection, but it continues to function today. The attempt by LDS historians to reinterpret this prophecy as referring only to the party in power at the time does not hold up to scrutiny, making this another failed prophecy.

Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), made numerous prophecies throughout his life, many of which have been enshrined in LDS scripture and other historical documents. Among the more controversial is his prophecy concerning the fate of the United States Congress. Smith boldly proclaimed that if Congress did not grant protection to the Saints, it would be "broken up as a government, and God shall damn them, and there shall be nothing left of them—not even a grease spot" (Millennial Star, Vol. 22, p. 455). This dramatic prophecy has failed to materialize, raising significant questions about Joseph Smith's prophetic authority.

The Prophecy: A Bold Declaration Against Congress

In the early 1840s, tensions between the Mormon community and the United States government were high. The Saints, particularly in Missouri and Illinois, faced persecution, and Joseph Smith, as the leader of the movement, sought protection from the federal government. When Congress refused to intervene on behalf of the Saints, Joseph Smith issued a dire prophecy concerning its fate.

This prophecy is recorded in Millennial Star, Vol. 22, p. 455, and also in History of the Church:

"While discussing the petition to Congress, I prophesied by virtue of the holy Priesthood vested in me, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, they shall be broken up as a government, and God shall damn them, and there shall be nothing left of them—not even a grease spot." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, p. 116)

Joseph Smith's prophecy was clear and unequivocal: if Congress failed to protect the Saints, it would be utterly destroyed.

The Failure: Congress Continues to Function

Despite Joseph Smith’s ominous warning, Congress did not grant the requested protection to the Mormon community. Instead, the federal government largely ignored the pleas of the Saints, leaving them to fend for themselves in a hostile environment. Yet, contrary to Smith’s prophecy, Congress was not broken up as a government. Over 180 years later, the United States Congress remains a functioning and central institution in American governance.

This clear discrepancy between prophecy and reality marks this as another failed prophecy from Joseph Smith. The prophecy's specificity leaves little room for reinterpretation: Congress was to be utterly destroyed if it did not act, and it was not.

Apologetic Claims and Rebuttals

In the face of this failed prophecy, LDS apologists have attempted to reinterpret or justify the prophecy in various ways. Below, we address some of these claims and provide strong rebuttals.

Apologetic Claim 1: The Prophecy Was Conditional and Could Be Fulfilled Later

• Rebuttal: While some apologists argue that the prophecy was conditional or that it could still be fulfilled in the future, this interpretation does not align with the language of the prophecy itself. Joseph Smith explicitly stated that if Congress did not grant protection, it would be broken up as a government. Congress did not provide the requested protection, yet it remains intact. The timeframe and conditions of the prophecy have passed, making it a clear failure by the standards set in Deuteronomy 18:21-22, which states that if a prophet's prediction does not come to pass, they are not a true prophet.

Apologetic Claim 2: The Prophecy Referred Only to the Political Party in Power

• Rebuttal: Some defenders of Joseph Smith argue that the prophecy referred not to Congress as an institution, but to the political party in power at the time (the Democratic Party). However, this reinterpretation is inconsistent with the prophecy's language. Smith stated that "Congress" would be broken up as a government, not merely a party within Congress. Moreover, the prophecy makes no mention of political parties, and it is a stretch to retroactively apply this interpretation.

Apologetic Claim 3: The Prophecy Was Symbolic Rather Than Literal

• Rebuttal: Another defense is that the prophecy was meant to be taken symbolically, representing a decline in moral or spiritual authority rather than the literal destruction of Congress. However, Joseph Smith’s words were clear and specific, describing physical destruction to the point that "there shall be nothing left of them—not even a grease spot." This language leaves little room for symbolic interpretation, as it emphasizes a tangible and observable outcome that did not occur.

To understand the gravity of this failed prophecy, it is essential to consider the historical context in which it was made. The 1840s were a tumultuous time for the Latter-day Saints, who were facing violent persecution in Missouri and Illinois. In desperation, Joseph Smith sought federal intervention, believing that the government had a moral obligation to protect the Saints.

The History of the Church provides a detailed account of these events:

"In the winter of 1843-1844, Joseph Smith made an urgent appeal to the federal government for redress of grievances and protection from further persecution. When Congress refused to act, the Prophet prophesied that divine judgment would befall the nation’s leaders if they did not defend the rights of the Saints." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 115-117)

Despite this plea and the dire prophecy that followed, the federal government did not intervene, and Congress remained intact. This failure significantly challenges Joseph Smith’s prophetic credibility.

Journal of Discourses: Reflections on Failed Prophecies

In later years, LDS leaders occasionally reflected on the unfulfilled prophecies of Joseph Smith, including those related to the fate of Congress. While direct references to this specific prophecy are rare, the general tone of the discourse acknowledged the difficulties in reconciling failed predictions with the belief in ongoing revelation.

In the Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, p. 150, Brigham Young addressed the nature of prophecy:

"Not every prophecy will be fulfilled in the exact way or time we expect, but the truth of the Gospel remains unchanged. It is for us to continue in faith, even when our understanding falters."

This statement, while not directly addressing the Congress prophecy, reflects the broader challenge of maintaining faith in the face of unfulfilled predictions.

Conclusion: A Prophecy That Fell Flat

Joseph Smith’s prophecy concerning the destruction of Congress stands as a significant example of a failed prophecy. Despite his clear and forceful words, the U.S. Congress was neither broken up nor destroyed, and it continues to function as a cornerstone of American democracy. The attempts by LDS apologists to reinterpret or soften this prophecy do not hold up to scrutiny, as the original prophecy’s language is explicit and leaves little room for alternative interpretations.

For those evaluating Joseph Smith’s prophetic claims, this failed prophecy must be considered seriously. By the standards set in the Bible, a true prophet’s words must come to pass. In this case, they did not, raising critical questions about Joseph Smith’s role as a prophet and the reliability of his revelations.

References:

1. History of the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 115-117.
2. Millennial Star, Vol. 22, p. 455.
3. Deuteronomy 18:21-22.
4. Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, p. 150.
5. B.H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 182.
6. Joseph Smith Papers (for contextual historical records).