Why are most prophecies about bad or scary things?

Question

Have you ever heard of anyone prophesying anything good?

Answer 1

It's all about $$$$$$$$$$$

Without either - the media would go broke and we would be bored.

Answer 2

Human perception. Just because people see something as bad, doesn't mean it is bad.

Answer 3

I think it's just because a prophecy of a scary thing happening creates a lot more anxiety, buzz and gossip then a prophecy of a good thing. That makes it more attractive, from an ego point of view, to the prophet. He gets more press and attention. Besides, prophets are supposed to be all about shaking things up, not status quo.

Answer 4

Maybe because of the consequences.

Tell someone they're doomed and going to loose their property and money, and if you're wrong - they will happily come to you to prove you were wrong.

However, if you predicted that your Roman army will have an easy victory, and there is no need for more troops, then were wrong - it will be your head on a plate next.  

Answer 5

Bloody good question. I can't think of any positive prophecies. I'm going to make a good prophecy here and now.

None of those negative prophecies will ever come true! : )

Answer 6

A prediction is like a gun. It is neither good or bad.  It is how it is used.  If we believe the end is coming and take steps to be ready for what ever we have been taught by faith then that is a good thing.

Many have taken biblical prediction and used it to make money.  They will pay in the end.

If we are prepared we shouldn't fear.

Of course we all fear the unknown.  But again the unknown is neither good or bad.

Answer 7

Wow, that's a really good question.  I never really thought about it, but you're right.  Probably the same reason the only things on the news are sad or tragic.  I don't understand why the negative aspects of life are what most people are  attracted to.  Very good question!

Good answer T R

Answer 8

Lol...no actually..

it's the same thing as watching the news...the majority of things the reporters will tell us are bad and gruesome. But for some reason humans in some morbid and twisted way enjoy watching the "juicey" stuff...rather than something great and wonderful. It's just more dramatic i guess...also i think most prophecies are about bad things, because take a look at how the world is..society in general. It's not good....so i can expect bad things more than good ones.

Answer 9

Because s*x and negativity sells.

Like all the scandalous stories about celebrities.

And then you have people that make money off of the fear of death, and then that's where you're millionaire Clergy persons come into play.

Look at the wealth of Joyce Meyers, or some of the other made for TV preachers.

If Jesus was dirt poor, then why are these people a 180 degree contradiction to that?

Answer 10

Excellent question! One I haven't given too much thought to. I would suppose that if someone were to write down that Mable the Milk Cow were to have a calf. It would be too ho hum for the rest of us. But if someone predicted that Wilber were to fall into the well now that would be something different.

I've got to tell you though your presumption that people only predict bad news is wrong. Take Casey for example, he told people that they would be OK and survive whatever ailment they were having. Look at what has been happening in Medjugorie. The Queen of Peace has been telling people that if they pray and fast their prayers will come true and they will be healed.

What you are most likely referring to was Nostradamus. OK now you've really got to put this in perspective. PLEASE READ if I'm going to take the time to type this I want you to read it. His 'major' works were recorded for posterity because he usually only made history making predictions for long range. Now, that wasn't all he did. In his own time he was feared because he 'knew things' just like so many of us that respond here. Those things took place in his lifetime and were not recorded.

Another was Merlin, same thing, ditto for him.

Now, the Navajo have predictions going back thousands of years that spell out calamity as do the Mayans and the Aztecs. BUT! The result of the calamity is that their 'God' comes back for their people.

You can (and should) read an exact parallel in the Bible. That after all the bad things happen to the world there will be peace. BTW - 19 years ago I read the Bible from cover to cover, not many can say that.

Keep it in perspective Deenie, not all predictions are bad.