Abstract:
Prophets and their prophecies seem to form an integral part of the spirituality of some believers. A small group of believers in Hertzogville are clinging wholeheartedly to the prediction uttered by their 'prophet', a certain David Francis. According to Francis, God gave him a message on 1 July 2004 that the deceased, Paul Meintjies, should not be buried because he would rise from the dead. Francis gave no specific date for the resurrection - God will speak to him when the time is right. Although Francis could give no specific date, rumours amongst the people in Hertzogville had it that the resurrection would take place on 29 July 2004. This date was later changed to 5 and then to 8 August 2004. Nothing happened on any of these dates. In spite of everything, the followers of Francis still believe that Meintjies will rise from the dead.
In this article the claim of modern day 'prophet' and their so-called godly messages are evaluated. This is done in light of the Biblical prophets. Judging by the actions of his followers, it seems that Francis has gained some sort of control over them, affecting their whole lives. The prophecy appears to be instrumental in the control he has over his followers. How this 'control' over his followers affect their whole lives and in particular their rights is also investigated
The conclusion is that modern 'prophets' of the like of Francis gain an unethical control over their followers' lives through so-called 'prophecy'. Prophecy interpreted by his followers as 'God's Word' acts as a powerful instrument in achieving this control. In the process the followers are also denied certain rights according to the country's Constitution under the banner of freedom of religion.
