Pseudoprophecy

Pseudoprophecy refers to predictions, statements, or claims presented as prophecy but lacking credible evidence or the customary criteria used by a religious or scholarly tradition to validate prophetic authority. The term is used in religious studies and anthropology to describe utterances framed as divinely inspired that do not meet established standards of authenticity, reliability, or historical corroboration.

Common features include vague or ambiguous language that can be broadly interpreted, retrospective reinterpretation after events to fit the forecast, selective emphasis on signs that appear to confirm the prophecy, and the use of dramatic or authoritative rhetoric to lend weight. Pseudoprophecies may also rely on generic or easily satisfied conditions, allowing multiple outcomes to appear compatible with the claim.

Pseudoprophecy differs from genuine prophecy, which is typically associated with specific religious frameworks, traditional processes, and accountability mechanisms. It also differs from ordinary forecasting based on data, analysis, or informed judgment, which are open to revision and explicit uncertainty.

Motivations behind pseudoprophecy can include influence over followers, political or social leverage, psychological comfort, or opportunistic manipulation. Techniques often involve post hoc rationalization, selective confirmation of events, and cognitive biases such as apophenia.

Scholars assess pseudoprophecies critically, seeking to distinguish them from true prophecies, self-fulfilling prophecies, or legitimate predictive claims. Analyses emphasize evidentiary criteria, historical context, and the practical consequences of claims marketed as prophecy. Related topics include false prophecy, apocalypticism, prophecy, self-fulfilling prophecy, and pseudoscience.