Prophetic Disruption

The Tears of Things

Throughout history, the role of the prophet has often been misunderstood, often reduced to one of mere condemnation of sin. But the prophet’s role is much more expansive and profound. “The prophets were not merely concerned with human sin or wrong-doing; they were concerned about the whole shape of society.” [1] Prophets were not just warning individuals; they were calling entire communities to reflect on their societal structures, values, and the direction they were heading. Their messages urged a reflection on the moral and ethical fabric of society itself, pushing for a radical shift toward justice and compassion, one that re-envisions a way of life that is deeply rooted in divine principles. The prophet's role goes far beyond mere rebuke—it is a call to return to the sacred vision of community life and to realign with divine wisdom. (Isaiah 58:6-7)

The prophetic voice is not simply about pointing out what is wrong; it is a call to renewal, a summons to reimagine how we can live together in harmony. “The prophet is the one who seeks to call people back to a vision of God’s justice and mercy, to a vision of human life lived in accordance with divine principles.” [1] This call is not limited to personal morality but extends to the shape and structure of the collective. Prophets invite us to reclaim a vision of a transformed society, one in which justice, mercy, and love shape our interactions with one another and guide our actions. They help us see what could be, not just what is, igniting hope for a community built on a higher moral ground. (Micah 6:8)

In the face of injustice and inequality, the prophet becomes a catalyst for change. “A prophet is not just a person who speaks the truth; a prophet is a radical agent of change who seeks to deconstruct false systems.” [1] Prophets challenge the status quo and deconstruct harmful systems that perpetuate injustice. Their role is not simply to speak, but to actively dismantle the structures that allow inequality to thrive. Their words disrupt and dismantle the comfort of existing power structures, offering a new vision, a new way of being, one where compassion and justice are no longer peripheral but central to how society functions. Prophets are disruptors, and in their disruption, they make room for the emergence of something new—something better. (Matthew 21:12-13)

However, this work is not easy. The prophetic voice is often met with resistance, especially from those who benefit from the systems that the prophet seeks to challenge. “It is in the nature of power to resist change, and so it is in the nature of prophecy to be resisted, even to the point of being silenced.” [1] Those in power often fear the disruption that prophets bring, and thus, they resist. The prophetic message is uncomfortable because it calls into question the systems that allow power and privilege to concentrate in the hands of a few. And so, power fights back, attempting to silence those who speak truth. But this resistance is not new—it is a part of the prophet’s journey, a journey that often requires standing firm in the face of opposition, knowing that their words will eventually plant seeds of transformation. (Matthew 23:29-31)

When societies ignore the prophetic voice, they ultimately suffer the consequences of their inaction. “When the prophetic voice is ignored, the consequences are not merely inconvenience; they are the eventual unraveling of the moral and social fabric.” [1] Failing to heed the prophet’s call results in deeper social injustices, greater inequality, and the slow erosion of the moral integrity that holds a society together. The prophet’s words are not merely warnings—they are lifelines, calling people to action before the damage becomes irreversible. When ignored, this prophetic wisdom allows the fabric of society to tear apart, and the healing work becomes that much harder. (Proverbs 1:24-32)

Transformation, particularly on a societal scale, is not an easy process. Often, it requires what might be termed "holy disorder." “A prophet is not one who simply criticizes; they are the ones who create holy disorder in order to make room for transformation.” [1] This holy disorder is not chaos for the sake of chaos, but a purposeful disruption of the existing order. Prophecy calls us to deconstruct the systems, beliefs, and attitudes that no longer serve us and, through that destruction, create space for something new to emerge. This process can be uncomfortable—it challenges our assumptions, our ways of life—but it is the necessary precursor to true transformation. (Luke 12:49-51)

What is born from this holy disorder is not more destruction but creation—new possibilities that emerge from the rubble of the old. “The prophet’s work is not merely destruction; it is a work of creation, of making space for something new to emerge from the wreckage.” [1] True transformation is not about tearing down for the sake of tearing down; it is about making room for new life, new perspectives, and new opportunities to emerge. Without this destruction, we cannot make room for the new forms of justice, compassion, and love that the world desperately needs. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

But too often, religious institutions fail to embrace this prophetic role. “Religion, when untransformed, tends to resist the very kind of criticism and change that prophets bring.” [1] Many religious institutions, instead of supporting the transformative work of the prophets, stand in opposition to it. They become entrenched in their own traditions, rituals, and doctrines, often neglecting the deeper calls for change. Rather than being a force for moral clarity and spiritual awakening, religion can become an agent of stagnation, focused more on preserving the past than on engaging with the prophetic call to renewal. (Matthew 15:7-9)

This failure of religion to embrace prophecy leads to complicity in the very injustices that religion is supposed to oppose. “When a religious institution fails to heed the prophetic call, it becomes part of the very problem it is meant to address.” [1] When religious institutions become comfortable and complacent, they cease to be instruments of justice and healing. Instead, they perpetuate the very systems of oppression and inequality that prophets have spent centuries seeking to dismantle. Religion, when it is untransformed, can contribute to the perpetuation of suffering rather than alleviating it. (Amos 5:21-24)

Untransformed religion becomes a barrier to true spiritual growth. “An untransformed religion is no longer a force for good but a barrier to personal and societal awakening.” [1] Instead of guiding people toward a deeper connection with the Divine and a clearer understanding of justice and mercy, such religion keeps them bound to outdated systems of belief that prevent true spiritual awakening. These systems offer the illusion of comfort and security but, in truth, they prevent individuals from undergoing the transformative journey that leads to a more just, loving, and compassionate world. (Galatians 5:1)

Religion can also provide a false sense of security, making people believe that they are safe or righteous simply because they adhere to established norms and rituals. “Religion without transformation merely offers a false sense of security, a veil that hides the truth of our suffering.” [1] This false security keeps people from confronting the deep injustices that exist both in society and within themselves. It is a superficial form of spirituality that allows people to ignore the real work of transformation—work that often requires discomfort and personal upheaval in order to break free from the shackles of complacency. (Matthew 23:25-28)

As more people see the limitations of institutional religion, they turn toward personal spirituality—a spirituality that is not confined by the rigid boundaries of tradition but one that seeks a direct, transformative connection with the Divine. When religion fails to engage in the prophetic work of transformation, individuals are left to seek out their own spiritual paths. This shift from traditional religion to a more personalized spirituality represents a deeper quest for truth and meaning, one that is often sparked by the prophetic call to live more authentically. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Ultimately, transformation is a deeply personal journey. “Transformation is not just the work of the institution; it is the work of each individual soul.” [1] It is easy to blame institutions for their failures, but true change begins with the individual. Each of us is called to engage in our own process of transformation, to confront our own limitations, prejudices, and blind spots. This work of self-transformation is not just about personal growth—it is the first step toward societal change. When individuals awaken to their own divine potential and commit to living with more justice, compassion, and humility, they contribute to the collective transformation of the world. (Romans 12:2)

This awakening is contagious. “The awakening of one individual can ripple out to transform the community at large.” [1] As we awaken to our own deeper truths, we inspire others to do the same. Prophets understand that individual transformation leads to collective transformation, and so they focus not only on societal change but on personal awakening. The more people who awaken to their spiritual truths, the more we collectively move toward a world that reflects these values. This ripple effect spreads outward, one person at a time, until it creates waves of change. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Even in the modern world, where traditional religious institutions seem increasingly irrelevant, the prophetic voice remains crucial. “The prophetic voice remains necessary, even when society turns its back on its moral obligations.” [1] In a world that often values materialism, individualism, and short-term gain, the prophetic voice serves as a reminder of what truly matters—justice, compassion, and the deep interconnectedness of all people. The prophets of today are not just figures of the past but are alive in the voices of those who continue to challenge the dominant cultural narratives and call society back to its highest moral principles. (Isaiah 58:1-2)

To embrace the prophetic path is to choose discomfort and risk. “To be prophetic is to choose the path of discomfort, to risk everything for the sake of justice and truth.” [1] The prophetic voice is not one that seeks comfort or acceptance; it seeks truth, even at great personal cost. Prophets are willing to face persecution, rejection, and even death for the sake of the message they carry. This courage is the essence of prophecy—it is the willingness to stand up for what is right, no matter the cost. (Luke 14:27-30)

Living as a modern prophet requires us to embody the very courage that prophets have always displayed. “The true prophet does not shy away from the uncomfortable, the inconvenient, or the painful truths that must be told.” [1] Modern prophets are those who challenge the injustices of the world—environmental destruction, systemic inequality, racial oppression, and more. They speak truth to power, even when it is inconvenient, and they inspire others to join in this essential work. Their prophetic messages are not about comfortable solutions but about creating lasting change that reflects a deeper moral and spiritual awakening. (Ezekiel 2:6-7)

[1] Richard Rohr, The Tears of Things