Korihor

Korihor is the only Book of Mormon speaker to use the words "whims," "derangement," "frenzied," "foolish," "foolish traditions," "ordinances and performances," "unknown being," and "pretended mysteries." His application of the word "pretended" to Nephite spiritual gifts is noteworthy. His words reinforce his false materialistic message, which asserts that one can only know what one can experience with the natural senses.

In Korihor’s view, God is an "unknown being" because people cannot see him. Nephite mysteries are "pretended" for the same reason. Korihor’s words reveal the tactics of the devil, who taught him what to say. His words are crafted to make those who believe and obey Gospel ordinances appear foolish. He uses the unique phrase, "the foolish traditions of your fathers," three times.

Korihor deceived his listeners by appealing to their carnal nature and by making obedience to divine commandments seem difficult. He turned Nephite teachings about redemption from the bondage of sin and the liberty of the Gospel on their heads by characterizing the belief in Christ, and the need to prepare for life after this, as a form of bondage that kept individuals from doing what they wanted. His teachings appeal to the natural man.

Freedom, according to Korihor, was living without constraints. "Ye say that this people is a free people. Behold, I say they are in bondage" (Alma 30:24). He characterized those who followed the teachings of Christ using the terms "bound down," they "bind themselves down," are "brought down," under a "yoke," and are in "bondage." He asserted that Nephite religious leaders wanted to "keep them down" in a state of subservience. He claimed that religious leaders wanted to "glut" themselves on the labors and fruits of others, based on things that could not be seen or experienced by those they exploited.

Personal application

Korihor’s clever, but empty, words were inspired by the devil. His messages were designed to flatter the unwary and lead people lead away from Christ. His words in the Book of Mormon can help us to detect similar falsehoods and deceptions today.

Korihor’s deceptive strategy included presenting only a part of the truth and then attacking it. We can see this in how he disparaged the doctrine of the Fall of Man. "Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because of its parents" (Alma 30:25). This kind of argument would appeal to the unwary because it makes the doctrine of the Fall seem unfair. But it was deceptive.

Nephite doctrine taught that Christ atoned for Adam’s transgression and that little children have eternal life through the Redeemer (Mosiah 15:25). Nephite doctrine also taught that individuals were responsible for their own sins and transgressions; however, Korihor’s incomplete characterization tainted the doctrine with an appearance of unfairness to lead people away.

Personal application

Korihor’s practice of misrepresentation by only presenting a partial truth was effective at deceiving many in Alma’s day, but he was eventually confounded and abandoned by the devil and those who once supported him. The account of Korihor shows us how the adversary tries to deceive by presenting only an incomplete version of the truth. As you read about Korihor’s false teachings, consider how they reveal the strategies in the devil’s playbook. An awareness of those evil tactics can help you to be wise, and detect and avoid deception today.

74 B.C. Korihor preaches among the people of Nephi and leads many people astray. He is rejected in the lands of Jershon and Gideon, and carried before Nephihah and Alma in Zarahemla. He rails against God, demands a sign, and is smitten dumb. He begs for food among the Zoramites and is trampled to death.