Loving Korihor

On Sunday I taught the adult Sunday School class in our ward (congregation). I love doing this because it gives me the chance to really study the scriptures and think about how they relate to what’s happening in my life.

This week the lesson was from the Book of Mormon (the book we’re studying this year—last year it was the New Testament), the book of Alma, chapters 30-31. These chapters tell about two kinds of “anti-Christs”—those who teach against Christ.

The lead villain in chapter 30 is Korihor, a fellow who goes around telling folks not to worry about keeping Christ’s commandments because no one can know there is a Christ, because you can’t see him. You can’t know what you can’t see—right? Korihor also teaches that this life is all there is, and since there is no God, there is no sin. So don’t worry and just have fun.

But even though Korihor insists he is helping people to enjoy life more, those who believe in Christ see it otherwise. One, Giddonah, says, “Why do ye interrupt [the people’s] rejoicings?”

And Alma demonstrates his love and faith as he teaches Korihor. He shares his own knowledge of Christ and God, which is based on evidence stronger than mere sight. “”For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come” (Alma 30: 39).  He goes on, “The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it . . . do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Alma 30: 44).

Later, Alma similarly shows love for the Zoramites, a group of people who have dissented from the Nephite religion and insist there is no need for the Atonement of Christ because they are pretty well perfect on their own. The proud Zoramites refuse to listen to Alma, so he prays: “Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee” (Alma 31: 35).

We had a great discussion about these chapters, considering what we could learn from Alma about replying to those who say bad things about our faith—so common in this election year, with Mormon Romney running for president. Rather than being drawn into contention, we want to be like Alma, desiring to help our accusers, responding in faith and love.

Interesting how love really is the answer to pretty much any question.

Back to Blogging

Saturday morning. I'm thinking about all the blessings in my life, about LDS General Conference that will start in a couple of hours, about Easter coming up. Just read through my old posts: it's been almost a year. How time passes.

Last Easter Jared was here with his family. This Easter he won't. How we miss him. But we are thankful he was relatively well in spite of the brain tumor, up until the last couple of months of his life. He was able to do so much. He left his poor worn out body February 3.

I've been reading the gospels in preparation for Easter. I love to do that each year during lent. This year I've been a bit more haphazard, though, and here it is a week to Easter and I'm in Luke 5. I can do it though--I'll just read them like a novel, rather than just a chapter or two a day.

I used to read the gospels the "harmonized" way--all the parts about the Savior's birth together, then all the parts about his ministry, etc. Now I prefer reading each book separately, because I get more of a sense for the author of each book. I've come to love Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They clearly loved the Savior. Each one made a great effort to tell the His story in a way that would help their readers to understand His greatness. Each one thought about his audience and what would be most convincing. Matthew thought about the Jews and included many scriptures; Luke wrote more to the gentiles, and included stories of Christ's great compassion. John highlighted the divinity of Christ throughout. They all labored over finding the best way to express things.

So I read them every year, and I'm thankful for their work that helps me to know the Savior and his mission better. And as I read at the end of each book the glorious story of Christ's resurrection, I am thankful to know that, though Jared isn't with us here, through Christ's great gift, Jared still is, he lives on, and we will all be together again one day. What a wonderful knowledge that is.