Korihor an antichrist
President Ezra Taft Benson said
“The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time.”
Korihor is a significant figure in the Book of Mormon, specifically in the book of Alma, chapters 30-31. Here are some key details about Korihor:
Identity and Background:
- Korihor’s Role: Korihor is referred to as an Antichrist because he actively preaches against the teachings of Christ and the church. His arguments challenge the fundamental beliefs of the Nephite society.
- Origins: The Book of Mormon does not provide detailed information about Korihor’s background or origins. He appears in the land of Zarahemla, which is a major Nephite city and the center of their civilization at the time.
- Influence: Korihor travels among the Nephite communities, spreading his teachings and gaining followers. He causes significant controversy and concern among the believers.
These were Korihors arguments
- Denial of Christ: Korihor denies the existence of Christ and the validity of prophecies about His coming (Alma 30:12-14).
- Rejection of Prophecy and Revelation: He claims that no one can know of things to come and that religious leaders use prophecies to manipulate and control people (Alma 30:15-16).
- Empiricism: Korihor advocates for a purely empirical approach to knowledge, arguing that only what can be seen and proven is real (Alma 30:17).
- Accusation of Religious Manipulation: He accuses religious leaders of keeping the people in ignorance and bondage for their own gain (Alma 30:23-24).
- Moral Relativism: Korihor teaches that there is no sin and that people should prosper according to their own abilities (Alma 30:17).
- Human Wisdom and Autonomy: He promotes reliance on human wisdom and autonomy, rejecting the need for divine guidance (Alma 30:28).
Some direct scriptures of Korihors arguments
“How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ” (Alma 30:15).
“Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so” (Alma 30:16).
Korihor is one of 3 antichrists discussed in the book of mormon and how you are supposed to confront these arguments as well.
Korihor was successful at getting people to leave their Christian faith.
Do these same arguments have impact on people today?
Do you personally use these arguments to shame someone who has a different belief than you do?
if you are a spiritual person of any faith including christianity , do you think it’s appropriate to attack other people’s faiths with these arguments?
Approved ~ FS
june
Article URL : https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-book-of-mormon-2024/29?lang=eng