The case of Korihor put to the test questions about Nephite jurisprudence. Was a person allowed to not only believe whatever he wanted but also say whatever he wanted? If a person did not believe that Jehovah was God, could he be punished for profaning the name of Jehovah or speaking insolently against him? In other words, did freedom of belief (or disbelief) entail freedom of expression specifically articulating or reflecting that belief? Alma’s handling of the case reveals Nephite thought based on biblical law.
“An Anti-Christ in the Book of Mormon–The Face May Be Strange, but the Voice Is Familiar,” Gerald N. Lund, The Book of Mormon: Alma, the Testimony of the Word
Korihor is a good example of a scriptural “foil.” There is an interesting conceptual chain related to the “power of the word” that flows through this section of the Book of Mormon. Looking at Korihor’s teachings carefully, we see that he starts with an epistemology based on strong empiricism, and perhaps Mormon included this section on an anti-Christ specifically for our benefit.
“Blind Eyes and Hard Hearts: Apostasy in the Book of Mormon,” Michael J. Fear, Selections from the Religious Education Student Symposium 2003
The confrontation between Alma and Korihor reveals the progression with which Satan leads hearts away from Christ. Ironically, Korihor condemned the church members for their inability to see clearly.
“The Trial of Korihor,” John W. Welch, Legal Cases in the Book of Mormon
The story of Korihor may be initially confusing for some readers, because it seems that Korihor is wrongfully being denied his freedom of speech when he is convicted. However, Welch analyzes the narrative and explains the story in context of ancient Israelite law to show how the trial of Korihor aligns well with ancient Israelite legal practices.
“Comparing Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor,” John W. Welch, Legal Cases in the Book of Mormon
Although the cases of Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor share certain features with one another, these three actions involving Nephite dissenters have less in common than one might assume. The differences are case-specific and distinctive, as one finds in real-life legal experience, in which no two cases are identical. The distinguishing facts of these cases make the legal value and the historical significance of each one truly unique.
“Cursing a Litigant with Speechlessness,” John W. Welch, Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s
The story of Korihor finds resonance with not only Mesoamerican culture, but also Greek culture. When Korihor is cursed with speechlessness, it may be seen as a sign of divine disfavor in Mesoamerican settings. Additionally, similar curses of speechlessness have been observed in ancient Greek culture.
“An Anti-Christ in the Book of Mormon—The Face May Be Strange, But the Voice is Familiar,” Gerald N. Lund, The Book of Mormon: Alma, the Testimony of the Word
While Mormon professes that the purpose of the Book of Mormon is to profess the things of Christ, the reader may find perplexity in Alma 30. At a place very near the center of the Book of Mormon, an entire narrative is dedicated to the journey of an Anti-Christ. Gerald Lund addresses this perplexity in the text and provides insight to show that Korihor acts as a foil to other Book of Mormon characters that come forth as stalwart followers of Christ.
“Countering Korihor’s Philosophy,” Gerald N. Lund, Ensign, July 1992
Lund approaches the story of Korihor from a philosophical angle in this Ensign article. He explains various fields of philosophy and shows how those different philosophies come out in Korihor’s theology. He also uses this discussion as a springboard into how we see these same philosophies at work in the world today, and how one can stay faithful in the gospel.
“‘All Things Denote There is a God’: Seeing Christ in the Creation,” Bruce A. Roundy, Robert J. Norman, Religious Educator 6, no. 2
Using Alma 30:44 as a springboard, the authors dive into a discussion on how all things in the earth and in nature can be seen symbolically in testifying of God. Through the symbols of rocks, light, water, and vegetation, one can see how God has employed these powerful images throughout scripture to testify of his greatness and glory.
“Notes on Korihor and Language,” Robert E. Clark, Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s
In a unique approach, Clark looks at the story of Korihor from a rhetorical stance to analyze the power of his arguments. Clark shows that Korihor artfully uses language to not declare what he believes as truth, but rather to epistomologically tear down the arguments of Alma. Ultimately, Korihor is unsuccessful, as Alma’s testimony of God is able to overpower Korihor’s skillful rhetoric.
“The False Priests of the Book of Mormon,” Douglas J. Merrell, Selections from the Religious Education Student Symposium 2005
A student essay from BYU comparing the narratives of Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor.
“Korihor, Psychology, and False Doctrine: Korihorian Arguments in Modern Psychology,” Casey L. Lance, Selections from the Religious Education Student Symposium 2005
A student essay from BYU examining the similarities between Korihor’s arguments and the arguments of the modern psychologist.
“‘Peaceable Followers of Christ’ in Days of War and Contention,” Ryan Jenkins, Religious Educator 10, no. 3
Alma preached to a people who “had fallen into great errors” and who held his authority to preach the gospel in contempt. He preached earnestly “the virtue of the word of God” trusting that “the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else.”
“Synagogues in the Book of Mormon,” John W. Welch, Reexploring the Book of Mormon
In Alma 31, the Zoramites worship in synagogues. This may be concerning to some, as synagogues are generally not regarded to have developed until much later than Book of Mormon times. Welch discusses various possibilities to explain the presence of synagogues in the Book of Mormon. There is evidence that synagogues may have developed sooner than traditionally accepted. Also, the word “synagogue” could be a way of connoting a place of gathering, as opposed to an institutionalized Jewish structure.
“Nephite Insights into Israelite Worship Practices before the Babylonian Captivity,” A. Keith Thompson, Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 3
The Book of Mormon speaks of synagogues, sanctuaries, and places of worship in a manner which suggests that Lehi and his party brought some form of synagogal worship with them when they left Jerusalem around 600 BC. This essay revisits the most up to date scholarship regarding the origin of the synagogue and suggests that the Book of Mormon record provides ample reason to look for the origins of the synagogue much earlier that has become the academic custom.
“The Zoramites and Costly Apparel: Symbolism and Irony,” Shon Hopkin, Parrish Brady, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 22, no. 1
The Zoramite narratives of Alma 31–35 and Alma 43–44 are richly symbolic accounts woven with many subtle details regarding the importance of costly apparel and riches as an outward evidence of pride. This literary analysis focuses on how Mormon as editor structured the Zoramite narrative and used clothing as a metaphor to show the dangers of pride and the blessings afforded by humble adherence to God’s teachings and covenants.
“‘See That Ye Are Not Lifted Up’: The Name Zoram and its Paranomastic Perjuration,” Matthew L. Bowen, Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 19
The most likely etymology for the name Zoram derives from the Hebrew, meaning, “He [God] has poured forth in floods.” However, the name could also have been heard and interpreted as something like “the one who is high,” “the one who is exalted” or even “the person of the Exalted One [or high place].” This article examines the various etymology possibilities, and provides commentary on its implications for the rest of the narrative. If Zoram carries meaning of being high or exalted, then the Zoramites and their apostasy may represent a type of Latter-day Gentile pride and apostasy, which Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni took great pains to warn against.