Corianton had done wrong. He had not only committed a serious sin, but had done so while representing the church as a missionary under the leadership of his father, Alma. His actions had embarrassed his father and had weakened the credibility of his fellow missionaries (Alma 39:1-12). As you might expect, Alma reproved his son.... Continue Reading →
Rashly
Alma counseled his son Shiblon to "bridle all [his] passions, that [he] may be filled with love" (Alma 38:12). He told another son, Corianton, to "cross [himself]" and to "counsel with [his] elder brothers in [his] undertakings." And he added, "give heed to their counsel" (Alma 39:9-10). While our gut reaction to our circumstances may... Continue Reading →
Alma, Samuel the Lamanite, and the Law of Restoration
Did Samuel the Lamanite study Alma's words to his wayward son Corianton as he prepared to preach to the Nephites in Zarahemla? He doesn't use Alma's name anywhere in the sermon, but I see clear references to Alma's words, particularly Alma's explanation of the law of restoration. Alma met with Corianton immediately after they served... Continue Reading →
“I Will Ease Your Mind Somewhat” – Alma 39:17
King Benjamin taught his people that they should administer to the relief of others "both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants" (Mosiah 4:26). Alma gave the same commandment to the members of the newly organized church at the waters of Mormon (Mosiah 18:27-29). What does it mean to administer relief spiritually? One example might... Continue Reading →
“When They Saw Your Conduct…” – Alma 39:11
Throw a pebble into the water, and you'll see ripples expanding in concentric circles around the point of impact. Our actions are like that. We may only be aware of the first-order consequences of our decisions, but they surely have additional consequences that we cannot see. Alma pointed out to his son Corianton one of... Continue Reading →
No Excuse – Alma 39:4
After identifying a major sin his son has committed, Alma preemptively refutes a potential justification: Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted (Alma 39:4). Several chapters later, at the end of Alma's remarks,... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Refute?
This is the third of six posts answering a series of questions raised by President Russell M. Nelson in the October 2017 general conference. So far, I have discussed what the Book of Mormon is and what it affirms. Today, I am listing some of the fallacies it refutes. It refutes the concept of original sin,... Continue Reading →
What Is Wisdom?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us the following counsel: "O be wise; what can I say more?" (Jacob 6:12). Near the end of the book, the prophet Moroni advises us, "Be wise in the days of your probation" (Mormon 9:28). The words "wisdom" and "wise" appear exactly 100... Continue Reading →
What Is Lust?
The Greek word epithumia (ἐπιθυμία) means strong desire, passion, or eagerness. The connotation is of a desire so strong that it overpowers reason and produces poor decisions. When this term appears in the New Testament, it is translated into English as either "lust," "desire," or "concupiscence." James identified lust as the reason that temptation leads... Continue Reading →
Why Is Steadiness Important?
Alma praised his son Shiblon for his "steadiness and...faithfulness" (Alma 38:2). He later urged another of his sons, Corianton, to observe Shiblon's "steadiness..., his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God," and to follow his example (Alma 39:1). Alma had experienced firsthand the prosperity that a group of people can enjoy when... Continue Reading →