Thoughtful Thursday: Cast it Out

The story of Korihor in the Book of Mormon tells of a man who went from city to city teaching the people that Christ was false, God did not exist, man would not be punished for their sins because there are no sins, and that everyone prospered according to their genius.

This particular story has always helped me to discern false teachings. Korihor taught a lot of doctrines that are common in our day. As I read this story recently, I was struck not with the content of Korihor's teachings, but with the reaction of the people.

In one city, the people embraced, accepted and began living  according to the teachings of Korihor. In another city the people tied him up, brought him to their leader and ultimately cast him out of their city. In another city, the people immediately brought him to the chief judge of the city. That judge sent him to the chief judge of the nation.

The scriptures make it clear that the people who cast Korihor out were the people who made the right choice concerning Korihor and his teachings. In our day, casting someone out because they are teaching false doctrine would be considered hateful, bigoted, and intolerant. Embracing and trying out the new idea, accepting and welcoming the person would be considered enlightened, loving, and tolerant.

Obviously today, we cannot tie up the person teaching false doctrine. We can begin to cast false doctrine from our minds and home first by studying the scriptures and the teachings of modern day prophets. This enables us to discern the false teachings from the true. We can turn off the TV and movies when they teach false doctrine. We can be careful about what we read. We can fight legislation that legalizes or normalizes actions and ideas that we know are wrong. Clearly, the right choice in our day is the same right choice as in the day of Korihor-- Cast.It.OUT.