The introduction of one of the most famous characters in LDS history, Korihor, requires scripture Sunday to be broken up in several parts. It should come as no surprise that I like to keep things short and sweet. This is part one of a five part series.
Putting Korihor on the side for a minute I really love this passage. Notice how it begins with his introduction then immediately reminds us that "there was no law against a man's belief, for it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which brings men to unequal grounds." This is partially why I like the book of Mormon. There is no way that this could be read as anything else other than supporting freedom of expression.
In fact, it really drills into our heads that freedom is fundamental to this society. "Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege, or rather if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe there was no law to punish him." Again, just not believing in God was not a crime in this society. It verse goes on to describe punishment for crimes of course-murder, adultery, robbery are crimes that violate consent, so they do have just punishments.
But simply not believing what everyone else does-that does not and should not warrant a punishment in a society that tries to live by the Book of Mormon.
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