This part of the Nephite record that highlights missionary work also tells of "many who...went forth preaching false doctrines...." (Alma 1:16.) Special attention is directed to a couple of persuasive anti-Christs: Nehor and Korihor.(1) Might this concentration of accounts about priestcraft carry personal implications? Is there a particular period in an individual's progression when he is more vulnerable or prone to deception by worldly philosophies?
In our model of an individual's progression, we are considering that period which customarily occurs in young adulthood. While this time is ripe for embracing the truth, because of the characteristic open-mindedness, it also seems to be a vulnerable time for falling to false ideologies. Older people tend to be more secure in their ways--not as apt to be swayed. Younger people, or children, do not have the intellectual capacity to comprehend many of the darker tenets.
Inasmuch as this period of people's lives is commonly when they are awakened to God and yearn to share with others, herein may lie a warning. These missionary-minded people are actively involved in sharing beliefs. As a result, they are also frequently exposed to the misleading and sometimes alluring doctrines of those with whom they come in contact. They (the individuals who have been born again) are filled with a love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet they must also arm themselves against the fiery darts of false doctrine that may be hurled at them.
False ideologies are not, however, limited to the realm of what we narrowly define as religion. The priestcraft that came among the Nephites during this period was defined as "preaching false doctrines...for the sake of riches and honor." (Alma 1:16.) Likewise, Nephi strongly warned us about those in our day who would "set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." (2 Ne. 26:29.) Some of the greatest damage done is orchestrated by those who are not affiliated with any religion.
The Book of Mormon seems to caution us about one movement in particular. It seems to be enticing more righteous individuals in a major way than any other movement. One of the anti-Christs who appeared during this period of the Lehite history was Korihor. The record devotes an entire chapter to this account. We previously noted that his ideologies closely match those of Karl Marx's.(2) Korihor "had much success" because his teachings "were pleasing unto the carnal mind...." (Alma 30:53.) In our day, we have beheld the same success of Marxist and related philosophies. The leftist thinkers of the world have gained a following in virtually every phase of society.
The timeless principle of this Book of Mormon warning, however, goes beyond just the Marxist philosophy. The expanding socialistic movement is essentially mankind's diabolical alternative to God's plan of salvation. On the individual level, this probably translates into putting one's trust in the arm of flesh. Therein may lie the crux of the warning. The following statement made by Nephi applies to both nations and individuals. He warned, "Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men...." (2 Ne. 28:31.) That seems to be the essence of deception, for anyone who truly places their full trust in God, not man, will be led aright and will not be deceived.
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Endnotes:
1. The early days of the latter-day Church were also marked by a significant degree of deception, especially via apostates. (Marion G. Romney, CR, Oct. 1960, pp. 75,76.)
2. See "Birth of Communism" section in Chapter Six.
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