“I Do Not Teach the Foolish Traditions of Your Fathers”

Alan C. Miner

According to John Welch, the idea that the Nephites continued to observe the ritual ordinances and ceremonial performances of the law of Moses down to the coming of Christ is supported by one of Korihor's allegations. Alma 30 tells how Korihor accused the Nephite church of teaching (and presumably observing) what he considered to be "foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them" (Alma 30:23). Korihor's derision is evidence that the Nephites observed the full range of ancient ordinances taught from the time of Adam to Moses, along with the priestly sacrificial portions of the law of Moses, which Korihor would have considered to be among the most "foolish" parts of Alma's ancient traditions. Korihor's words were probably critical of the higher mysteries taught by Alma according to the holy order of the Son of God (see Alma 12:9; 13:1-13), as well as of the sacrificial laws of the Pentateuch. [John W. Welch, "The Temple in the Book of Mormon," in Temples of the Ancient World, p. 305]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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