“I Have Somewhat More to Say Unto Thee”

Bryan Richards

Corianton gets the dubious distinction of a long dissertation from his father. Shiblon was so righteous that he only needed a 15-verse lecture. Corianton, on the other hand, gets a 91-verse reprimand. This advice was spawned by Alma's great love for Coriaton. Hugh Nibley said, "Corianton was a wild guy, but his father had a sneaking likeness for his youngest son." (Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Lect. 55, p. 454)

We should be thankful for this length of Alma's fatherly advice. In the next four chapters, Alma discusses fundamental doctrines about sexual sin, the spirit world, the resurrection, the punishment of the sinner, and the relationship between mercy and justice. Alma's advice on these subjects is so filled with the spirit of revelation that it provides one of the great testimonies to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Finally, we realize that Alma not only had somewhat more to say to Corianton, but he also had somewhat more to say to us.

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