And What of Corianton?

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And What of Corianton?
A Young Adult's Guide to Repentance, Forgiveness and Redemption

By Roger McConkie

Approximately 73 years before Jesus Christ was born, lived a young man on the American continent named Corianton. But you have probably never heard of Corianton. In fact, even if you are an active student and member of the Church, chances are you will not immediately recall Corianton's story. Yet his story is of great significance in understanding and appreciating the truths and doctrines contained in the Book of Mormon and, equally important, the personal application of those truths and doctrines in our lives.

As Bishop of a young single adult ward at the University of Utah, I had the humbling privilege of witnessing the miracle of repentance occur in the lives of many of our ward members. I am convinced that many of these members are among the noble and great ones reserved to come forth in the final dispensation of the fullness of times. I imagine that many of these souls were the people the Lord was speaking about when he told Enoch in his vision of the latter days “and righteousness will I send out of heaven.” (Moses 7: 62 ) Perhaps it was because of their spiritual maturity in their pre-earth life that they were reserved to come forth at a time when Satan would pour out his wrath without mixture upon the whole earth. (D&C 115: 6)

Not only was Captain Moroni like unto “Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God.” All? All of Alma's sons? Does all mean all? Is Mormon really saying that Corianton, one of Alma's sons was actually comparable to Captain Moroni and Ammon and Alma?  The same Corianton who went after the Harlot Isabel in the land of Siron?

The next verse seems to indicate this is so. It says: “Now behold, Helaman and his brethren, (the only literal brothers of Helaman that we know of were Shiblon and Corianton), were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; For they did preach the word of God; And they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto his words.”

If our reading of these verses is accurate and true, and I firmly believe that it is, Corianton, who committed serious sexual transgression, was able to repent and become a saint like unto Captain Moroni and Ammon and like unto Corianton's brothers Helaman and Shiblon and like unto his father Alma! Think about it! If true, what does this mean to my guilt-ridden, spirit-injured young adult friends? Could it mean that all is not lost for them? Could it mean that they are not beyond the reach of the Savior’s atonement? Could it mean that they are not consigned to a life of double-mindedness along with all the baggage and shame and self-loathing associated therewith?

Yes, yes and yes!