The sign of Sherem

In a previous post I discussed the Book of Mormon's freethought martyr, Korihor. Another very similar character is Sherem, who's story is found in Jacob 7:1-22.

Sherem, like Korihor, shows up out of nowhere and begins to "preach many things" that "might overthrow the doctrine of Christ." Now you might think that there wouldn't be much "doctrine of Christ" in the New World 500 years before Jesus was born, but if so then you probably haven't read (or don't entirely believe) the Book of Mormon.

Sherem was a smooth talker with "perfect knowledge" and "the power of the devil." He claimed that Jacob had mislead the people "into the worship of a being which ... shall come many hundred years hence." But "no man knoweth of such things; for he cannot tell of things to come."

Jacob asks Sherem if he denies that Christ will come. He answers that although he doesn't believe it now, he could be convinced if Jacob could show him a sign. Jacob responds by saying, "Thou art the devil ... but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee."

And (wouldn't you know it?) that's exactly what happens in the very next verse:

And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words, the power of the Lord came upon him, insomuch that he fell to the earth. -- Jacob 7:15

It took another five verses and three and-it-came-to-passes for God's sign to take effect, but in verse 20, Sherem finally gives up the ghost. (But not before he publicly "confessed the Christ, and the power of the Holy Ghost," admitted that he "had been deceived by the power of the devil," and said that he fully deserved and expected to go to hell.)

Jacob said that he was pleased with the whole thing (v.22), as was, no doubt, God.

You see, God doesn't mess around in the Book of Mormon. Believe whatever the church leaders tell you, without any evidence, without any sign. Because if you ask for a sign, God will give you one, all right. The sign of Sherem.