Br. Martins' Lecture Notes for Book of Mormon

Alma 1-4

The Book of Alma marks a major "turning point" in the overall narrative of the Book of Mormon because at this time the Nephites were a 509 year-old civilization (see Mosiah 29:46,) living in a democratic regime, with an ethnically diverse, mostly educated and wealthy population. Have you seen "this film" somewhere?
From now on, Mormon will give us greater details about Nephite life, culture, politics, economy, and national security issues. However, his focus is not on teaching us about Nephite history, but he will teach us how true Christians can face and overcome the challenges and predicaments of a complex society with the help of the priesthood and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Questions for Review:

1. Identify Nehor's false doctrines (Alma 1:3-4)

2. Alma the younger wanted to reform the people. What most effective tool did he decide to use? (Alma 4:19)

Alma 1

Nehor and his false religion (3-4)

A large and strong man, bold (i.e. courageous, attention-getting) (2,11)
His false doctrines:

Priests and teachers should become popular and should not work

Popular: based upon the will of the people; constituted or carried on by the people; marked by attempts to gain general goodwill; commonly liked or found pleasant or praiseworthy; approved

What is the problem with this idea of priests being "popular"?

All humankind would be saved in the eternal kingdom of God

In other words, he preached that there was no need for reverence, repentance, nor commandments

Results of Nehor's proselyting (5-6)

. The people began to support him and give him money

. He was lifted up in his pride and wore very costly apparel

. He established his own church

Nehor kills Gideon, is tried by Alma, the chief judge, and executed according to the Nephite law (7-10,13-15)

Many others preached false doctrines seeking profits and earthly honors (16)

The righteous priests did not consider themselves better than others (26)

Members of the church became wealthy and shared their substance with the poor and needy (29-31)

Widespread wickedness prevailed among non-believers (32)

Alma 2

Amlici was one of Nehor's followers

. He was worldly wise and very cunning (i.e. deceptive) (1)

. He drew away many people, and began to be powerful (2)

Alma 3

A description of the Lamanite warriors (5-6)

"Every man receiveth wages of him he listeth to obey" (27)

Alma 4

Pride becomes widespread in the church because of great wealth: (6)

Fine clothes, flocks, herds, gold, silver, all obtained by industry

Be sure to read some of Elder Spencer W. Kimball's thoughts on earthly possessions - Conference Report, April 1968, pages 73-76

They set their hearts on their riches and on the vain things of the world (8)
Scorned one another and persecuted the non-believers

Notice that these ancient members had not become "less active"; they continued to be members of record, although their behavior said otherwise

The priests were "sorely grieved" for the members' wickedness (7)

The wickedness of the members of the church was an obstacle to non-members' conversion (10)

. Their bad example worsened the condition of the non-members (11)

Alma resigns his commission as Chief Judge of the Nephite republic (19)

. In his opinion, only a pure testimony could reclaim the people--not legislation, nor law enforcement alone