The next 19 chapters in the Book of Alma deal largely with a long and violent war between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Many first-time readers of the Book of Mormon--especially recent converts--have a hard time reading these chapters; in fact, many readers skip them altogether.

Considering that Mormon never meant to write an action-packed adventure (Words of Mormon 1:2,5-9) and that it was difficult to engrave in the plates (Jacob 4:1,) as you read this chapters always have these questions in mind: "Why did Mormon write this? What lesson(s) is he trying to teach here? What does it have to do-or might it have to do--with me (or with others around me)?"  There may be many possible answers to these questions, and as it is customary with gospel-related questions, never settle for an easy answer-or just any answer.  Remember that over the years we will always develop deeper and more refined answers to our gospel-related questions.

For now, consider the possibility that Mormon is trying to exemplify how the disciples of Jesus Christ among the Nephites and the converted Lamanites responded to war and violence at a time of grave national crisis.

Questions for Review:

1. What justification did the Lord give the Nephites to engage in war? (Alma 43:46-47)

2. When and how did Alma, the younger, die? (Alma 45:18-19)

3. Captain Moroni quoted a little-known prophecy made by Jacob, Abraham's grandson, about his son Joseph's posterity. What was that prophecy? (Alma 46:23-24)

4. What do we learn about Nephite medicines? (Alma 46:40)

5. What happens to those who, once enlightened by the gospel, fall away into sin and transgression? (Alma 47:36)

6. According to Mormon, what would happen if all men-and women--were like Captain Moroni? (Alma 48:17)

7. What was the Nephites' feeling concerning killing their enemies in battles? (Alma 48:23)
 

Zoramites and Amalekites join forces with the Lamanites (4,6-7)

Two opposite reasons for war (8-10)

. What were the righteous Nephites' feelings towards war?  (read Alma 48:23)

Captain Moroni, a young and powerful military leader (16-17)

• A military genius tempered by his faith (19, 23-24, 30)
• His character (read Alma 48:11-13,17)

Alma's prophecy about the future destruction of the Nephites (9-14)

Alma leaves a blessing and a curse over the land (15-16)

Alma disappears (18-19)

Helaman, son of Alma the Younger, becomes the new president of the Church (20,22)

Prelude to disaster: Unbelief, pride, and dissensions in the Church (23-24)

. "Rich in their own eyes" (read D&C 11:7)

A very wicked leader arises among the dissenters: Amalickiah (1-7,10, 33)

• Large and strong; smart; flatterer; treacherous (also read Alma 47:18-19, 22-24, 30, 35; 49:10)
• Hungry for power; manipulator of other power-hungry individuals
• If you ever see someone with these characteristics, stay away from him/her!

Moroni's "Title of Liberty" (11-13)

The first time the title "Christians" appears in the Book of Mormon (14-15)

An ancient prophecy from Jacob about a remnant from Joseph (24)

Extreme measures for extreme times: capital punishment for treason (35; also read 62:10)

Curiosity for medical personnel: An insight into Nephite medicine and environment (40-41)

Dissenters, not external antagonists, often bring our greatest problems (47:36)

The Lord's blessings over the Nephites (50:17-23)

The death of chief judge Nephihah, and the election of Pahoran (50:37-40)

The "Freemen" and the "King-men" (51:2-9)

The death of Amalickiah (51:33-37)

Copyright © 1994-2007 - Marcus H. Martins
This web page was published only as a support for classroom discussion.
For more information, contact Dr. Marcus Martins at: martinsm@byuh.edu