The Book of Alma

Alma 1

The Nephites were ruled by elected judges after the death of King Mosiah, and Alma was chosen as the first chief judge. Within the first year of his reign, a physically powerful man named Nehor was brought before Alma for judgment. Nehor was charged with priestcraft, coercion, and murder.

Nehor had been preaching an alternate doctrine of God to the Nephites that ran contrary to the teachings of the church. He said that priests should be supported by the people and not have to work personally with their hands. He taught that everyone would be saved on judgment day, and that to live in fear of God’s punishment was unnecessary. He said that because God had created all men, all men would be redeemed and live eternally, regardless of how they behaved during their mortal lives. Many people believed Nehor and supported him. Their support inflated his self-importance, purchased his expensive clothing, and allowed him to establish a church of his own.

On his way to preach one day, he met and argued with an older man who belonged to the church of God. As it turned out, this older man was Gideon, who had been instrumental in delivering the people of Limhi from slavery. In a heated debate, Gideon defended the church and criticized Nehor for his impertinence. In anger, Nehor drew his sword and killed Gideon on the spot.

In spite of Nehor’s vigorous defense of himself, Alma declared, “Not only are you guilty of priestcraft, you are guilty of trying to enforce your views through violence. If this is allowed to stand, it will result in our complete destruction. Nehor, you have shed the blood of a great man who has done good things for us. If we don’t avenge his death, his blood will seek vengeance on us. Therefore, you are condemned to die according to the laws of King Mosiah that have been ratified by the people.” Nehor was taken to the top of Manti Hill, where he confessed that his teachings were contrary to the word of God, and was executed.

Unfortunately, this did not put an end to the teaching of false doctrines. There were still plenty of people who delighted in vanity and wealth, and richly supported the priests who condoned their pretensions. Although liars were punished, the false priests claimed protection under the rules allowing freedom of belief.

Robbery and murder were punished harshly, but persecutions of church members by non-members became a rampant problem. Because of the members’ humility and free declaration of the word of God, they were verbally abused by those who didn’t agree with them. While the rules of the church of God forbade its members from fighting with their persecutors, many did so, anyhow. In this way, the church was challenged from the inside and the outside. Some members were rejected and some left of their own accord. Those who remained became steadfast in keeping the commandments of God, and bore their persecutions with patience.

When the priests set aside their work to preach the word of God, the people set aside their work to listen. Afterwards, everyone including the priests returned to their labors. No one was above anyone else. The teachers were no higher than the learners. Men gave to their brothers according to what they had. The poor, the needy, and the sick were supported, and all were equal. This is how the church operated. Except for the occasional persecutions, there was continual peace among the people.

Due to the great cooperation and steadiness of their church, the members became rich in livestock, grains, gold, silver, silk and fine linens. They shared with one another in such a way that all were clothed and fed, and none of them stood in need.

Those who did not belong to the church indulged in sorcery, idolatry, idleness, gossip, envy, and strife. They wore expensive clothing and puffed themselves up with self-importance. These were the persecutors, liars, thieves, adulterers, and murderers.

To the degree that it was possible, the laws were enforced and people’s behavior improved. By the fifth year of elected judges, the Nephites were at peace. [90 BC]