Lesson Highlights

• Mosiah teaches principles of good government.
• Alma the Younger serves as chief judge and combats priestcraft.
• Amlici seeks to be king but is rejected by the voice of the people.
• The Church prospers but becomes prideful. Alma resigns the judgment seat to devote himself to the ministry.

Scripture references for study:  Mosiah 29 Alma 1–4
    Note: Underlined scripture references have been hyperlinked to the LDS Scriptures at LDS.org and will open in a new window.

Lesson 21 Handout (PDF format)

Mosiah 29

1. Mosiah sent an inquiry to the people in order to discover their will concerning his successor.
• The people desired Mosiah's son Aaron to be the new king.
• Aaron was out of the land and did not wish to become king.
• "...neither were any of the sons of Mosiah willing to take upon them the kingdom" (v3).
2. Mosiah sent a written proclamation to his people:
• WHAT COUNSEL DID MOSIAH GIVE THE PEOPLE ABOUT HAVING KINGS?
• The problems with monarchy:
• If Mosiah were to appoint another there might be contentions.
• Aaron might return and wish to claim the throne and draw away part of the people causing wars and contentions.
• Mosiah asks, "How much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!" (v17).
• He refers to King Noah and his wicked reign.
• This wickedness led to the bondage of the people.
• Mosiah stated that the people cannot dethrone an iniquitous king except through much contention and shedding of blood.
• Such a king has his friends in iniquity.
• He tears up the laws of the righteous who have reigned before him.
• "Therefore, if it were possible that you could have just men to be your kings, who would establish the laws of God, and judge this people according to his commandments, yea, if ye could have men for your kings who would do even as my father Benjamin did for this people--I say unto you, if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that ye should always have kings to rule over you" (v13).
• Mosiah said that he would serve as king for the remainder of his days.
• Mosiah suggested the election of judges by the people to govern the affairs of the land.
• WHAT QUALITIES DID MOSIAH SAY THESE JUDGES SHOULD HAVE?
• "...we will appoint wise men to be judges, that will judge this people according to the commandments of God" (v11).
• Latter-day revelation teaches, "Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil." (D&C 98:10)
• WHY ARE THESE QUALITIES IMPORTANT IN LEADERS TODAY?
  • 1928 First Presidency message: "Laws which are enacted for the protection of society have no value except when they are administered in righteousness and justice, and they cannot be so administered in righteousness and justice, if dishonest men occupy administrative offices....
         "Without beneficent laws, righteously administered the foundations of civilization crumble, anarchy reigns, decay and dissolution follow." (CR, Oct 1928)
• READ MOSIAH 29:26-27.
• WHAT DID MOSIAH SAY WOULD HAPPEN IF THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE CHOSE WICKEDNESS?
• WHAT ARE SOME WAYS WE CAN HELP OTHERS UNDERSTAND AND CHOOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS?
• Special interest groups: the "lesser part of the people."
• President J. Reuben Clark: "I have a complete confidence in the aggregate wisdom of the...people if they are given and made to understand the facts. The wisdom of the mass is always greater than the wisdom of the individual or of the group. The few may be more subtle, more agile-minded, more resourceful; they may for a time push to the front and scamper ahead in the march; they may on occasion and for a time entice us down the wrong highway at the crossroads. But the great slow-moving, deliberate-thinking mass plods along over the years down the Divinely appointed way. Led astray, they slowly, cumberously swing back to the right road, no matter what the toil or the sacrifice may be, and when they start the return, they crush whatever lies in their path. So has humanity come up through the ages." (cited in Prophets, Principles, and National Survival, p110)
• We cannot allow "the lesser part of the people" to get an upper hand on the execution of our government.
3. The people relinquished their desire for a king and assembled to vote for judges.
• Alma the younger was elected the first chief judge.
4. A thought:  Isn't it interesting that we study the Book of Mormon each four years, the years in which we, in the United States, elect a president, as well as many senators, governors, and other representatives.

Alma 1

1. In the final chapter of Mosiah, we read about the formation of a new form of government among the Nephites.
• Alma was appointed chief judge by the voice of the people.
• In this chapter we read about the first recorded challenge to this new government.
2. During the first year of the reign of the judges a "man who was large, and was noted for his much strength" (v2) began preaching false doctrines among the Nephites.
• WHO WAS THIS?
• Nehor.
• READ ALMA 1:3-6.
• WHAT FALSE DOCTRINES DID NEHOR TEACH?
• He taught contrary to church doctrine.
• He taught priestcraft.
 WHAT IS PRIESTCRAFT?
• That the priests and teachers should become popular.
• These priests and teachers should be supported by the hand of  the people.
• All men would be saved and receive eternal life.
• WHY WAS NEHOR ABLE TO DECEIVE SOME OF THE NEPHITES?
• He flattered them.
• He said that all men should receive eternal life.
• The inference is that one need not make the effort to live a righteous life and will be saved in spite of one's lifestyle - whether good or bad.
• HOW HAVE PEOPLE IN OUR DAY BEEN SIMILARLY DECEIVED?
• ARE THERE DECEPTIVE DOCTRINES BEING TAUGHT BY SOME WITHIN THE CHURCH?
• President Joseph Fielding Smith: "Because a man has great schooling, is educated according to the ideas of the world, is not sufficient reason why he should be called to take charge of a class in any of the organizations or priesthood quorums within the Church. Now, if he has scholastic ability and training, and along with it has faith in the principles of the gospel and in the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Prophet Joseph Smith, all well and good. But if he is filled with all kinds of philosophy and notions and cannot accept the doctrines of the standard works of the Church, we do not want him, whether it is in our auxiliaries or the priesthood, or in our seminaries or institutes, that are given for the teaching of religious principles and to instill faith in the hearts of our young people....

    "It makes no difference who the teacher is, if he teaches false doctrine, if he teaches that which has been condemned by the Lord, that is contrary to what is written in the revelations given to the Church, then he should not teach." (CR, October 1954, pp21-22)
3.  Nehor encounters Gideon (the same who sought to slay wicked King Noah).
• Gideon, a Nephite patriot, contended with Nehor and admonished him with "the words of God."
• ARE WE WILLING TO STAND UP AGAINST POPULAR TEACHERS, TEACHING FALSE DOCTRINE, AND ADMONISH THEM, AS GIDEON, WITH "THE WORDS OF GOD"?
• WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN GIDEON AND NEHOR?
• Nehor drew his sword and began to smite Gideon. Because of Gideon's advanced age he was unable to defend himself physically and was slain by Nehor's sword.
• Nehor was arrested and taken before Alma to be judged.
• "And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much boldness.
But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction. And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, yea, a man who has done much good among this people; and were we to spare thee his blood would come upon us for vengeance. Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and it has been acknowledged by this people; therefore this people must abide by the law." (Alma 1:11-14)
• Nehor was taken to the top of the hill Manti and suffered an "ignominious death."
• This seems to indicate that capital punishment may be necessary for serious crimes, particularly when murder is involved.
• At present, the Church does not take an official stand on capital punishment. On May 27, 2003, the Church issued the following statement: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regards the question of whether and in what circumstances the state should impose capital punishment as a matter to be decided solely by the prescribed processes of civil law. We neither promote nor oppose capital punishment." (Newsroom.LDS.org)
4. The influence of Nehor continues.
• "Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor" (v16).
• WHY DOES THE DESIRE FOR THE RICHES AND HONORS OF THE WORLD HAVE SUCH A CORRUPTING INFLUENCE?
• HOW SHOULD WE CHANNEL THIS DESIRE?
• "Nevertheless, they durst not lie, if it were known, for fear of the law, for liars were punished; therefore they pretended to preach according to their belief; and now the law could have no power on any man for his belief" (v17).
• An interesting law - punishment for lying.
• HOW MANY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION BY ENGAGING IN EVIL PRACTICES BECAUSE IT IS CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTED?
5. There arose a period of persecution against members of the church.  Even some of the members participated in that persecution.
• HOW DID THE RIGHTEOUS MEMBERS DEAL WITH THIS?
• READ ALMA 1:25-28.
• Steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments (v25).
• Bore with patience the persecution heaped upon them (v25).
• They gave of their 'substance' to those in need (v27).
• Did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely (v27).

Alma 2

1. The events of this chapter sound a somber warning.
2. Amlici came among the people.
• He was cunning and a wise man as to wisdom of the world.
• He was of the order of Nehor.
• He drew away many people after him and thus gained much power.
• So much power that they endeavored to establish Amlici as king over the people.
• His intent: Once he obtained the kingship he would seek to destroy the church and its rights and privileges.
3. There was a campaign and an election.
   • "And it came to pass that the people assembled themselves together throughout all the land, every man according to his mind, whether it were for or against Amlici, in separate bodies, having much dispute and wonderful contentions one with another" (v5).
   • "And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their voices concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges" (v6).
   • Amlici lost and was not made king over the people.
   • This caused much joy among those who opposed Amlici.
4. DID AMLICI AND HIS KING GROUP GIVE UP THEIR CRUSADE AND GO AWAY?
• "...Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those who were not in his favor" (v8).
• This group appointed Amlici to be their king.
• He caused his followers to take up arms against the rest of the Nephites.
5. ARE THERE MODERN PARALLELS?
   • The United States seems to have become a nation of two peoples.
   • Those who desire to do good and have built their lives upon correct principles.
   • Those who, from appearances, seem to have a good cause, but are seeking to deprive us of our liberty.
   • Many of us are concerned about upcoming elections and what they may hold for the future. Even if the election turns the way we wish, will those groups with unrighteous agendas away?
   • The story of Amlici says "no." It is a solemn warning. We need to be ever vigilant about our liberty and the way in which we live our lives.
   • "Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them." (Alma 2:28)

Alma 4

1. There is much wickedness in the world today. If affects:
• Peace in the world.
• Caring for those in need.
• It is tearing at the fabric of nations.
• The spiritual lives of the people of the world, including the members of the Church.
2. WHAT WICKED TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES DO WE SEE IN THE WORLD TODAY?
• Corrupt political leadership.
• Advancing the concept of abortion as the a "choice."
• Disregard for the fact that the choice was made at the time of conception.
• Failing to take responsibility for one's actions.
• A few years ago we witnessed the tragic rioting in Los Angeles. The blame was not assessed to those who simply disobeyed the law. It was excused because of the Rodney King verdict and the failure of the government to assist the inner city.
• Living with a person of the opposite sex outside of marriage.
• The advancement of the gay/lesbian lifestyle.
• The media: TV, movies, music persistently teach incorrect values, including all of the above.
• The criticism by the media and journalists over the teaching of correct values .
• Consider what happened to Dan Quayle a few years ago when he spoke about the importance of complete families.
  • Dan Quayle said in a 1992 speech: "It doesn't help matters when primetime TV has Murphy Brown, a character who supposedly epitomizes today's intelligent, highly paid professional woman, mocking the importance of fathers by bearing a child alone and calling it just another lifestyle choice." (excerpts posted at Minnesota Family Council website)
  • Time Magazine reported about the controversy, "Quayle, aides explained, meant to 'stir a debate' over 'family values' and Hollywood's treatment of them. And so he did. A New York Daily News headline set the tone: QUAYLE TO MURPHY BROWN: YOU TRAMP! Switchboards at the White House and on TV and radio talk shows lit up with callers, pro and con. Carl Rowan, a liberal black columnist, sided with Quayle, while Hillary Clinton, wife of the Democratic presidential contender, panned him as typical of 'an Administration out of touch with America' and its growing ranks of single mothers." (Time Magazine, June 1, 1992)
• On the flip side, the media practically overlooks the immorality of public figures.
• Pornography.
• Drugs.
• Pride of the world.
3. DOES ANY OF THIS AFFECT THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH?
• ARE THESE INFLUENCES BECOMING AN INCREASING PROBLEM WITHIN THE CHURCH?
4. WHAT IS THE ANSWER TO ALL OF THIS?
• Consider the 4th chapter of Alma.
• As this chapter begins, the Nephites had suffered a period of war which had humbled them.
• They then entered a period of peace and were beginning to again prosper.
• READ ALMA 4:6-10. The wickedness of the people.
• Consider Alma's observations: "And it came to pass in the commencement of the ninth year, Alma saw the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people. Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted" (v11-12).
• In the midst of this wickedness Nephihah was appointed chief judge.
• READ ALMA 4:18-19.
• Alma's way of dealing with the wickedness he saw around him: "seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them."
5. AS WE LIKEN THIS SCRIPTURE UNTO OURSELVES, HOW MIGHT WE APPROACH THE WICKEDNESS WE SEE IN THE WORLD AROUND US?
• Prepare ourselves and our children for missions.
• Be member missionaries. Strive to be the leaven in the loaf.
• Rearrange our priorities, as did Alma, to make sharing the gospel of the highest importance.
• We have in our possession the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the stuff of eternity. We can affect the world around us by "bearing down in pure testimony" by word and by deed.
• Do we get so caught up in our daily pursuits that we do not give this admonition to be missionaries the effort it deserves?
• When I ponder these thoughts, I am left feeling somewhat guilty for not doing all that I should.
• What if every active member of the Church took their member missionary duties as serious as the Lord would have us? Would it make a difference?

Gospel Doctrine Notebook

1. Record your thoughts on the doctrines discussed in this lesson. What is your role in civic matters? What can you do to rearrange your priorities to make sharing the gospel more important?

Resources Used In This Lesson

1. Conference Reports (CR).
2. Messages of the First Presidency, Volume 3, compiled by James R. Clark.
3. Minnesota Family Council website.
4. Newsroom.LDS.org.
5. Prophets, Principles, and National Survival by Jerreld L. Newquist.
6. Time Magazine Archive.

Next Lesson

Lesson 22:  Alma 5–7