Alma introduces us to the second anti-Christ in the Book of Mormon—Nehor. He sought for fame and riches by establishing religious position based on popularity not worthiness. His idea was in direct conflict with what had been taught in Zarahemla for decades. King Benjamin had taught that even the king should not set himself apart from his subjects, even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes (Mosiah 2:14). The same doctrine was practiced and preached by his son Mosiah, all their priests and teachers should labor with their own hands for their support (Mosiah 27:5). Therefore, a popular priesthood goes against everything that had been taught so far among the Nephites. In his day, Nehor was an ideologic rebel. Yet, if he was born in our day, he would have been a televangelist.
Hugh Nibley explains how Nehor’s doctrine is really designed to set his class apart and gain prestige.
Hugh Nibley
“Next comes Nehor, the Great Liberal, ’declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they … ought to be supported by the people’ (Alma 1:3). This is a familiar ‘liberal’ paradox. The liberal is unpretentious and open-minded, just like everybody else--yet he forms a jealously guarded clique for the exploitation of the general public, and distinguishes sharply between the intellectual class to which he belongs as a special elite and the layman, who is expected to support him and to seek instruction at his feet.” (An Approach to the Book of Mormon, p. 366)