The second step in the scientific method is to gather the data that relates to the problem. Alma gave the poor of the Zoramites the following data.
They had been blessed since they became lowly in heart (v. 8). By the implication of the two following questions he asked, Alma tells them it is wrong to suppose they could only worship in their synagogues (v. 10), and it is wrong to suppose they could only worship one day in a week (v. 11). The Zoramites had built new synagogues centered around the Rameumptom, and worshiped only one day of the week (Alma 31:12, 21, 23). Their being cast out of their synagogues and humbled was a benefit because it prepared them to learn wisdom. Those who are compelled to be humble sometimes seek repentance and find mercy. Those who find mercy and endure to the end shall be saved (Alma 32:12–13). Again, through rhetorical questioning, Alma teaches that those more blessed are the ones who are humbled and believe the word of God and are baptized without being compelled to be humble (vv. 14–16).
With this data given, Alma presents his hypothesis after distinguishing between knowledge, faith, and belief. Those who seek a sign from heaven in order to know are not exercising faith (v. 17). A person who has knowledge has no need to believe because he knows (v. 18). That person who knows the will of God, and doesn’t do it, is more cursed than those who just believe. Therefore, Alma’s hypothesis is: “Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (v. 21). As Alma then states, belief is a prerequisite to faith, and belief must be “even on his word” (v. 22). This statement is based on the definition of things “which are true.” The definition given by the Apostle Paul is similar to Alma’s: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (JST, Hebrews 11:1; italics indicate JST changes).
Alma gives two sources for the word of God. The first source is angels who impart the word to men and women (Alma 32:23). The word “impart” suggests broader methods than just the appearances of angels. They may minister without being recognized as angels. The Apostle Paul taught “be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). Angels also declare “the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels [authorities] of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him. And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residence of men may have faith in Christ” (Moroni 7:31–32). Therefore, again quoting Paul: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The Prophet Joseph Smith commented: “Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God; that testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy and revelation” ( TPJS, 148).
The second source of faith given by Alma is the words given at times unto little children (Alma 32:23). This source is not an appearance but a revelation that the child does not realize from whence it came. The Psalmist said the Lord spake “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings” (Psalms 8:2; see also Matthew 21:16). The hypothesis must now be tested.