“Supposing That Ye Are Better One Than Another”

Brant Gardner

Alma continues with the catalogue of condemnatory traits. In addition to wearing costly apparel and setting their hearts upon worldly riches, they are asserting their social superiority. This class division, against which Benjamin had also preached, is another idea imported from the competing religion. One effect of this social stratification is the belief that the higher class “deserves” its wealth and the lower classes “deserve” their fate. Social stratification on the basis of economics leads the wealthy to “turn… [their] backs upon the poor, and the needy.”

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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