A Divided People

Church Educational System
Notice in Alma 14:1–5 how the word of God divided the people. Why would this happen? Could this be part of what Jesus meant when he said that he came to bring not peace but a sword, and that because of the gospel a man’s foes might be those of his own household? (see Matthew 10:34–36). This is precisely what happened to Amulek as a result of his conversion (see Alma 15:16).

Brigham Young said:

“The Gospel of salvation is perfectly calculated to cause division. It strikes at the root of the very existence of mankind in their wickedness, evil designs, passions, and wicked calculations. There is no evil among the human family, but at the foundation of which it strikes effectually, and comes in contact with every evil passion that rises in the heart of man. It is opposed to every evil practice of men, and consequently it disturbs them in the wicked courses they are pursuing”

(in Journal of Discourses, 1:235).

Book of Mormon Student Manual (1996 Edition)

References