Culture: Alma does not suggest that they move to a land where the true religion is taught, although they eventually do (Alma 35:6). Such a development would have decreased the Zoramites’ economic base, thus increasing the benefits to them of establishing a more cooperative relationship with Zarahemla. However, Alma does not play this political card and explains in detail that worship need not be associated with a location. Rather, he leaves the possibility open that they can continue to enjoy the defense of Antionum while disassociating themselves from the Zoramite religion. Perhaps at this point Alma still holds out hope for rescuing the Zoramites for the Nephite polity.
Alma expects that they are familiar with scriptures and urges them “to search the scriptures.” It would be surprising in the ancient world for farmers to be sufficiently literate to read the scriptures, so Alma may actually mean that they should search their memories for gospel teachings and be attentive to the few among them who have the ability to read the scriptures to the larger group.