This story (Alma chapters 39-42) points up a deeply significant principle- the value of teaching doctrine. One perusing these chapters might be prone to ask: “The boy has a moral problem; why preach to him? Why spend so much time discussing the spirit world, resurrection, judgment, the law of restoration, and the mercy and justice of God?” Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “The foundation upon which we build our whole Church system is one of testimony and faith and conversion. It is our theology; it is the doctrine God has given us in this day; it is the restored and revealed principles of eternal truth- these are the things that give us the ability to operate our programs and build houses of salvation.” (Address at a Regional Representatives Seminar, 3 April 1981, typescript pp. 9-10; cited in Mark L. McConkie, ed., Doctrines of the Restoration, pp. 226-27.)
Or, as Elder Boyd K. Packer testified: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.” (CR, October 1986, p. 20.)