“Be Baptized Unto the Lord Their God”

Brant Gardner

The resurgence in religious commitment is doubtless due to the afflictions of the war. Those whom Mormon described as being “softened” in verse 41 were most likely those who were converted to the church. While this development is undoubtedly positive, the Zarahemla polity did not require uniform acceptance of the Nephite religion and political philosophy. For this reason, many who had not previously been part of the church before and during the war continued their religious and political differences after. Contending opinions over the way society ought to work had been the seed of contention in Nephite society and, unfortunately, will be again.

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

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