Culture: The original division between Nephites and Lamanites (vv. 35–39) differentiated the righteous and the unrighteous. However, one hallmark of apostasy was wearing fine apparel and creating social hierarchies. Now proud and vain Nephites are also characterized by “exceeding riches.” The Lamanites were also “rich.” The Nephites have therefore adopted the economic trappings of the Lamanites and, as has always happened in the past, also adopted Lamanite ways and religion. The Nephites might still be Nephites politically, but they are losing the religious distinction that truly separated them from the Lamanites.