Tradition of the Fathers is inherited belief attributed to earlier fathers. The Lamanites “know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them,” because of traditions “which are not correct” (Mosiah 1:5).
The tradition of the Lamanites included believing that they “were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers,” and that they were wronged in the wilderness and while crossing the sea (Mosiah 10:12). Those who rejected “the tradition of the Lamanites” and believed records brought from Jerusalem also believed “the tradition of their fathers, which were correct” (Alma 3:11).
The traditions of the fathers caused the Lamanites to remain “in their state of ignorance,” and they would be brought to know “the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers” (Alma 9:16-17). As many as were convinced laid down “their hatred and the tradition of their fathers” (Helaman 5:51).