As we move into in Alma, chapter 46, this dissension evolves into an all out battle. The dissenters got so angry that they wanted to kill their brethren. Why? We don't have enough information to know exactly what their gripe was but it looks like two opposing paradigms are clashing. As I think about the opposing paradigms, I make the following observations.
- Both paradigms have large followings.
- The rich church members, that are proud, prefer one paradigm.
- The balance prefers what is being preached by Helaman and the brethren.
- Helaman is preaching what his father preached.(see Alma 31:5)
- Alma, Helaman's father, preached hard doctrine against the rich that are proud.
- One of Alma's definitions of walking in the pride of one's heart was the wearing of fine twine apparel, thus making a mock of their brethren.(see Alma 5:53,55)
- Alma preached that the true temporal tenet of Christ's gospel was living in equality, voluntarily giving of one's surplus to the priests to be redistributed to those in need. He taught what his father taught. (See Mosiah 18:27-29)
- This doctrine clashes with the 'I earned it and do what I want with it - and I am surely not going to give it away!' doctrine of the world.(see Alma 30:28)
- A Christian in 73 B.C. not wanting to live this doctrine yet wanted to be a member of the church for all other reasons, good and bad, ended up having their 'I'm a member in good standing' paradigm put into question because of Helaman's preaching of the word in its purity.(see Alma 45:23)
- A good way to get rid of the offending doctrine is to either kill off the other group or establish a king to take charge and change the religious laws of the country.(see Alma 46:1-2)
Those that will not change their ways and hearken to the words of Helaman gather against them. They were so angry with their believing brethren that they want to kill them.(Alma 46:2). Now the leader of this division was Almalickiah. They wanted him to be their king. He and his party had political control over much of the government. His words were so convincing that many members dissented from the church.
And we know the rest of the story. Almalickiah defects to the Lamanites and eventually through intrigue and fraud becomes their king and starts another war with the Nephites.
Whether or not Almalickiah was a Christian himself (which seems to be inferred) he didn't like what Helaman was preaching and preached against it. Amalickiah's teachings were probably Nehor doctrine like what Korihor taught. I can imagine what he may have taught: everyone ought to have their agency to decide how to use their riches. You created your wealth through your own industry and you should enjoy the fruits of your labors. Don't fear the priests or some unknown God. In fact, redistribution to the poor is kind of foolish. They brought their financial woes upon themselves. And the agency argument goes on and on. It reminds me of a scripture in 2 Nephi. 2 Nephi 9:30, 42-43. The things of the wise and prudent are always hid from the rich that are proud.
