Civil War

The early part of the book of Alma tells of a vicious Nephite civil war, fomented by presumptuous Amlici. Considering possible parallels to our day, our minds turn to the United States' Civil War.⁽¹⁾ The emphasis so far has been on events in this nation. Looking deeper at the cause and the course of the war, we discover that many details bear marked similarities.

Two major identifying causes of the Civil War were the disagreements over the human rights issue of slavery and the political question of whether or not a state had the right to nullify an act of Congress it deemed undesirable. The Northerners (generally speaking) were upset because the Southern states had defiantly annulled an act of Congress.⁽²⁾ Likewise, the Nephites "who had not been drawn away after the persuasions of Amlici" were alarmed, for "they knew that according to their law [alterations in government] must be established by the voice of the people." (Alma 2:3.) Also, like the Southerners, who favored slavery, Amlici would have deprived people "of their rights." (Alma 2:4.)

Amlici was "after the order of" Nehor, who instigated priestcraft among the Nephites. (Alma 2:1; 1:12.) As such he fit the description of one "who loved the vain things of the world, and [who] went forth preaching false doctrines; and this...for the sake of riches and honor." (Alma 1:16.) Similarly, many times the Southern slave owners put the best face they could on slavery, often (mis)quoting freely from the Bible to justify their practice.⁽³⁾ They vehemently defended this corrupt institution because it was an essential source of income for them.⁽⁴⁾

In both histories, the issue finally culminated in a deciding vote. When the Nephite controversy was put to a vote, the voice of the people sided against Amlici. (Alma 2:6,7.) The American controversy climaxed with the election of Abraham Lincoln, which signaled the nation's overall disapproval of the views held by the South.⁽⁵⁾

The Nephite record then informs us that the angered supporters of Amlici consecrated him to be their king, and he commanded them to "take up arms against their brethren." (Alma 2:8,9.) Similarly the outraged Southerners seceded from the Union, formed a confederacy, and initiated the war.

In the course of the ancient war, the Amlicites rallied the Lamanites from the land of Nephi (the Nephite motherland). In like fashion, during the Civil War, the Southern States called on Great Britain (our nation's motherland) to help them. (Alma 2:24; compare D&C 87:3.)

Meanwhile, as the wars tread their dreary course, in both cases a great many were slain. The misery inflicted because of awful circumstances was incalculable. (Alma 3:1; 2:37,38; compare D&C 87:1.)

Finally, in both instances the Lord strengthened the hand of those defending human rights and Constitutional principles. He enabled them to win the conflict against the forces of intrigue. (Alma 2:28)⁽⁶⁾