Curses - Alma 3

The focal point of this chapter is how the Lamanites and the Amlicites brought curses upon themselves and in the end fulfilled prophecy.  It always strikes me that "Now the Amlicites knew not that they were fulfilling the words of God when they began to mark themselves in their foreheads; " How did they not know?  They had been members of the church.  Had they been away from the church so long that they had forgotten, or had they never understood?  Had they never been converted?  Sad to think they were so close to what had been known as living "after the manner of happiness" (2 Ne 5).  This had been the tradition of their people, but they thought it was greener on the other side and sided with the Lamanites.

This stems from a misguided belief that life is better with a King.  I think the pride reaches into people and they succumb to temptations to give into it.  When they fully do they want the most power, popularity and wealth they can find on earth.  And the easiest way for some of these wicked men is to create a pinnacle position from which to acquire those things.  A forum of judges does not create a pinnacle controling position.  A structure of judges requires cooperation, collaboration, and in some respects submissiveness.  None of that is acceptable to a people or person hungry for the things of pride.  Amlci and Nehor were both that way, and the pride cycle in the Book of Mormon will produce more of these people.  Amulon was no different, Noah was the same way.

The worst part about it is that these men lead others away from Christ.