It is usually “the traditions of their fathers” that take away light and truth (D&C 93:39; see also Alma 9:16), but with many of the Nephite rising generation it was their failure to believe their fathers (Mosiah 26:1). These same people could not understand the word of God because the Spirit of the Lord had left them (see 2 Nephi 32:7). Neither could they call upon the Lord their God because the evil spirit “teacheth [a man] not to pray” (2 Nephi 32:8). Iniquity brings dissension among a people (see Alma 53:9), and when it is among the brethren (Mosiah 26:5) the opposition to the people of God grows and gives strength to groups supported by Satan (see 3 Nephi 2:18). Throughout the record of the Book of Mormon, many Nephites became “Lamanites because of their dissensions” (D&C 10:48).
Flattery (Mosiah 26:6) is another constant threat to the people of God. Sherem, the anti-Christ, (mentioned in Jacob 7:4) “could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil.” King Noah deceived many with “vain and flattering words” (Mosiah 11:7). Korihor, another anti-Christ, brought “many souls down to destruction” with his lying and flattering words (Alma 30:47). Amalickiah, one very wicked man, “led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly” (Alma 46:10). Thus it was expedient that the unbelievers among the church in Alma’s day be admonished by the church (Mosiah 26:6). Through instruction and discipline, one of the missions of the Church today, such conditions may be overcome.