Verses 5 and 6 must be read together to derive the meaning of Mormon’s editorial addition. All Zarahemlaites were allowed to assemble to hear Yahweh’s word, but Zarahemlaite believers were commanded to do so. Mormon recognizes the social division in the society and notes that the church (which was in control of the political organization) did not exclude dissidents. This distinction communicates that the church-men created fair laws and suggests the possibility that some who chose not to assemble with the church might have assembled to worship their own god or gods.
Furthermore, contentions arose with such speed because they were not suppressed. They were allowed as part of the “liberal” laws (“… God was liberal unto all… ”).
Considering the negative social dynamic that would intensify, it is significant that the church was commanded to assemble in “mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.” This is more than religious concern. The division between church-men and non-church-men was not comparable to different denominations today but was a far more serious social problem. Alma organized a two-pronged effort, first to convert the non-church-men, then to pray for those who did not convert.