In the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 46:13–14, we learn: “To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.” The experiences of King Lamoni and his wife beautifully illustrate that principle. Lamoni had a personal experience, and would believe. The queen says: “I have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.” Both experiences are valuable and demonstrate faith that changes souls. One is not better than the other.
Perhaps the ability to believe on the word of another is the more difficult, however, for Ammon declares that the queen has demonstrated a level of faith that is greater than was had among the Nephites. That statement is important in the first part for demonstrating the saving power of being able to believe in another’s words, certainly believing in the words of a prophet, which are true. The second part of the importance of the statement is that Ammon declares that a Lamanite woman has greater faith than any of the Nephites.
The typical Nephite perception of the Lamanites is that they are lazy and idol worshippers. They are considered unquestionably inferior to the Nephites. We saw that perspective starting with Nephi. In the small plates we see the Lamanites being more righteous than the Nephites, only when the intent is to show that the Nephites are even less righteous.
Here, however, is true faith. In Mormon’s edition of the plates and other records, we see a different view of the Lamanites. Although the ethnocentric descriptions continue, we see the Lamanites as not only redeemable, but often as having greater faith than the Nephites after their redemption. Mormon writes of great hope for the Lamanites, where Nephi seemed to see only the pains of the final end of the Nephites at Lamanite hands.