“Do Not Revile Against Those Who Do Cast You out”

"Amulek's warning to be patient and to abstain from abuse and calumny under the circumstances is highly significant. According to his inspired view violence in the social struggles is bound to lead to sin and to release passions and restraints which every true follower of Christ should avoid.

"Of course, Amulek does not advocate non-resistance as a means for bringing about the instant amelioration of the condition of the poor. He deems their spiritual redemption to be of greater importance than their social liberation and as to the latter his immediate outlook is pessimistic. Hence his exhortation that his listeners should bear their tribulation 'with the firm hope that [they] shall one day rest from all [their] afflictions.' (Alma 34:41.)

"The rejection of violence as a principle of social action is, nevertheless, of political significance. History bears out the spirit of Amulek's view that social; justice should not be enforced at the point of the sword. When the trial balance of the accomplishments of revolutions is struck, the result is likely to preponderate in favor of social progress through peaceful means.

"The advice of Amulek embodies, however, a complete moral vindication of the cause of the oppressed. While the poor believer is admonished to abstain from force and abuse, the rich who entrench themselves in privilege created by their economically superior position and who consider 'their brethren as dross,' while their own hearts are set upon their riches, stand already condemned. Predatory practices such as those indulged in by the rich Zoramite, by which their fellows are reduced to abject poverty, make sinners of those who resort to them. Thus Amulek's warning to keep the social peace most." (Jean Wunderlich, A Book of Mormon Treasury, p. 269)