Why were the Nephites unable to defend themselves against Coriantumr’s initial attack on Zarahemla?

Thomas R. Valletta

“Those who sought power in high places resorted to murder to gain that power. In so doing, they weakened the internal structure of the Nephite government, giving the Lamanites a decided advantage over the Nephites (see Hel. 1:18–20). The violent acts of murder by those in secret combinations were hard to prevent because the Nephites themselves were in a degraded state … .

“The Gadianton band never succeeded in their plans to overthrow the government when the Nephites were experiencing periods of spiritual growth in their society” (Black, 400 Questions and Answers, 168) .

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

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