Mormon’s interest in conflict over peace is amply demonstrated in these two verses. He uses the annalistic format of the large plates and marks the passage of the years, simply noting that there is nothing of interest. He will give us very few details until there is something more interesting, or at least more important to his purposes, that times of peace.
It should be noted, however, that although there were no wars or contentions, there was “a little pride which was in the church, which did cause some little dissensions among the people.” Even in times of peace, the underlying tensions did not vanish from Nephite society. When they are given as dissentions, it is likely that they were either related to continued pressure for a monarchy or against the Nephite religion—in particular, the belief in the coming Messiah.