The “great slaughter” of the Nephites could have been averted, we are told by Mormon, had they remained faithful (see Mosiah 27:13; Commentary 2:306). Mormon attributes much of the wickedness and abominations of the nation to “ those also who professed to belong to the church of God.” Because of their wickedness they had cut themselves off from the protection the Lord extends to the righteous (see D&C 35:14) and were left to their own strength.
With no claim upon the promises of the Lord, they were smitten and driven until they “had lost possession of almost all of their lands.” It is significant that Mormon identifies specific things that comprised the wickedness and abominations of the Nephite Church members. This itemization is doctrinally important not merely as a historical account but also as a warning to the latter-day Church.