The Zoramites

Growing their faith in Jesus Christ

Amulek, Alma, Corianton, and other Nephites travel to a city

A group of Nephite people called the Zoramites were not keeping God’s commandments. This made the prophet Alma sad. He knew the best way to help them was to teach them the word of God. He went with Amulek and others to teach them.

Alma 31:2–11

Alma and Amulek look sad, and well-dressed people ignore people in need

The Zoramites knew about God but had changed His teachings. They worshipped idols. They thought they were better than other people. They were also mean to people who did not have money.

Alma 31:1, 8–12, 24–25; 32:2–3

well-dressed Zoramites stand on a tall platform in the center of a crowd and raise their arms toward the sky

The Zoramites had built a high place to stand in the center of their churches. One by one they stood on it and prayed. They would pray using the same words every time. In the prayer, they said God did not have a body and Jesus Christ was not real. They said they were the only people God would save.

Alma 31:12–23

Alma and Amulek talk to the poor Zoramites

Alma loved the Zoramites and wanted them to follow God and Jesus. He prayed and asked God to help him and the others who came with him to teach the Zoramites. Alma and those with him were all filled with the Holy Ghost. They went and taught with the power of God.

Alma 31:24–38; 32:1

many poor Zoramites listen to Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom teach

Some Zoramites were sad. They were not allowed in the churches because they did not have nice clothes. They wanted to worship God but did not know how if they could not go in the churches. They asked Alma what they should do. Alma taught them that God hears their prayers no matter where they are.

Alma 32:2–12; 33:2–11

Alma holds a small seed and points at a tall and beautiful flower with his other hand

Alma said God wanted people to have faith. He compared God’s teachings to a seed. If people would plant God’s teachings in their hearts, that seed would grow and they would know that the teachings of God are true. He said they only need to have a desire to believe to begin to exercise their faith.

Alma 32:12–43

Amulek talks, and next to him is an image of Jesus Christ teaching people

Amulek then taught the people about God’s plan for His children. He told them that through Jesus they could all be forgiven of their sins. He also taught them to pray to God and said that God would help and protect them.

Alma 34

guards watch many poor Zoramites leave the city

Many of the Zoramites who were poor believed what Alma and Amulek taught. But the leaders of the Zoramites were angry. They forced all the believers out of the city.

Alma 35:1–6

Anti-Nephi-Lehies welcome the poor Zoramites

The believers went to live with the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies ministered to them, or served them, by giving them food, clothes, and land.

Alma 35:9