Seminary
Helaman 1–4, 6: “There Was Much Contention”

“Helaman 1–4, 6: ‘There Was Much Contention,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Helaman 1–4, 6,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Helaman 1–4, 6

“There Was Much Contention”

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unhappy young woman thinking

Where do you see contention, division, dissension, or rebellion in the world around you? Not long after the deaths of Captain Moroni, Helaman, and the chief judge Pahoran, the Nephites suffered the consequences of much contention. Even so, some chose to seek peace through Jesus Christ. This lesson can help you understand the consequences of contention and how to find peace in Christ in a contentious world.

Contention

In your study journal, create a bubble diagram like the following.

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blank bubble diagram

Write the word contention in the middle of the bubble diagram. Around the word, write some of the areas of your life where you see contention, such as on social media or among friends. You will add to this diagram later in the lesson.

  • How does contention directly or indirectly affect your life?

  • How do you respond when you do not agree with others or when confronted by contentious people?

As you begin your study of the book of Helaman, pay attention to how contention affected the Nephites. Also think about ways you can seek peace from Jesus Christ in a contentious world.

Contention in families, the Church, and the community

After years of war, the Nephites were able to reclaim their lands from the Lamanites. Captain Moroni and Helaman died during the time of peace that followed. The sacred records were given to Helaman’s son, who was also named Helaman. Not long afterward, the Nephites became prideful and experienced contention.

In the book of Helaman, we read accounts that demonstrate how contention affects families, the Church, and the community.

Study one or more of the following segments.

  • Family: Read Helaman 1:1–13, looking for how contention affected Pahoran’s family after his death.

  • Church: Read Helaman 4:1–13, looking for how pride and contention in the Church affected the whole nation.

  • Community: Because of contentions over who should be the chief judge, a wicked man named Kishkumen formed a secret group. He was soon joined by another wicked man named Gadianton (see Helaman 2). In the Book of Mormon, these types of groups are referred to as secret combinations (see Helaman 3:23). Read Helaman 6:15–21, 37–41, looking for what happened to the Nephites because of the contention and wickedness caused by the Gadianton robbers.

  • What were some of the consequences of pride and contention?

Refer to the diagram you started at the beginning of the lesson. Using what you read, list some of the consequences of contention in each area of life you previously wrote on your diagram. For example, contention in a group of friends can divide friends.

From what you read, you might identify that pride and contention can cause division among families, communities, and nations. You might consider recording this truth in your scriptures near Helaman 1:4; 4:12–13; or 6:38–40.

The Savior taught the Nephites about the destructive nature of contention. Read 3 Nephi 11:29–30, looking for what He said.

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icon, record

  1. Answer the following questions:

    • Where does contention come from? Why is it always destructive?

    • Why would this be important to know when you are tempted to act out in anger or are confronted with contention?

    • How is the Savior an example of what He taught in 3 Nephi 11:29–30?

Seeking peace through Jesus Christ

President Russell M. Nelson gave similar invitations regarding the conflict and contention in our lives. Watch the video “The Power of Spiritual Momentum” from time code 1:38 to 3:31, or read the statement below.

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President Russell M. Nelson

My call today, dear brothers and sisters, is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us. …

We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring. How can we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking peace and harmony? Brothers and sisters, I know what I’m suggesting is not easy. But followers of Jesus Christ should set the example for all the world to follow. I plead with you to do all you can to end personal conflicts that are currently raging in your hearts and in your lives. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022, 97)

  • How could President Nelson’s invitation help us follow Jesus Christ?

Look again at your bubble diagram. Put a check mark next to any areas of contention that you feel you can influence for good.

Read Helaman 3:32–36 or Helaman 6:1–9, looking for what the righteous Nephites and Lamanites did to find peace in Christ. Consider marking what you find.

  1. Complete the following:

    • Using what you read in Helaman 3:32–36 or Helaman 6:1–9, finish the sentence I can find peace in Christ by …

    • How does individually coming unto Jesus Christ bring us peace and unity with others?

    • Choose one of the ways you listed to find peace in Christ. How can you apply it or practice it in your life?