The Amulonites were a group originating from the Nephite dissenters and followers of Amulon, one of the wicked priests of King Noah. These individuals were notorious for their zealous adherence to the order of Nehors, fostering a belief system that negated the need for a Redeemer and proclaimed the eventual salvation of all mankind, regardless of personal righteousness or iniquity (Alma 21:4).
Despite experiencing the teachings of prophets such as Aaron, the Amulonites remained unconverted, their hearts hardened against the gospel, exemplifying an even greater depravity than their Lamanite counterparts with whom they had aligned themselves after defecting (Alma 23:14). Their influence was malignant, extending their wickedness by inciting the Lamanites to commit grave acts of sin and rebellion (Alma 21:3).
Throughout their history, the Amulonites engaged in various acts of violence, notably participating in the persecution and massacre of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, a pacifist group who willingly chose death over the shedding of blood. The Amulonites, together with the Amalekites, showed no remorse in this atrocity, contrasting with some of their Lamanite accomplices who later repented upon witnessing the Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ devotion and laid down arms themselves (Alma 24:2, 24:21–30).
Eventually, owing to their continued iniquities and persecution of Lamanite converts, the Amulonites faced their demise as prophesied by Abinadi. They were hunted and slain by the Lamanites, a grim retribution for their former cruelty and a fulfillment of the penalty that Abinadi had foreseen for them (Alma 25:8-9). Thus, the Amulonites’ tragic end underscored a scriptural theme that those who fall from the light into darkness are often left in a more hardened and worsened state.