The Order of Nehors constituted a significant religious faction with adherents among various Nephite and Lamanite groups throughout the narrative of the Book of Mormon. The origin of this order can be traced back to Nehor, whose eponymous movement emerged following the teachings and philosophies he had espoused prior to his execution for the murder of Gideon, a defender of the faith preached by Alma the Elder.
The judges and high officials in the city of Ammonihah were among the adherents to the Order of Nehors, indicating a penetration of Nehor’s teachings into the socio-political structure of Nephite society (Alma 14:16–18). The violent, hard-hearted stance and ensuing persecution of the righteous, as seen in their treatment of Alma and Amulek, were characteristic traits of Nehor’s followers, emphasizing their opposition to the church’s doctrines of repentance and humility (Alma 15:15).
The influence of the Order of Nehors was not confined to Ammonihah. Their beliefs had spread to the extent that a desolate region was designated as the “Desolation of Nehors” after many of its inhabitants, being followers of Nehor, were slain in battle, leaving their land desolate (Alma 16:11). Furthermore, Amalekites and Amulonites, both Nephite dissenter groups with Lamanite affiliations, sanctioned the construction of synagogues to promulgate the Order of Nehors within their communities (Alma 21:4). This indicates the ideological spread beyond the Nephite nation into Lamanite territories.
Ultimately, those who aligned with the Order of Nehors were described as particularly wicked among the Lamanites, resisting the conversion efforts and the establishment of the church among their people. The Amalekites and Amulonites, principal followers of the Nehorian order, are notably mentioned as having not joined with those who converted to the teachings of the Lord (Alma 24:28–29). The perpetuation of the Nehorian order and its doctrine signified an ongoing spiritual contention and the juxtaposition of two contrasting worldviews within the Book of Mormon narrative.