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Mormon Doctrine - Evangelical Doctrine

Evangelical Doctrine

In the Book of Mormon the Amalekites believed all men would be saved by God. Many conceive this as a recent or modern-day Evangelical Doctrine, but it has been taught since the days of old - a free 'pass' to salvation.

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Quite frankly, I don't remember this doctrine in the Book of Mormon. Could you provide a reference to which chapters cover this?

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Have a look at Aaron's Discussion in Alma 21, however, the exact verse that states they believe God will save all men is in verse six at the very end.

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From my discussions with modern Evangelicals, they most certainly do NOT believe that all men are saved. They DO believe that grace is "cheap", although they are offended when called upon that. In other words, they think that if they only accept Jesus as their Savior, then they are saved. However, they are some of the most vocal in their statements that anyone who believes differently than them are most certainly NOT saved.

For example, many, if not most, of them believe that all Mormons, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, etc. are going to Hell for all of Eternity.

So, I do not see how the Amalekites' doctrine could be considered related to modern Evangelical thought - except for the insistence that since they don't have current revelation, that nobody does.

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I understand your point, notice that the Amalekites did consider themselves a 'righteous' people because they 'attended church' as it were, etc. This means there was a distinction between those that were righteous and those who were not. This is but one small section of the Book of Mormon, but most definitely paints the picture of how travelling ministers today operate. In fact, I believe that is why such stories are recorded, because they show us a type of things in our own day.

Did you read vs. 6 and 8? These are classic comments from Evangelists. True Evangelicals believe that people perplex the Savior's (God's) words and what is necessary for salvation by forming ceremonies and traditions - hence the idea of "All you have to do is believe" is supposed to 'free the mind and heart' in knowing you can be saved. Believe me I have met hundreds of these around the world, they sound just like the Amalekites. Perhaps there is a certain 'kind' that you have met with, but keep in mind that Evangelicals are not organized in the same format as the LDS or even Catholics. Their booklets actually teach that you can go to any Christian Church, it does not matter because you have already been 'saved'. Thus there are various forms and ideals of who is a 'true worshipper', but that is secondary to the fact that "All men will be saved".

Mormon Doctrine - Evangelical Doctrine

Interesting topic,

When I read Alma 21: 6-10. I see Aaron's and the Amalekites's difference not on the fact that "all men will be saved," but rather on the point of the need for a Messiah. To me, Aaron does not contend with them on the point that all men will be saved, but rather how they are saved. For immediately after this proclamation of the Amalekite's he says: "Now Aaron said unto him: Believest thou that the Son of God shall come to redeem mankind from their sins?" ( Verse 7). The Amalekites then say that they do not believe that a Messiah will come to atone for the sins of the world. This is the point of contention that I see regarding Aaron and the Amalikites, not wether all are saved or not. Remember in Verse 4 that Mormon records that the Amalekites are followers of Nehor, who if I remeber correctly believed that there would be no Christ.
The story continues by saying that Aaron argues that "there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood." (verse 9) Then with this statement the Amalekites become Angry. (verse 10) The Amalekites thought that the idea of a Messiah was a tradition created to keep the people from being liberated, and for the leadership to control their conscience. They contend that their is no sin, and that God will allow all to return without a Christ. That man is the captain of his own soul. This a very humanistic idea and it is what is so dangerous.

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Good points. Perhaps the title for this Thread should be "God Saves All", however my purpose was not to look for similarities between modern day Evangelicals and Book of Mormon characters / groups as much as to insight Discussion that modern-day philosophies are evident in the Book of Mormon period.

There are actually better scriptures to use if the focus is Evangelistic rants such as:

There are more, but we can only find likeness since most of the Book of Mormon is in an Old Testament era or before Christ. Everything after was peace and then the destruction so one will not find information about a 'Evangelical Crusade', but I would not be surprised if there was one.

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Mormon Works vs. Evangelical Grace?

But apart from a grudging admiration of the passion of Mormon youth, the article itself is hardly laudatory of Mormonism. In fact, its title - "What Can Christians Learn from the Surge in Mormon Youth Missionaries?" - makes the age-old battle lines clear: Christian ≠ Mormon. All three of the experts fault Mormonism for a works-based theology: Ref. Source 6