Alma 30
Alma was not debating a foolish or ignorant man who did not believe in God. Alma was debating a sinister, calculating man who had an agenda against the people of the Nephites. he lied about the priests getting gain for their work, he claimed that the teaching of the church were lies that brough happiness (in other words he admitted that he was working against the happiness of the people). Notice that Alma tried to dissuade Korihor from receiving a sign, because he knew that any sign would be to Korihor’s destruction.