The conversation between Alma and Korihor is easily one of the most interesting parts of the entire Book of Mormon, no question. It's a debate between a believer and an atheist and I'm always stunned how both sides are presented in a decent and reasonable way. Give that the book of Mormon is a holy book written for believers, it should be no surprise that at the end of the passage Korihor is the one punished and he's the one who is struck silent. Did you expect something else?
Korihor is nothing if not honest, at least at first. Alma asks him if he believes in a God, and this time, Korihor says no. Alma asks him if he (Korihor) believes that the holy men deceive the people, and Korhior says "Yes". Eventually Alma asks Korihor if there is proof to what he says and Korihor flips the question around. Alma, in a very beautiful passage mentions his proof-the words of the prophets, the testimony of the brethren, the scriptures, the earth and the planets-to Alma, it's interesting that he uses the earth and the planets and the order that they provide as proof that there is a God. Believers still do that today.
Finally, Alma has enough and Korihor tries to hedge his bets a bit. Korihor says that he, "does not deny the existence of God but I still don't believe in one. If you don't show me a sign, I won't believe." So Alma gives him a sign, and Korihor is struck silent. This seems to violate his freedom, and it does trouble me a bit. Even if Korihor is wrong, and I believe he is, he should have the right to speak his mind.
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