As Korihor builds his defense, he continues with the theme that it is the Nephite religious tradition that is lying, rather than what he preaches. In verse 24, he lays it out clearly: “Ye say that those ancient prophecies are true. Behold, I say that ye do not know that they are true.” Korihor is putting the definition of truth on trial, and at the heart of the Nephite definition of truth is the scriptures. To put the important Nephite perspective on this accusation, Korihor is declaring that there is no inherent value in the brass plates, which not only formed an essential part of the Nephite origin story, but are included among the sacred relics that defined and declared the Nephite right to rule. Beyond religion, Korihor is declaring the Nephite right to rule as illegitimate. No wonder he was considered dangerous.
Verse 25 shows how a smart argument can make a position questionable. Modern readers will read Korihor’s declaration that “a child is not guilty because of its parents” and have a hard time disagreeing. However, Korihor uses that argument to suggest that there is no guilt. By attaching it to the argument about “a guilty and a fallen people,” Korihor is attempting to erase the meaning of the Fall from the Garden of Eden.
There is no need for Christ’s atonement if there were no Fall. If we are to be judged according to our own works and not our parents’, or their parents’, then the Fall would have no meaning and there would be nothing for the atonement to fulfill. Many arguments can sound logical, appearing to support God’s truths, while ultimately contradicting them.