“No man knows the spirit of the devil, and his power and influence, but by possessing intelligence which is more than human, and having unfolded through the medium of the Priesthood the mysterious operations of his devices; without knowing the angelic form, the sanctified look and gesture, and the zeal that is frequently manifested by him for the glory of God, together with the prophetic spirit, the gracious influence, the godly appearance, and the holy garb, which are so characteristic of his proceedings and his mysterious windings.
“A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God”
(Smith, Teachings, p. 205).
Alma 30:53 unmasks Korihor’s real reason for teaching that there was no God. Korihor explained that he taught what he did because it was “pleasing unto the carnal mind” (v. 53). The word carnal refers to the sensual and worldly desires of man, such as lust and greed, which are contrary to godliness. Why do morality and other virtues often no longer seem important when a belief in God is taken away?