It appears that Corianton, the son of Alma, along with some significant sins had a lot of questions about doctrinal issues. Alma spends chapter 40 talking about the resurrection (that it will happen and when), chapter 41 about the restoration component of resurrection (that we will reap what we sow in many respects), and chapter 42 about the justice of God in punishing sinners.
Alma explains in a very detailed manner many things about these topics. It appears to be a great example of using "pure knowledge" to influence someone (see D.C. 121:41-42). I would in particular like to highlight how Alma ends the discussion - he pushes Corianton to let his sins trouble him more than particularly specific (and in some ways deep) doctrinal questions trouble him.
29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these thingsatrouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.
Alma is happy to explain things thoroughly, but he emphasizes that the point of the knowledge is only to help influence action. He wants his son to spend more time thinking about how to change that pondering doctrine.
Ideally he wants the key points of his doctrinal teaching, God's justice, mercy, and long-suffering, to cause his son to act differently. Very inspiring:
30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the ajustice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his bmercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust inchumility.
Enjoy. It is critical to act, and think more about how we can be better, not quite so much about what doctrinal thing we don't perfectly understand (or use as an excuse to live worse lives).
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