My CMS The View from a New City

We just read chapter 5 of the Book of Helaman in the Book of Mormon. I was bothered by the instantaneous conversion and marvelous blessing of those who a minute ago were intent on killing Nephi and Lehi. This is similar to the circumstances surrounding Alma the Younger’s conversion. Thinking about it, However, I came to realize that this is a feature of many of the modern near death experiences. Bad people find themselves in a bad place until they decide to call upon Jesus. Then they are instantaneously caught up to a state of light and love.

Whatever the theology of these cases, and their divergence from the average case of lifelong progress of those who are actively pursuing truth, I have to admit that it is a thing. A thing in the real world, and not a failing in the Book of Mormon.