Deathbed conversion
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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A deathbed conversion is the adoption of a particular religious faith immediately before dying. This could be done for a variety of reasons: one could wish to escape the torments of hell or enjoy the paradise of heaven. Making a conversion on one's deathbed suggests one has believed in the religion's tenets for a long time but did not wish to follow its laws, at least officially. It is sometimes believed spiritual visions and visitations by angels plays some role in the decision.
A high-profile death bed conversion appears in the Bible with the criminal who is crucified alongside Jesus. (Luke 24:39-43) Jesus accepts his conversion, saying “Today you shall be with Me in Paradise".[1]
Most religious leaders disapprove of deathbed conversion, considering it hypocrisy based on fear rather than true belief. Many deathbed converts lived in violation of the tenets of the religion to which they wish to convert. Many consider this a form of "hedging one's bets," similar to Pascal's Wager.