Ask Gramps.org

Why is it that people in the Book of Mormon keep falling to the ground when impressed by the Spirit?

Dear Gramps,

I have always been curious about the way in which people in the Book of Mormon keep falling to the ground—seemingly unconscious—whenever they are filled with great fear or under the influence of the spirit. We don’t see things like that happen to people in our world today. Is this just a cultural thing unique to that time and those people, or are we not understanding what is happening? Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

Robert, from Portland, Oregon

Dear Robert,

That seems to be a singular curiosity. I’ve wondered about the same thing myself, and I don’t have any kind of an explanation for it, other than to know that was the way many responded to the Spirit.

Gramps