[pgyanke]

The larger concept of "praying to" the dead is one of perspective. The Catholic perspective is that we are one kingdom and one body of Christ whether in this life or the next. We are still in communion with the saints (I believe it likely you say the same in your own Creed).

Therefore, just as I might come to you and ask you to pray for me, we do the same with the Saints and elicit their prayers and intercessions. We worship no one but God.

[DungeonMaster]

The bible says very clearly that the dead are not dead. It’s one of the biggest themes in the whole bible. There are many many places where the bible could simply state that we should ask for intercession from the dead but it never does. Rather it says many things about how wrong it is to speak with the dead, in any context.

[netmilsmom]

I’ve been reading you interpertation. Could you please throw me a bone about where people are “dead”? I’ve been laughed at by non-Catholics right here on FR because I said that my mother (passed on in 1989) watches over my daughters. They say, I am communicating with the dead. I say, she is very much alive in heaven (God willing)

What part of “eternal life in Christ” am I missing?
Just because a body dies, doesn’t mean a person does.

I’m asking you because you seem to be able to explain things better than I do.