[HarleyD]

HD-Oh, really? I don't believe I caught from the Apostles the part of praying to dead people or purgatory.

Jokus-They are dimly seen in Scriptures themselves...For example, how much of a stretch is it between these two verses

Yes, it is a stretch... ;O)

I wouldn't make any inferences. The Pharisees did and it got them into a lot of trouble.

Pro 30:5-6 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

[annalex]

Do you find Purgatory and the other doctrines of the Church not directly referred to in the scripture contradictory to the scripture?

Do you understand that the Purgatory doctrine has not added to the scripture any more than the doctrine of the Trinity added to the scripture?

And, I don't have the confidence that you understand the scripture. What makes you think that you do?