Post-death circumstances have always been a point of disagreement.
I believe the scriptures teach that the spirit of those who die in salvation are in Heaven immediately, and their bodies rise at the last day.
Before Jesus’ death, the spirit of those who were saved were in Hades, waiting for Jesus to lead the captives out of captivity and into heaven.
I have no opinion as to those who were “taken up”, I figure we’ll all know for certain when we get there.
Of course, I don’t pray to the spirit of the dead, but if I were going to do so, I’d pray to one that I knew from life, not somebody that some church labeled a “Saint”.
At least, that’s what I think I’d do, it’s hard to know since I would never think to pray to the spirit of the dead, just as I would never think to listen to the dead.
That makes sense. My attitude towards prayer is very similar to yours.
Before Jesus’ death, the spirit of those who were saved were in Hades, waiting for Jesus to lead the captives out of captivity and into heaven.
Setting aside Purgatory, I enjoy your post. However, I'm curious why you do not see our perspective? Those who die in Christ are in Heaven - you agree with that. I'm assuming you believe that those in Heaven can hear us? If they cannot, what was the Psalmist doing commanding Angels? (Ps. 148, for example)
If the souls of those departed are still alive and Heaven can hear us, why not ask them to help bring your requests before God? If they are with God, are they not especially Holy? And aren't the prayers of especially Holy men and women more effective? (James 5:16)
but if I were going to do so, I’d pray to one that I knew from life, not somebody that some church labeled a “Saint”.
The Church just merely confirms the place of the person in Heaven by labeling them a Saint. It is just a recognition of an honor already achieved. You should pray to those you knew in life - asking your deceased family members who are now with God is a very common thing amongst Catholics. However, why not suppliment that by asking some of His greatest servants too? Mary is just the greatest of His servants, so she gets a lot of calls.
BTW, you are one of the more clear posters on this thread, despite your differing views on things. Thank you for that.