[af_vet_1981]

Those were definitely not pearls but an attempt to pervert the meaning of scripture.

False and, perhaps, malicious, statement; the fact remains that the Orthodox, Jews and Christians, pray for the dead from ancient times until now.

[CynicalBear]

>>the fact remains that the Orthodox, Jews and Christians, pray for the dead from ancient times until now.<<

Not sanctioned by God they didn't. God has rejected and set aside those who go beyond or pervert His word. Saying they have done it "from ancient times" means nothing.