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From: harry@uw-atm.UUCP
Newsgroups: mod.religion.christian
Subject: Re: Baptism for the dead
Message-ID: <6279@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU>
Date: Fri, 17-Oct-86 04:40:31 EDT
Article-I.D.: topaz.6279
Posted: Fri Oct 17 04:40:31 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 17-Oct-86 06:05:10 EDT
References: <6230@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU>
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Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.
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Approved: christian@topaz.UUCP

In article <6230@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU>, mikes@tekecs.UUCP (Michael Sellers) writes:
> It is clear from the discussion as a whole that he is using this practice to
> bolster is point, hardly something he would do if he disapproved of it.

I would disagree with this.  I believe that there must of been a sect at Paul's
time that practiced baptism for the dead.  Paul just points out that if there
is not baptism of the dead, what these people are doing is even more futile.

I see no support in the Scriptures for baptism for the dead outside of this
verse.  Using Scripture to interpret Scripture (a usual Lutheran practice), I
cannot conclude that Paul is putting his stamp of approval on this practice.
In addtion, there are plenty of verses which state that there is no additional
chance for salvation after death (e.g. the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus,
Luke 16:19-31).  It is always dangerous for Christians to base their practice
from one verse in the Bible.  The Bible has to be taken as a whole.

  Your brother in Christ Jesus,
---
     Harry Edmon                         UUCP:   uw-beaver!geops!uw-atm!harry
     (206) 543-0547                      BITNET: 24440@UWACDC
     Department of Atmospheric Sciences
     University of Washington