Can The Dead Talk Back to Us?

[franklin]

If Christians believe in living after they die, then does that mean dead people can talk to us or maybe they are even watching us?

Well why not? If they are alive and well in the afterlife, then why can't they talk to us and visa versa?

I think it's a perfectly legitimate question.

Some might think it's a silly question but if the afterlife does literally exist then why wouldn't it be possible to communicate with dead loved ones? (Well not really dead but now living in invisible form on the other side.)

If you can't communicate with them, then that should solve the entire theory/belief of life after death once and for all.

It does not exist.

 

[valeriej]

It is a legitimate question....people either go to heaven or hell when they die.....there is no floating around in limbo....also,now this is just a personal opinion,from wherever the person goes to I dont believe they are watching us--it would simply be too painful to see the mess our loved ones get into.....and as far as people saying they have seen deceased loved ones....the bible makes it very clear that these are demons masquerading as people....called familiar spirits....hope this helps.

 

[tapero]

If Christians believe in living after they die, then does that mean dead people can talk to us or maybe they are even watching us?

Well why not? If they are alive and well in the afterlife, then why can't they talk to us and visa versa?

I think it's a perfectly legitimate question.

Some might think it's a silly question but if the afterlife does literally exist then why wouldn't it be possible to communicate with dead loved ones? (Well not really dead but now living in invisible form on the other side.)

If you can't communicate with them, then that should solve the entire theory/belief of life after death once and for all.

It does not exist.

Hi, in the ot there was someone who had died and someone summoned him up and spoke with him. Never quite understood that bit.

Also in the ot, is a passage on things detestable to God.

Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in [a] the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God.

And here is why not to consult those listed below:

When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?

God is alive and the one to seek out.

 

[franklin]

It is a legitimate question....people either go to heaven or hell when they die.....

That does seem to be the most popular belief among fundamentalists. But even so, why can't you talk back and forth to them? what's the problem? they are very much alive in heaven or hell are they not?

there is no floating around in limbo....

You say that like it's fact. How do you know (assume) that is true?

also, now this is just a personal opinion,from wherever the person goes to I dont believe they are watching us--

Of course you are entitled to your belief but what if they are watching you but for some reason are chomping at the bit to able to speak with you? That could be quite agonizing for them even if they are living in heaven wouldn't you think? Of course. Why doesn't Yahweh just allow them to speak and communicate with you?

it would simply be too painful to see the mess our loved ones get into.....

We experience that here and now and we all seem to deal with it to some extent. Why do you think they will be more upset seeing it from a heavenly perspective?

and as far as people saying they have seen deceased loved ones....the bible makes it very clear that these are demons masquerading as people....called familiar spirits....hope this helps.

Where does it say that in the bible about the dead talking to loved ones here and now while they are living on the other side? And even if it does, isn't that just a matter of interpretation or maybe it's just a metaphor and not to be taken literally?

Or maybe there is the other theory. The after life doesn't really exist at all.

I think that is what it really is. There just isn't any after life at all. It's just wishful thinking that there is such a place.

 

[valeriej]

When Lazurus was taken to Abrahams bosom,and the rich man was burning in hell,there was a gulf between them...thus no interaction.....and as far as knowing the dead arent in limbo--how do I know?--because I believe in Gods word....and quote--the afterlife doesnt exist at all---what if you are wrong???

 

[franklin]

When Lazurus was taken to Abrahams bosom,and the rich man was burning in hell,there was a gulf between them...thus no interaction.....and as far as knowing the dead arent in limbo--how do I know?--because I believe in Gods word....and quote--the afterlife doesnt exist at all---what if you are wrong???

That's right. I could be wrong. And if you are wrong and I am right, neither of us will know.

But you say that you believe the bible is God's word. How do you know that for sure? Is any of it based on fact? If it were, there wouldn't be any need for to just "believe" it's Gods word.

 

[valeriej]

How do I know it is Gods word for sure....I just do....and have since I was 5 yrs old....I dont know why some people are full of faith and some need a sign....

 

[Stormy]

If Christians believe in living after they die, then does that mean dead people can talk to us or maybe they are even watching us?

Well why not? If they are alive and well in the afterlife, then why can't they talk to us and visa versa?

I think it's a perfectly legitimate question.

Some might think it's a silly question but if the afterlife does literally exist then why wouldn't it be possible to communicate with dead loved ones? (Well not really dead but now living in invisible form on the other side.)

If you can't communicate with them, then that should solve the entire theory/belief of life after death once and for all.

It does not exist.

I am here in Missouri. My brother is very much alive and well in Colorado.

I am right now at this moment, sitting here thinking of him and trying my best to get him to speak with me.

OH NO!!!! I can't hear him!!!! What has happened to my brother???!!!


Franklin.. You are under the assumption that the dead possess superpowers. You think that they should be able to communicate with us from perhaps great distances (time, space, whatever) with nothing more than our minds. We have never been told such nonsense in our Bibles. Nor is it taught in our churches. In fact such communication is defeated in the Bible.

Perhaps you do not know as much about Christianity as I thought?

 

[unkern]

1 Samuel 28:7-24. Saul consulted with a medium to conjure up Samuel after his death. Mediums were punished by death and Samuel was very mad to be conjured up.

Yes you may be able to contact some in the afterlife, but it is a very dangerous practice that also opens up to a demonic realm.

The story of Lazurus, is one were the rich man was not allowed to contact his family to let them know about the hell they will face.

 

[BranwenUerchLlyr]

My understanding of Biblical theology is that people don't actually go straight to heaven or hell when they die. They go to sheol--the grave--to be resurrected and judged by God/Jesus at the end of the world. Those who are judged righteous are given glorified bodies and go to heaven, those who aren't go to hell. The idea of immediate sort after death just to be yanked out of your personal afterlife at the second coming for ANOTHER round of judgement makes no sense to me. The Bible seemed to make special note of the "glorified body" bit, so it wouldn't make sense to die and go to heaven in spirit while leaving your body to rot in the dirt if God intends on transforming your body to enjoy in heaven. So you just can't talk to them--they're not mostly dead, but instead completely dead for the moment.

Just my guess at it, I'm not a Christian so I probably don't qualify to answer this.

 

[Merlin]

Yes, it's possible.
But the Bible says not to do it.

 

[franklin]

I am here in Missouri. My brother is very much alive and well in Colorado.

I am right now at this moment, sitting here thinking of him and trying my best to get him to speak with me.

OH NO!!!! I can't hear him!!!! What has happened to my brother???!!!


Franklin.. You are under the assumption that the dead possess superpowers. You think that they should be able to communicate with us from perhaps great distances (time, space, whatever) with nothing more than our minds. We have never been told such nonsense in our Bibles. Nor is it taught in our churches. In fact such communication is defeated in the Bible.

Perhaps you do not know as much about Christianity as I thought?

You are right. I don't know much about Christianity, that's why I'm asking these questions. And the analogy of your brother living in another state is not the same thing as someone who passed away and died. I'm sure you'll eventually be able to communicate with your brother by some modern means available such as telephone, email or snail mail or whatever the case may be.

Thanks for your input.

By the way, how's the weather in MO ? Here in TX it's in the super high 90's. It's so hot outside, you can fry an egg on the sidewalk along with hashbrowns and bacon. Toast, well, you still need a toaster for that.

Have a good summer and stay cool there in MO.

 

[hlaltimus]

Yes, it is possible, but being "possible" here makes this kind of supernatural communication neither desirable nor safe. Shakey biblical support for this is found in Christ's transfiguration before Peter, James and John and conversation with Moses and Elijah, both parties who had clearly left this Earthly world and were current inhabitants of the next one in glory:

"Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, brought them up on a high mountain by themselves, and was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him." Matthew 17:1-3

It is likewise possible to utterly disregard the personal commandment of God for you, turn from his desired course for your own choice, board a ship bound for the exact opposite end of the world unto which the Lord had commanded you to proceed, be thrown overboard by reluctant seamen during a horrific tempest, be swallowed by an enormous whale, (or the likes,) and so endure these unenviable accommodations for three days underwater, and last, (but not least,) be belched out upon a foreign beach to thereafter readily pursue your original and Divinely commanded course. This, of course, refers to the highly singular and exceptional experience of Jonah the Prophet of the Old Testament.

My advice is, don't ever gamble upon any biblical exception justifying a current norm of allowance. Believe me, seeking communications with the dead will instantly qualify you to become an ideal candidate for demonic deception. All hell will rejoice over such an over-spiritually zealous seeking soul who is just what they were looking for, and they are very, very good at deceiving. If you do desire communications with the "other side" though, then head straight for the communion of the Holy Spirit of God, whom the resurrected and ascended Lord Jesus Christ will send both into and upon all those who seek reconciliation with God the Father through the bloody and substitutionary Cross of Christ. This Person from the "other side" has yet to deceive, harm or entrap any who have honestly sought Him upon terms of biblical truth. God allowed this saintly communication to Christ once for the purpose of manifesting the general truth that, "with God, all things shall be possible", and yet allowed it only once for the purpose of preventing such experiences from becoming a rule amongst God's people and so open them up to a landslide of demonic counterfeits. Avoid this practice.

 

[littletomatoes]

No all "familiar" spirits are demons in disguise. There is a special group of demons that have expertise in this area, and can disguise themselves as ghosts that come back. don't be decieved. In the bible it says that "it is appointed unto men for die once, and after this the judgement." hebrews9:27

 

[salida]

Franklin--

I'm a christian for spiritually reasons first and intellectually second. The Bible is the most true book in the world has there is overwhelming evidence that supports it. Its the only book that could have been written by God because it has hundreds of detailed prophesies in it that has come true and more to be fulfilled. Among just one characteristic out of many. No other book does this. Plus, you may want to read The Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell (it would stand up in court concerning biblical evidence and Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (a former athiest). Plus, www.reasons.org - about science and belief.

Biblical Evidence – This is a very small amount of information
out of large amounts of information out there.

Internal Evidences-Prophesies that are confirmed with Bible;

mentioning only a few – but there are hundreds.

Life of Christ
The Tribe of Judah, Gen. 49:10, Luke 3:23-28
(Genesis was written 4004 BC to 1689 BC)
(Luke’s time period is 60-70 AD)

Royal Line of David, Jer 23:5, Matt 1:1
(Jeremiah 760 to 698 BC)/(Matthew 60-70 AD)

Born of a Virgin, Isaiah 7:14/Matt 1:18-23
(Isaiah 760 to 698 BC)/(60-70 AD)

Rise of Empires
In the book of Daniel, Chapter 2 – four kingdoms are described in the interpretation
of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greek – Daniel 8:21, 10:20/ and a fourth great kingdom to follow which was part iron and clay – which is the
Roman Empire – during this empire, Christ came and the church was established – Daniel 2:44.

Historical Accuracy

The Bible is loaded with historical statements concerning events of hundreds of years ago, yet
none of them has been proven to be incorrect.
(Bible compared to other ancient documents)
New Testament – starts at 25 years – between the original and surviving copies
Homer- starts at 500 years/Demosthenes – at 1400 years/Plato – at 1200 years/
Caesar – at 1000 years

Number of Manuscript Copies

New Testament – 5,686/Homer – 643/Demosthenes – 200/Plato – 7/Caesar – 10

Consistency – Written by 40 men over a period of time exceeding 1400 years, and has no
Internal inconsistencies.

Claim of Inspiration- It claims to be spoken by God, 2 Tim 3:16-17). No other religious book makes such claims.


External Evidences

(Prophesies Outside the Bible)
These cities were prophesied to be destroyed and never to be built again- and they haven’t.
Niveveh – Nahum 1:10, 3:7, 15, Zephaniah 2:13-14
Babylon – Isaiah 13:1-22
Tyre -Ezekiel 26:1-28

Bible before Science

He hangs the earth on nothing – Job 26:7
(Job was written at least 1000 years ago – some scholars think it could have been even 3000
years ago)
Note: Man only knew the above for 350 years.
Earth is a sphere – Isaiah 40:22/Air has weight – Job 28:25/
Gravity – Job 26:7, Job 38: 31-33/Winds blow in cyclones, Eccl 1:6

Documents that Prove Bible is True

Gilgamesh Epic, The Sumerian King List, Mari Tablets, Babylonian Chronicles

Archealogical Evidence (Still adding to this list today- it hasn’t stopped)
Excavations of Ur, Location of Zoar, Ziggurats and the foundation of Tower of Babel

 

[Catherineanne]

If Christians believe in living after they die, then does that mean dead people can talk to us or maybe they are even watching us?

Well why not? If they are alive and well in the afterlife, then why can't they talk to us and visa versa?

I think it's a perfectly legitimate question.

Some might think it's a silly question but if the afterlife does literally exist then why wouldn't it be possible to communicate with dead loved ones? (Well not really dead but now living in invisible form on the other side.)

If you can't communicate with them, then that should solve the entire theory/belief of life after death once and for all.

It does not exist.

So, anything you cannot communicate with does not exist?

I don't think I see the logic here.

Those in eternity cannot talk to us, not because they cannot talk but because we cannot hear. They are not in the same place as we are, and in the same way. So our ears cannot hear what they say. However, if we love them, we can still feel their love, because our hearts are rather more sensitive than our ears.

 

[Catherineanne]

My understanding of Biblical theology is that people don't actually go straight to heaven or hell when they die. They go to sheol--the grave--to be resurrected and judged by God/Jesus at the end of the world.

That theory supposes God to be subject to time in the same way we are. He is not.

Christianity has always taught that that those who die go straight to the arms of God, and are in eternity. How this happens is not explained, only that it does.

Sheol is the Jewish concept of an afterlife, believed in by the Pharisees but not the Sadducees, who did not believe in an afterlife at all. The Graeco-Roman equivalent is Hades. The Christian eternity is neither Sheol nor Hades.

 

[franklin]

So, anything you cannot communicate with does not exist?

I don't think I see the logic here.

Those in eternity cannot talk to us, not because they cannot talk but because we cannot hear. They are not in the same place as we are, and in the same way. So our ears cannot hear what they say. However, if we love them, we can still feel their love, because our hearts are rather more sensitive than our ears.

Thank you for your explanation but I don't see any logic to it. How is it logical to you? Do you have any evidence for this assertion of yours? Or did you just make it up yourself?

 

[Stormy]

You are right. I don't know much about Christianity, that's why I'm asking these questions. And the analogy of your brother living in another state is not the same thing as someone who passed away and died. I'm sure you'll eventually be able to communicate with your brother by some modern means available such as telephone, email or snail mail or whatever the case may be.

Thanks for your input.

By the way, how's the weather in MO ? Here in TX it's in the super high 90's. It's so hot outside, you can fry an egg on the sidewalk along with hashbrowns and bacon. Toast, well, you still need a toaster for that.

Have a good summer and stay cool there in MO.

Its too hot here too!!! You either have to be in a pool or stay inside. The Midwest also has the humidity.. so it feels even hotter. I have a sister who lives outside of Dallas Fort Worth.. seems we are spread all over the map.


The point I was trying to get across is the idea that the dead have powers that the living do not have is the work of science fiction.. not the Bible. I love the TV show "Ghost Whispers" but not for its authenticity.

Christianity has always asserted that the dead have passed on. The time to effect others here on Earth, to make a change, is during our life time. So if there is something you need to do, something you need to say to someone, better get it done today.

Think I will give my brother and sisters a call. Maybe call Mom too. I have already lost one brother and yes... I would love to speak to him. But that won't be happening this side of Heaven.

Take care. Keep cool!

 

[Jersey]

If Christians believe in living after they die, then does that mean dead people can talk to us or maybe they are even watching us?

About the only thing the dead will able to do is just rot in the ground and offer up their dead corpses to the bugs and worms for food. When you're dead, you are dead and that's it.