Can the departed pray or hear?
Ecclesiastes 9 describes the dead as lacking knowledge and a share under the sun. Why infer that they can pray for us, much less perceive our particular requests?
Perspective note
Comparative historical/source study. The original author's or church's reception is retained; inclusion does not make every claim Oriental Orthodox teaching.
Sources and further reading
- Ecclesiastes 9
The objection’s actual biblical premise. - Westminster: state after death
This Reformed confession affirms conscious souls after death; do not attribute a blanket denial to it.