Does invocation cross a biblical prohibition?
Deuteronomy prohibits consulting the dead; Isaiah asks why the living consult the dead rather than God. Why would addressing a departed saint escape these prohibitions merely because the request is devotional?
Perspective note
The Orthodox response is presented affirmatively. Named Lutheran, Reformed, and ancient objections retain their own attribution; analytic questions are labeled as such.
Sources and further reading
- Consult God or the dead?
- Saul’s consultation
- The prohibition
Read the premise before the response. - OCA explanation of intercession
Institutional account of asking for prayers; application of the prohibitions remains disputed.