Heidelcast Heidelcast: Superfriends Saturday: Praying to Dead Saints and Necromancy | Are Our Heavenly Rewards Proportional to Our Works?
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Mar 21, 2026 A lively debate on whether asking the dead for help counts as necromancy and how language shapes that charge. Careful teasing out of biblical arguments about Christ as the sole mediator. A separate thread asks if earthly works influence different heavenly rewards and whether reward is grace or merit. Closing reflections on New Creation imagery and what those promises mean.
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Praying To Saints Undermines Christ As Mediator
- Praying to deceased saints implies reliance on intermediaries instead of Christ as sole mediator.
- R. Scott Clark and Harrison Perkins argue Hebrews and the Heidelberg Catechism teach Christ alone hears and mediates our prayers.
Don't Call Praying To Saints Necromancy In Conversation
- Avoid calling Catholic or Orthodox practice 'necromancy' when engaging them directly because it's uncharitable and counterproductive.
- Instead ask why they seek saints' help when Scripture encourages direct prayer to God through Jesus.
Typical Biblical Arguments For Saints Interceding And Rebuttals
- Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox defenders cite Hebrews 12, Revelation imagery, and parables to justify asking for saints' prayers.
- Hosts rebut that those texts don't establish saints' omniscience or a doctrine of intercession by the dead.
