[GonzoII]

The “we’re just asking the departed to pray for us” usually gets trotted out in defense of what is unmistakably asking the dead to DO (”save us”, “protect us”, “grant us”, “give us”, etc.) things, along with words of praise and adoration - indistinguishable from outright worship violating the 1st Commandment.

Jesus HIMSELF spoke with "the dead":

Matt. 17:3; Mark 9:3-4; Luke 9:30-31

No one would call Jesus and idol worshiper.

[Bobsvainbabblings]

GonzoII, you stated; "Jesus HIMSELF spoke with "the dead."

Matt. 17:3; Mark 9:3-4; Luke 9:30-31

"No one would call Jesus and idol worshiper."

Lets take Mark 9:3-4 and see what it says about when Jesus spoke with the dead."

 

Mark 9:3-4
 

 ³and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

 ⁴Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.

Is this what happens when you speak with the dead?

Do your garments glow and become exceedingly white as Jesus' garments did?

Do the dead appear to you?

If not, you need to supply other evidence of why we should be able to speak to the dead.  BVB