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Firstly, the idea that 'spirit' is an entity seperate from the rest of our being is a pagan view. If we take this view onboard, all manner of secondary ideas are birthed....one of which is where it goes when you die.
Nobody who deems themselves an active Christian feels comfortable with the idea that their points of view are influenced by fundamental pagan positions. Denial is the immediate possibility if it threatens a favourite view. Another option is to find out what the fundamental premise is of Pagan philosophies. If they align with ones view, one can be certain scriptures will be cherry picked to support that view ....and call it biblical.You stated that "the idea that spirit is an entity separate from the rest of our being is a pagan view." This, more than likely and understandably, reflects your particular theological understanding of the nature of man.
There are believers who hold a holistic view of mankind, while others understand Scripture to distinguish between body, soul, and spirit. Both views seek to be biblically grounded, and both appeal to passages such as Genesis 2:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12, Ecclesiastes 12:7, Matthew 10:28, Luke 23:46, and Acts 7:59.
To say that anyone who understands the spirit to continue apart from the body is adopting a "pagan view" is, in my opinion, going beyond what Scripture actually says. The Bible itself does not label that understanding as pagan.
There is a difference between saying, "I understand these passages to teach..." and saying, "The Bible teaches..." when sincere, Bible-believing Christians have interpreted those passages differently throughout church history.
I think it is healthier for us to acknowledge where Scripture is explicit and where our theology influences how we understand certain passages. That allows us to discuss these matters without suggesting that those who hold a different biblical interpretation are borrowing from paganism.
How do you explain this?
Stephan was not asking for revenge or what our system calls justice but rather his alignment with the spirit of Jesus; that of forgiveness and the confidence that his request is granted.
Interesting reply, never heard that view before. What do you think Jesus meant here?
It's no different. Jesus was in absolute sync with his Father. .....Stephan reflected the spirit of Jesus
Thank you for your thoughtful post.
Do they not believe in the resurrection? I was wondering because your post said..."Their spirit that goes into heaven and physical bodies cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."
Many cemeteries allow urns to be buried over top a grave. And there are headstones designed to store ashes.
Nothing is impossible for God. I wouldn't worry about His ability to resurrect anyone. Having said that- in all instances in the scriptures people are buried with the exception of those who could not be of course- died at sea etc. and this one instance in Samuel.
While we can’t draw specific conclusions as to why the decision was made to burn their bodies, what we can say, I suppose is that cremation is not sinful. It’s possible the men who did that were actually honoring the bodies of Saul and his son which were desecrated by the Philistines. I am not saying cremation is honorable or not, but in this case, that could have been the motivation.?
www.after.com
