Curious Eulogy of Seymour Brunson 1 Corinthians 15:29

Seymour Brunson Obituary Born December 1, 1798 in New York Served in the War of 1812 Married and moved to Northern Ohio in 1825 Converted to the Church of Latter-Day Saints on January 17, 1831 Named a church elder one week later Close associate of Joseph Smith Died August 10, 1840

The Eulogy of Seymour Brunson Joseph Smith, the so-called “Prophet” of the Latter-Day Saints spoke heavily at the funeral from 1 Corinthians 15. Words of comfort concerning the resurrection were common at funerals then, just as they are today.

1 Corinthians 15:19-20, 25-26 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable (miserable, KJV).20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

Baptism for the Dead? Smith then continued with a reference from 1 Corinthians 15 that has become the basis for the Mormon practice of “Baptism for the Dead”.

1 Corinthians 15:29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?

The Story of Jane Neyman Attended the funeral of Seymour Brunson She was concerned about the soul of her deceased son Cyrus, who died as a teenager without obeying the gospel. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) Smith, in his curious eulogy of Seymour Brunson, referenced the widow Jane Neyman and her fears.

1 Corinthians 15:29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? Within one month, Jane Neyman asked for and was granted permission by the church to be baptized by proxy on behalf of her son, Cyrus.

From Joseph Smith (1842): “If we can, by the authority of the Priesthood of the Son of God, baptize a man in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, for the remission of sins, it is just as much our privilege to act as an agent, and be baptized for the remission of sins for and in behalf of our dead kindred, who have not heard the Gospel, or the fullness of it.”

Baptism for the Dead? Is this what is taught by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:29?

From Evangelist Brett Hickey Any difficult or obscure scripture should always be understood in light of the more simple, straightforward passages on that subject and related subjects. If an obscure passage contradicts fundamental teachings that are easily understood, then we know that we have misunderstood the actual teaching of the obscure passage.

Biblical Evidence FOR NONE

Biblical Evidence AGAINST John 8:24 Jesus the Savior or Jesus the Lord? Hebrews 9:27 Judgment of the Individual Luke 16 Rich man and Lazarus 2 Corinthians 5:10 According to what he has done…

Evidence #1: John 8:24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

Evidence #2: Hebrews 9:27-28 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.

Evidence #3: Luke 16:26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

Evidence #4: 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Evidence #5: Matthew 25 PREPARE WHILE YOU CAN! The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. PREPARE WHILE YOU CAN!

So what does 1 Corinthians 15:29 mean? Scholars estimate over 200 interpretations! Refers to Scriptural baptism in order to join in the resurrection with friends and family who had already died. Refers to the death of the “old man” at conversion. (Ephesians 4:22) Refers to a digressive religious practice that the Corinthians were familiar with.

A Christian Practice? In 1 Corinthians 15:1-17: “I” or “me” used 15 times “you” or “yours” used 14 times “we” or “our” used 6 times In 1 Corinthians 15:29 “I” or “me” used 0 times “you” or “yours” used 0 times “we” or “our” used 0 times “they” used 2 times

A Christian Practice? In 1 Corinthians 15:30-58 “I” used 6 times “you” used 5 times “we” or “our” used 7 times

Not a Christian Practice So who does “they” in verse 29 refer to? I believe it was those who were teaching a digressive practice that was not Christian to influence believers to reject the resurrection. The Apostle Paul was not condoning the practice, rather using something the Corinthians were familiar with to prove an argument – an argument centered on the resurrection, NOT BAPTISM.

Conclusion The curious eulogy of Seymour Brunson has led to the Mormon practice of “Baptism for the dead”. (Jane and Cyrus Neyman) While a Biblical reference is given for justification (1 Corinthians 15:29), its interpretation is contradicted by several plain and straightforward scriptures.

Conclusion The passage likely refers to a false practice that the Corinthians were well aware of and would have understood. While comforting in nature, the idea of a “second chance” to obey the gospel after death is not Scriptural and should be taught!