> I guess, then, we're working from different definitions of death. To me, death is final - you don't die "for a while" and then come back - once you're dead, you're dead. So if there was redemption, then they were spiritually ill, but not quite dead.
>
> Please don't anybody pop in with a comment about Jesus coming back from the dead - I think everyone would agree that he was a special case.
>
> dkd1

Okay, I can accept that. But... If Jesus _was_ a special case, and _could_ raise himself from the dead... Then what's to keep him from raising others? After all, isn't it harder to raise yourself from the dead, if you're already dead? Wouldn't it seem easier to raise somebody else? I mention this not to use Jesus as an example (or "exception"), but as a cause.

-John