The Mormon Church teaches that it is of the utmost importance that faithful LDS baptize for the dead during their "sacred" Temple Ceremony.  Biblically speaking, there is absolutely zero basis for any Christian or even any Jew for that matter, to do such a thing.  Not a single soul in the Bible, including Jesus, ever spoke about this "important" ritual in any detail what-so-ever.  LDS will claim that no one in the Bible teaches about baptism for the dead because "parts of the Bible are missing."  

Well, assuming that this is indeed true, then let's research the word "baptize" in the Bible within the parts that ARE there.

The word "baptize" in all its forms:  i.e.:  baptism, baptized, baptizing etc., is mentioned 99+ times in the Bible.  Think of it -- the Bible speaks about baptism over 99 times in the Bible (in the parts that are there and not missing - as the LDS claim the Bible has been corrupted) and in all those 99+ times, never, ever not even once is it ever taught that baptizing for the DEAD is something Christians must do.  In all 99+ times in fact (with one exception), only baptizing for the LIVING is described and in great detail in many cases.  So the question must be asked, if this is such an essential part of a Mormon Temple ceremony, why aren't we taught anything at all about it during the 99+ times that baptism IS mentioned in the Bible?

Here is a quick study of this one scripture that LDS use to defend the practice of baptizing for the dead:

1 Corinthians 15:29  Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all?  why are they then baptized for the dead?

Please note that it is this ONE scripture, this one and only scripture that is the entire basis for a huge organization within the Mormon church that researches genealogy.  The LDS tirelessly researches dead people's records so they can baptize someone as in "absentia" of their choosing - when they partake of the Mormon Temple Ceremony. A ceremony that is completely non-Biblical and very occultic in nature. But that will be another Hub.

So LDS spend literally millions of their member's dollars that they tithe (tithing is mandatory for the LDS church - another topic covered for a later time) and much ado is spent preparing to "baptize" for these dead people, despite the fact scripture clearly states we are never to bother with the things of the dead or of the spirit world (Lev. 19:31; 20:6; 20:27; Deut. 18:9-12).  The gulf between the dead and the living is something that can not be crossed anyway, so baptism for the dead is useless (Luke 16:19-26)  Also, it is important to note some very simple and basic grammar here when we read this scripture LDS use to "prove" they should baptize for the dead. In 1 Cor. 15:29 - when read in context and using basic grammatical rules, one clearly sees that when Paul refers to Christians or himself, he uses the words "I," "we," "ye," "you."  This is consistent throughout this message.  In complete contrast, when he mentions the practice of baptism for the dead, he changes to "they" as in "what shall THEY do?  Why are THEY then baptized for the dead?"  In the following verses, he returns right back to "we" and "you" in referring to Christians. (Notes this paragraph were taken from Mormonism Shadow or Reality By Jerald and Sandra Tanner p. 452).

Regardless of the fact that there is ZERO Biblical basis in searching for the names of the dead to baptize by "proxy," the Mormon Church spends millions and millions of dollars and uses its members to do endless genealogical research:

"Before vicarious ordinances of salvation and exaltation may be performed for those who have died...they must be accurately and properly identified.  Hence, genealogical research is required...the Church maintains in Salt Lake City one of the world's greatest genealogical societies.  Much of the genealogical source material of various nations of the earth has been or is being microfilmed by this society; millions of dollars is being spent; and a reservoir of hundreds of millions of names and other data about people who lived in past generations is available for study."  Mormon Doctrine, 1966, pp. 308-309/Mormonism Shadow or Reality, pp 452-453.

All this money spent for a ritual that is neither Biblical nor Christian.  And speaking of money, where DO all those millions and millions per day the Mormon Church takes in primarily from tithes, go?  Why doesn't the Mormon Church disclose to its own members how much money is taken in and where it goes??  Questions anyone should ask themself before becoming involved in this organization.

The Mormons take this ONE scripture and insist that this is the basis for baptizing dead people.  Yet not only does Mormonism teach that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are THREE different gods, but that they themselves can turn into gods someday if they are perfect Mormons following Mormonism to perfection.  This despite the fact that the Bible is replete with commands that we worship only ONE God, the God of the Bible.  Curious indeed.

If your search is for Jesus Christ, He can not be found within the Mormon Church.  Unfortunately, the Mormon Church is a Christian CULT, not a legitimate Christian organization.The Bible is not corrupted or incomplete as the LDS Church and it's members claim. The Bible is a living, breathing document and is God-breathed - it is perfectly made for the Christian to use and to know all about the life we should lead as Christians here on this earth. If you are searching for Jesus Christ - the Jesus of the Mormon Church is not the same as the Jesus of the Bible or the Jesus Christ of true Orthodox, Historical Christianity. Seek Him while there is still time - just do not go to the Latter-day Saints to try to find Him.