Question: Mormons practice baptism for the dead and cite 1 Corinthians 15:29 as justification: ...

Question: Mormons practice baptism for the dead and cite 1 Corinthians:15:29Else 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?
See All... as justification: “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead. If the dead rise not, why then are they baptized for the dead?” Catholics also take this verse to mean that the early church practiced baptism for the dead. Why don’t we do so today?

Response: Paul uses several arguments to prove that there must be life beyond the grave: 1) the fact that Christ rose from the dead (vv 12-16); 2) that if Christ is still dead there is no salvation (vv 17-18); 3) that if there is no life beyond the grave then Christianity is the most miserable religion (v 19) because we are called to deny ourselves in this life in exchange for the life to come (2 Cor:4:8-18 [8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; [10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. [11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. [12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you. [13] We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; [14] Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. [15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. [16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
See All...); and 4) in 15:29 he argues that even the pagans believe in a life beyond the grave, as evidenced by the fact that they baptize for the dead.

How do we know he’s referring to pagans? Earlier in Chapter 15 (vv 12, 14, 15, 17, etc.) Paul uses the pronouns we, you, our, your, and ye, referring to himself, the apostles, and the Christians to whom he was writing. At verse 29 the pronoun changes to they; then at verse 30 it reverts to we. Clearly those referred to as they in verse 29 are not the Christians he refers to as you and we, but the pagans around them. The latter practiced baptism for the dead, but there is no hint that Christians did or should do so, for that would be contrary to the gospel.