Is recording family genealogy and documenting gravesites considered consorting with the dead?
Genealogy was extremely important in the scriptures. Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28), had twelve sons (Genesis 35:22). From these sons, we have the beginning of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was vital that each person knew his genealogy, so that he knew which tribe he was part of. Exodus 28:1-4 shows us that the tribe of Levi was the priestly tribe, from which all the priests came. Genesis 49:10,” “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” This shows that the kings came through the tribe of Judah. In order to serve as a priest, or to be in line to be king, it would be necessary to show your genealogy.
Christ, Himself, was from the tribe of Judah. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke include the genealogy of the Lord Jesus, and they both point out that he was born into the tribe of Judah. So, as you can see, recording family genealogy was very important.
Today, in most instances, genealogy is not important. To the Lord, the history of our families are not important for he tells us in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
However, many people find their genealogy interesting and enjoy researching the history of their families, which may include pictures of gravesites. I can’t see that this could be construed as consorting with the dead. As you research your family history, let me point out one undeniable fact…all those people in your history, all those gravesites you have visited manifest the truth that WE ALL DIE. We learn in Hebrews 9:27-28, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” We ALL have an appointment with death, and after that, the judgment of God. To save us from God’s judgment, Christ was offered to bear our sins, so that if we put our faith in Him, we can be spared from that terrible judgment. Have you accepted Christ as your savior? (293.10)