What kind of question is this???

Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?
(1 Corinthians 15:29 ESV)
On its  own, this seems very obscure, to be sure.  But in the context of Paul's argument in support of the resurrection of Christ and of our coming resurrection, it does make sense.  If taken literally, Paul is saying that some were doing this, hoping to save departed loved ones who did not receive Christ. Why would they do that, unless they believed in a coming resurrection. But more probably, Paul is not saying we should be baptized so dead people will be saved.  Rather, he is talking about people coming to faith in Christ and being baptized because of the influence of those believers who had done so, who believed in the resurrection.  His point is this: why be baptized, identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, unless that means something for our future?  Why bother believing or being baptized like these people did, when they are dead and gone. Unless... Unless they know something - that Christ's resurrection promises that of His followers as well. Think about it. Is there some deceased follower of Christ to whom his/her faith was so real that it inspires you to follow him or her as they followed Christ?  Belief and Baptism don't seem so crazy after all, do they?