text: It's a story of optimism from a time long before there was organized record keeping. One could no more rely on these stories if they said there was a body.
  But I ask: Why take the body to "heaven"? Did Jesus not exist until he had his body back? Were all of his organs revitalized so he could "live"?
  It's a great story that inspires us in times of panic regarding our own mortality. Lots of religions offer such solace. Reincarnation for one.  Even new age'ers with their emphasis on melding with the great energy.
  I don't know of any scientific evidence that someone has come back from the dead, other than the testimonials of people who "nearly died" and saw a "great light". But the mind plays tricks.
  I hope there is a heaven, but I'm a doubting Agnostic: not sure if there is a God, but it does not look good.