Part 1: Facing our Misconceptions
A thought of being a Pharisee at one time was a good thing. After all, if it were not for the hard work of the Pharisees, much of what we have in Torah, and in Judaism would have been lost. Unfortunately, (but not irrationally) many Christians, and the like, have labeled the Pharisees as haters, liars, and have even viewed them as evil killers of Jesus. Most of their reasoning stems from a few passages in the Gospels that express some disagreement between Jesus and the Pharisees. Yet, the majority of their assumptions is unprecedented and stem from a lack of strong Biblical and Historical teaching. Moreover, the word Pharisee has even a negative connotation in our common language. For instance, Webster’s Dictionary describes Pharisaic as hypocritical. Thus, many Christians have had to learn from Jewish scholars that “Pharisee” is not synonymous with “hypocrite.” Christian literature, sermons, and the like even slam this religious sect. Carnell, in “The Case for Biblical Christianity” describing current religiosity, states, “Unless this biblically revealed distinction between a person and his conduct is seriously accepted, misguided zealots—conservative or liberal—may end up clothing themselves with the garments of a new pharisaism. In other words, they will presume that they are righteous because they are not like others.” Nevertheless, in confronting these presuppositions and misconceptions with study and research, one can gather enough evidence to acknowledge that Jesus was in much agreement with the Pharisees.
So, who were the Pharisees? What did they believe? What were the agreements and disagreements between them and Jesus? How can we become more like the Pharisees, rather than less like them? We will address these questions further.
Next: Part 2..."Who Were The Pharisees ?"
(Note: some info. taken from: http://www.m-w.com/ and Carnell, E.J., The Case for Biblical Christianity, p. 35.)
3 comments:
You've got me on the edge of my seat waiting for Part 2.
I am interested as well in part 2. I also have to say I think you make a good point. If only we, modern Christians, would study as the Pharisees we may learn a few things about God along the way.
Interesting spin... I think this is just another example of how any leadership structure can lose its way, often without knowing it.
Which is a scary thought, isn't it?
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