Pharisaism

Pharisaism refers to the beliefs, practices, and characteristics associated with the Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period of Judaism. The Pharisees are often depicted in the New Testament as strict adherents to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that interpreted it. They emphasized ritual purity, tithing, and observance of the Sabbath, which they believed were essential for righteousness (Matthew 23:23). However, their legalistic approach often led to conflict with Jesus, who criticized them for their hypocrisy and for prioritizing tradition over the spirit of the Law (Matthew 15:1-9; Mark 7:5-13).Pharisaism has come to symbolize a broader attitude of self-righteousness and legalism, where outward religious observance overshadows genuine faith and compassion. Jesus confronted this attitude, underscoring the importance of internal integrity and the heart's condition over mere external compliance (Luke 18:9-14). In contemporary discussions, Pharisaism serves as a cautionary example against the pitfalls of religious formalism and the neglect of mercy and justice, as seen in Matthew 23:23-24, where Jesus admonishes the Pharisees for straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel.

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