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Definition:
The term Pharisees comes from the Hebrew word perushim, which appears
to be rooted in the meaning of "to separate." The Pharisees were a group
of religious leaders which developed shortly after the Maccabean Revolt. Although
there were never a large number of them, they appear to have represented the religious
beliefs of the majority of common people.
For example a number of their doctrines expressed some of the hopes of oppressed Jews, like the belief in angels and an afterlife. They also took ceremonies which were traditionally limited to the Temple and introduced them into the home.
The Pharisees were opposed to the Sadducees who were part of the traditional aristocracy of priests and who controlled the Temple and the outward forms of Jewish religiosity.
In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as attacking the Pharisees as "hypocrites" and "vipers." The reason for such a depiction is unknown, considering the fact that the Pharisees had a reputation for ethical conduct and great learning.
Some scholars identify the Pharisees with the later rabbis, but other see them as a distinct group of separatists.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
