Modern day Pharisees?

[FollowingJesus]

I am working my way through the Gospels, and when I got to Matthew 23, and read the passages where Jesus accuses the Pharisees, it was almost like I was reading a description of some of today's religious leaders (at least some of the ones who have mega churches and appear on television...)

Your thoughts?

MATTHEW 23

1Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:


2The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law are experts in the Law of Moses.

3 So obey everything they teach you, but don't do as they do. After all, they say one thing and do something else.

4 They pile heavy burdens on people's shoulders and won't lift a finger to help.

5 Everything they do is just to show off in front of others. They even make a big show of wearing Scripture verses on their foreheads and arms, and they wear big tassels for everyone to see.

6 They love the best seats at banquets and the front seats in the meeting places.

7 And when they are in the market, they like to have people greet them as their teachers.

Source: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2023;&version=46

 

[.Mikha'el.]

Reminds me of a false faith healer by the name of Benny Hinn.

 

[Carri20]

I am working my way through the Gospels, and when I got to Matthew 23, and read the passages where Jesus accuses the Pharisees, it was almost like I was reading a description of some of today's religious leaders (at least some of the ones who have mega churches and appear on television...)

Your thoughts?

What makes you think the big church pastors with television programs are like the Pharasies? Is it the way they preach, or their conduct behind the scenes? Just trying to paint a clearer picture for myself to understand. Thanks.

 

[FollowingJesus]

Is it the way they preach, or their conduct behind the scenes?

Neither...

3 So obey everything they teach you, but don't do as they do. After all, they say one thing and do something else.
- many of them have been caught in immoral situations- whether it's financial or sexual

4 They pile heavy burdens on people's shoulders and won't lift a finger to help.
- Some ask viewers/congregations to give 'their last dime' in order to 'receive a blessing', but are transparent with how much their do or don't give.

5 Everything they do is just to show off in front of others. They even make a big show of wearing Scripture verses on their foreheads and arms, and they wear big tassels for everyone to see.
- Some are very quick to point out how God has blessed them with million dollar houses, jets, etc...

6 They love the best seats at banquets and the front seats in the meeting places.
- especially 'political' places, these days...

7 And when they are in the market, they like to have people greet them as their teachers.
- Many want you to know that they are 'anointed', a 'prophet', a 'healer'...

 

[die2live]

I don't know if I would say that most modern-day preachers are like the Pharisees. But I definitely think it's fair to point out that many of them are. However, I wouldn't call them hypocrites. They seem to say one thing (the wrong thing) then end up being a very good example of that as well.

 

[billwald]

In fact, Orthodox Rabbis are in the direct historical line of the Pharisees.

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

I propose a revised Godwin's Law: As an online discussion between Christians grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving the Pharisees approaches 1.

 

[FollowingJesus]

I propose a revised Godwin's Law: As an online discussion between Christians grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving the Pharisees approaches 1.

I don't understand...

 

[JunkYardDog]

I don't understand...

In a discussion about the faith, the use of the term "Pharisee" (or "fundamentalist") is the functional equivalent of clearing their throat -- especially among the synagogue of the libertines.

 

[Harlan Norris]

It was individuals such as these, that solidified my doubt about the truth of Christianity. Even at an early age I was able to spot their falsehood. Having nothing to compare it with, I decided, there was no God. However the issue never left my thoughts. I found my faith, through the grace of God. I wonder how many like me, never were able to get past these false teachers?

 

[Joykins]

I don't understand...

Godwin's law stated that the longer an online argument lasted, the more likely someone would compare their opponent to the Nazis (at which point Usenet custom would have it the argument/thread has degenerated to the point of being over). Paleoconservatarian is saying that a Christian equivalent would be a comparison to the Pharisees.

 

[FollowingJesus]

Godwin's law stated that the longer an online argument lasted, the more likely someone would compare their opponent to the Nazis (at which point Usenet custom would have it the argument/thread has degenerated to the point of being over). Paleoconservatarian is saying that a Christian equivalent would be a comparison to the Pharisees.

It would only be equivalent (using that explanation) if we viewed these men (and women) who abuse the pulpit as 'opponents'. Personally, I don't

It was individuals such as these, that solidified my doubt about the truth of Christianity. Even at an early age I was able to spot their falsehood. Having nothing to compare it with, I decided, there was no God. However the issue never left my thoughts. I found my faith, through the grace of God. I wonder how many like me, never were able to get past these false teachers?

Excellent point. I wish I had a solution...