Pharisees

Question 1

Meaning?

Answer 1

“separated ones”

Question 2

Origin?

Answer 2

Spiritual descendants of the Hasidim, religious freedom fighters of the time of Judas Maccabeus

Question 3

Segments of Society

Answer 3

• The largest of Jewish parties
• Scribes and lawyers
• Members of middle class

Question 4

Key Tenets

Answer 4

• Monotheistic (shaman)
• Entire OT authoritative (hebrew bible)
• Study of law was worship
• Accepted written and oral law
• More liberal than Sadducees
• Concerned with keeping Sabbath, tithing, and purification
• Believed in life after death through resurrection and divine retribution and rewards
• Angels and Demons
• Revered humanity and human equality
• Missionary minded regarded conversion of Gentiles
• Believed individuals were responsible for how they lived.

Question 5

Activities

Answer 5

• Developed oral tradition
• Way to God through obedience to law
• Changed Judaism from religion of sacrifice to law
• Progressive thinkers in adapting law to new issues
• Opposed Jesus for denying importance of oral law
• Established and controlled synagogues
• Great control over general population
• Religious authorities for most jews
• “brought work home with them”
• Emphasized ethical rather than theological action
• Legalistic and socially exclusive of non-pharisees
• Self sufficient and haughty