Sadducees (Worldly minded priests)

Question 1

Name

Answer 1

1) righteous ones, based on Hebrew consonants
2) ONe who sympathize with Zadok’, [possible link to Zadok the high priest]
3) Syndiks, judges, or fiscal controllers, based on greek word.

Question 2

Origin

Answer 2

• Unknown
• Zadok, priest under David
• Possible link to Aaron

Question 3

Segments of Society

Answer 3

• Aristocracy, rich descendants of high priestly line
• Possible descendants of Hasmonean priesthood
• Probably not as refined as their economic position in life would suggest

Question 4

Key Tenets

Answer 4

• accepted ONLY Torah as authoritative
• Literal interpretation of the law
• Conservative towards law
• strict observance of law
• observed past beliefs and tradition
• opposed oral law as binding
• absolute freedom of human will
• denied divine providence
• denied concept of life after death and resurrection of the body
• denied concept of reward and punishment after death
• denied angels and demons

Question 5

Activities

Answer 5

• in charge of temple services
• politically active
• great political control over Sanhedrin
• Supported the ruling power and “status quo”
• Leaned towards “hellenism”[spreading of greek influence], despised by jewish populace
• opposed both Pharisees and jesus because they viewed as authoritative a larger biblical canon. (Jesus debates writings and prophets)
• opposed Jesus specifically for fear that their wealth and position would be threatened if they supported him