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http://ldsliving.com/story/78706-4-signs-youre-acting-like-a-pharisee-how-to-stop-now I particularly liked point #2….”Members will not listen to their own prophets. “
cwald wrote:http://ldsliving.com/story/78706-4-signs-youre-acting-like-a-pharisee-how-to-stop-now I particularly liked point #2….”Members will not listen to their own prophets. “
Just look at #1 – it is not even consider non-members. The scope of “not excluding others” is all within a ward.No question in my mind there are plenty of Pharisees in our hallways. This writer was easier on them than I think the Savior would be. That said, I’m far from perfect myself.
In hallways and even at times on the stand. The last few years I feel that I am trying more than I ever did to not be guilty of this. I raise my left hand to sustain, wear non-white shirts to church, etc. I can’t quite tell how much of my motivation is anti-pharisaical vs just being non-conforming. I am just feel I am much more aware of things that are done for no reason other than to show-off to others. Who knows, maybe I am being even more like the Pharisees than before even while I FEEL I am being less.
I just want to add an endorsement of the LDSLiving site. There have been a lot of really good things there, including one recently that was about taking “RM” off a marriage checklist, since the condition of one’s heart is much more important than serving a mission as a blanket category.
I think spiritual pride is the prevalent sin amongst members. Old-Timer wrote:I just want to add an endorsement of the LDSLiving site.
There have been a lot of really good things there, including one recently that was about taking “RM” off a marriage checklist, since the condition of one’s heart is much more important than serving a mission as a blanket category.
True. Many of us would like a few miles of changes, but when we see a few yards it is hard not to be bummed instead of excited for SOME progress.Thanks for the reminder Ray.
I’d agree with this part of the article:
Quote:One thing we can probably give the Pharisees some credit for is that they were adept at living by the letter of the law. If living today, a Pharisee would pay his or her tithing diligently. They would make it to every meeting, and they would strictly observe the Word of Wisdom. What they would fail to do, however, is step back and recognize the overarching power and inclusiveness of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its complete centrality in the gospel (Matthew 23:23). They would define the gospel by its laws, but completely forget about Jesus Christ and his mercy.
Agreed.
Cwald, thank you for sharing the wonderful article. I put in one of my many computer bookmarks. I believe not only Pharisees exist in our wards and stakes, but also in Salt Lake City amongst the General Authorities. However, I try to give everyone, even myself, the benefit of the doubt. When I read the article I felt Pharisaaic because I don’t have the same esteem for prophetic guidance as I once did. SD, I noticed the statement about the prophets. I hope the writer meant not following the prophets teachings when they are speaking the truth, not blindly. I hope so too. My problem is I’m not sure what is true guidance expected of God and what is not. And the behavior of many leaders, including high ranking ones, has me questioning whether we can ever trust the habits of our religion to lead to salvation. Much of it is just plain inconvenient with no tangible results, and often, doesn’t even bring peace. I suppose to qualify as Pharisaic, you would have to be outwardly devout, but quietly disobedient. I’m not the former (not at church as much, no TR, Sabbath Day not normally kept). So, maybe I don’t qualify as Pharisaiic, just apostate. Whew! What a relief!
SilentDawning wrote:I suppose to qualify as Pharisaic, you would have to be outwardly devout, but quietly disobedient. I’m not the former (not at church as much, no TR, Sabbath Day not normally kept). So, maybe I don’t qualify as Pharisaiic, just apostate. Whew! What a relief!
I know that you were being sarcastic but I just want to point out that Pharisees felt that outward obedience WAS the key to the religion. They experienced pride because they were living their religion more devoutly than anyone else.
The point # 2 about following the prophets was out of place IMO. Had Jesus or John the Baptist been in positions of authority over the religion and the temple the pharisees would have been tripping over themselves to show what great disciples they were. I think of Jesus and John the baptists as reformers and agitators of the day. I imagine that a modern day equivalent would be Kate Kelly (minus the Savior and Redeemer part). How might modern day pharisees respond to someone like Kate Kelly? Perhaps they would make a point to state in SS how much they disagree. Perhaps they would share disparaging and hurtful comments on facebook to show how loyal they are to the organization.
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