The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders during the time of Jesus who were known for their strict adherence to the law and their focus on outward piety. They were often at odds with Jesus, who criticized them for their hypocrisy and their emphasis on legalism over love and mercy. While the Pharisees are long gone, their legacy lives on in the ways that people today use the Bible and the law to force others to do what they want. One example of this is the effort to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States. In this article, we will compare Bible verses that speak of Pharisees to the actions of those who seek to deny women their right to choose.
Hypocrisy
One of the most striking characteristics of the Pharisees that Jesus criticized was their hypocrisy. They were more concerned with outward appearances and following the letter of the law than with true righteousness. Jesus said to them, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25).
Today, we see this same kind of hypocrisy among those who claim to be Christians but who seek to deny women their right to choose. They often present themselves as defenders of life, but their actions tell a different story. For example, they may support policies that make it more difficult for women to access healthcare, including contraception and prenatal care. They may also support the death penalty and war, which are inconsistent with a consistent life ethic. By focusing only on the issue of abortion and ignoring other life issues, they reveal their hypocrisy.
Legalism
The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law, which often led them to prioritize legalism over mercy and compassion. They were more concerned with following the letter of the law than with understanding its spirit. Jesus criticized them for this, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23).
Similarly, those who seek to deny women their right to choose often prioritize legalism over compassion. They may support laws that make it more difficult for women to access abortion, even in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk. They may also oppose policies that would support women and families, such as paid family leave or affordable childcare. By prioritizing the law over the well-being of women and families, they reveal their legalism.
Judgmentalism
The Pharisees were known for their judgmental attitude towards others, particularly those who did not conform to their strict standards of piety. Jesus criticized them for this, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!" (Matthew 23:23-24).
Similarly, those who seek to deny women their right to choose often adopt a judgmental attitude toward women who have had abortions. They may call them "murderers" or "baby killers," without considering the difficult circumstances that may have led them to make that decision. They may also ignore the fact that many women who have abortions are already mothers who are trying
In conclusion, the legacy of the Pharisees lives on in the ways that some use the Bible and the law to force their views on others. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard. We must reject hypocrisy, legalism, and judgmentalism, and instead focus on love and mercy. Just as Jesus prioritized justice, mercy, and faithfulness over legalism and outward piety, we must prioritize the well-being of women and families over the letter of the law. Let us remember the words of the prophet Micah, who said, "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). May we all strive to live out these words in our daily lives and in our advocacy for women's rights.
~Reverend Clarke
Comments
Post a Comment