The Bible is a unique book. They don't call it eternal for nothing. Not only for Christians of all denominations, the Bible contains the most valuable guides and instructions, lessons of life and faith. But for any atheistically minded person, it is extremely important, because, despite the prescription of writing, it is a moral and ethical code of morality, a textbook for the proper education of the soul and heart.
Bible parables
10 Commandments is not the only set of rules that directly and specifically explains how the foundations of human society should be built. The parables set forth in the Bible carry a huge moral potential. In these short everyday stories, in a veiled, philosophical form, the most important truths are contained; they speak of eternal spiritual and moral values that are characteristic not for one people, but for humanity as a whole. And if we abstract from the specific religious interpretation of parables, consider them in the context of the entire history of human evolution, then each of us can learn a lot of useful things for ourselves. For example, the story of the Pharisee and the publican. An ordinary average reader, not burdened with baggage of cultural and historicalknowledge about the Jews, it is difficult to understand its religious and cultural aspect. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with the socio-political realities of the era, which is reflected in the parable. And first of all, the question arises: "Pharisee - who is this?" Just like the publican. Let's try to figure it out!
Reference material
Remember the content of the parable? The publican and the Pharisee pray in the temple of God. The first humbly asks for forgiveness for his sins, recognizing his imperfection. The second thanks God that he does not belong to the caste of despicable beggars. From the context we understand what "Pharisee" means. This is a we althy man, belonging to the we althy segments of the population.
And in order to more accurately understand the meaning of the word, let's look at explanatory dictionaries and reference books. Ushakov's dictionary says that in Ancient Judea, a Pharisee is a representative of one of the largest and most influential religious and political parties. Only eminent, we althy citizens, mostly urban residents, had the right to join it. A good education, knowledge of religious dogmas and sacred Jewish books was also a prerequisite for acceptance into the Pharisees. And, finally, the spotless reputation of a zealous minister of the church! Without it, a Pharisee is not a Pharisee! Party members were required to strictly observe and display all the rules and signs of piety, and with increased zeal! Consequently, fanaticism and hypocrisy were diligently practiced among the representatives of the party. They were supposed to serve as an example to the common people, a standard of true service to God. How muchbut they actually succeeded, and the parable “About the Pharisee and the publican” will show us.
Image analysis
It is stated in the Gospel of Luke. The author writes that Jesus told the story specifically for those listeners who consider themselves righteous and humiliate others on this basis. The parable of the Pharisee and the publican directly indicates: one who considers himself superior to others, better, purer, more spiritual, and boasts of this as a special advantage, a special personal merit before the Lord, is sure that he has already earned the Kingdom of God - he is deeply mistaken. Why? After all, the publican and the Pharisee are, as it were, at opposite poles. One does not sin, strictly observes fasts, voluntarily donates a tenth of his income to the church, and has not been noticed in discrediting his activities. And the second, on the contrary, according to the laws of that time, is considered a contemptible person. The publican is the tax collector. He serves the Romans, which means he is hated and despised by the native Jews. Communication with publicans was considered a desecration, a sin. But how then to understand the final line of the parable?
Moral
At the end of his story, Luke, on behalf of Christ, asserts: the publican, who sincerely prayed and woefully regretted his sinfulness, is much more worthy of forgiveness than the Pharisee, who looks down on everyone and everything. The Pharisees argued with Jesus, distorted the essence of Christianity, served dogma, not living faith. Therefore, since ancient times, the word has acquired a negative evaluative connotation, it has become abusive. The publican, on the other hand, behaves in a humiliating way in the temple, with self-abasement and humility. And it deservesforgiveness. Pride is recognized as one of the worst sins in the Bible. It infected the Pharisee. The publican is free from it. Therefore, the conclusion is drawn: everyone who ex alts himself will be humiliated in the face of God. And he who humbles himself is ex alted and brought into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Lessons in morality
What can we, ordinary people, not very religious, not always observing fasts and other rituals, take from the parable for ourselves? First of all, we must understand that in no case should we ascend. You should always remember: ranks, regalia, finances are not given to us forever. And they do not exempt from responsibility for their spiritual movements and actions. And in the face of eternity, everyone is equal - both the first persons of states and the last beggars. All people are born the same, everyone is mortal too. Therefore, one should not ascend. The more humble we are, the better the reward will be.
