Many people these days use the term "Pharisee" or "Pharisaical" when referring to standards of Biblical authority and teaching on any of a number of subjects. Whether one teaches the reality of an eternal Hell or call out sins such as adultery or homosexuality, it seems every person quoting the Bible more than Ghandi or Mother Theresa, are branded as Pharisees. There are surely some who quote the Bible out of context to prove their own point, but I find that much of this branding is terribly inaccurate and even lends itself to slanderous accusations rather than edification.
I even have to disagree with the definition of "Pharisaical" as offered by Merriam Webster's online dictionary
"marked by hypocritical censorious self-righteousness" as this definition also supposes ill intent or motivations on the part of the Pharisees.
I even have to disagree with the definition of "Pharisaical" as offered by Merriam Webster's online dictionary
"marked by hypocritical censorious self-righteousness" as this definition also supposes ill intent or motivations on the part of the Pharisees.