Philistines and Pharisees, Part 1
Sometimes it seems that our society is torn between Philistines and Pharisees.
The Pharisees are the moral guardians, the self-righteous “fun police” who judge others
and dictate/demand correct behavior. The Philistines live for personal satisfaction
and reject traditional values as they pursue their own goals, be they pleasure
or wealth or eg0-enhancement.
Goliath was the most famous Philistine, but his namesakes today are less
warlike, and smaller.
One thing that both Philistines and Pharisees have in common is that they both see the Bible
as a book of rules.
I’m more concerned about the Pharisees. Primarily because they are following the wrong path,
even as they proclaim that they are taking the high road.
Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites. Why? Because they cared about outward appearances,
not the status of the heart.
As my favorite Christian writer, Thomas Merton put it, the Christian is not “…simply
a man of goodwill, who commits himself to a certain set of beliefs, who has a definite dogmatic
conception of the universe, of man, and of man’s reason for existing. He is not simply one who
follows a moral code of brotherhood and benevolence with strong emphasis on certain rewards and
punishments.”
No, Christians are not merely people who accept a set of beliefs with the expectaton of a big reward for their obedience.
At least, they are not supposed to be. Another favorite writer, Oswald Chambers, says, “You could read
volumes on the work of the Holy Spirit, when five minutes of total, uncompromising obedience
would make things as clear as sunlight….Beware of becoming one of the ‘wise and prudent.'”
Obedience. Not obedience to rulers and rules–obedience to God’s will. Trusting that God’s plan for you is better than anything you could come up with.
It’s dismaying whenever Christians seem to be judgmental, angry and intolerant.
Almost makes you want to be a Philistine. The Philistines say, “come on over to our party,
love yourself, follow your own truth, have fun.”
That’s a a much easier sell in our culture than “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up
his cross and follow me” (and maybe also give away your wealth to the poor, reject lust and forgive those who hate you).
Goliath’s path is easier. But if you want to reach the top of a mountain, you don’t take the
easy path. Whether they recognize it (or admit it), the Philistines prefer the easier path,
because it indulges and pampers the Self.
It’s a con. Pretty words with no meaning.
“Find your own truth” is an invitation to rationalize any kind of behavior and justify selfishness.
Because the Philistines put the self first. And the self doesn’t WANT to be subservient to anyone, even God.
Pursuing an intimate relationship with the Master of the Universe on his terms,
and subjugating your own desires and preferences to that person, is not an attractive propostion to Philistines.
Or to Pharisees, who prefer to enforce rules instead of unconditionally loving rule-breakers.
The Philistines take the easy road, but it’s the wrong one. The Pharisees claim the high road
but head blindly in the wrong direction.
The Bible is not a rule book; it’s a love story.
It’s always been about the relationship, not the rules.
The Pharisees ignore that fact. That Philistines don’t want to know it.
MORE TO COME
petermaize 