Consider the following:

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…and even on the view that precepts cannot nullify each other, that applies only to a Biblical [precept] with a Biblical [precept], or a Rabbinical [precept] with a Rabbinical [precept], but in the case of a Scriptural and Rabbinical [precept], the Rabbinical [one] comes and nullifies the Scriptural [one]. (b.Pesachim 115a).

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A person must not say, “I will not keep the commandment of the elders because they are not from the Torah.” The Almighty says to such a person, “No, My son! Rather all that they decree upon you, observe! As it is written, According to the instruction which they teach you (Deuteronomy 17:11), Even I [HaShem] must obey their decree, as it is written, You will decree and He will fulfill it (Job 22:28).” (Pesikta Rabbati Par. 3).

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Even when they (the Rabbis) decide that left should be right or right left, when they are mistaken or misled in their judgment, they must be obeyed (b.Rosh Hashanah 25a).

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Rava expounded: My son! Be careful concerning Rabbinical decrees even more than the Torah. Because the Torah contains requirements and prohibitions, while the Rabbinical decrees: Anyone who violates a Rabbinical decree is worthy of death (b.Eruvin 21b).

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Bracy, this is an excellent question. I have been in churches where I thought that the spirit of phariseeism was so strong that it was cultish.

I noticed these things...

1. They have a reverance for a person/minister that borders on worship. They informally cannonize their opinions and takes on scripture. A doctrinal argument can be settled by quoting the person' opinion on the issue. To disagree with the "holy one," is to disagree with God.

2. They have a set of rules that they believe are based on scripture but are not scripture. They place those rules on a par with the clear mandates of scripture, and sometimes even higher because the rules require "revelation," whereas, the scriptures are written out for us in black and white.

3. The have an extemely strong sense of "out group" and "in group." All other believers are basically part of the "out group" because they don't follow the specific rules outlined by the group or group leader.

4. There is oftentimes a "spiritual image" one must have, or more accutately, one must project. Weaknesses or flaws are not admitted publically unless the leader calls for such an activity; then the shift is to spirituality for such confessions.

5. Spirituality is graded by how much I keep the rules in the church, not by my actual, genuine, honest relationship to God. If I admit a problem in serious sin, then I am relegated to trite platitudes and then hounded by the "holy ones" who don't have the problem, or don't admit having the problem, so they may feel more spiritual.

6. In this type of church, there is very little mystery. All doctrines are known and clear. If I find a passage of scripture unclear, ambiguous, confusing, or frustrating, then it is either the devil trying to confuse me or it is my own sin and rebellion distracting me from the truth.

7. Position is extremely important to me if I am a pharisee. I must have a title and be perceived by others as being both called and rather gifted in that ministry. And if you disagree with me or what I am doing or how I am walking in my ministry, then you are carnal, not led of the spirit, and blind to my importance in the church.

8. Image is 95%; content is 5%. Unless, of course, the leader has an alter call or invitation to focus on content, then the formula temporarily shifts.

Phariseeism is more than a cult; it is a form of idol worship.

I think you just describes Puritanism. Or you got very close to it.

david

I need to add an honest p.s. to my last post. I bordered on being a pharisee when I was very young in the Lord. Later, I was a victim of aspects of phariseeism. I have to work really hard at sounding objective and detached when discussing this issue because I utterly hate phariseeism.

I must be extra careful because if I stand at the top of the steps and thank God that I am not a pharisee like the other guy, then I run the risk of reverting into the same spirit from the opposite perspective.