I am of the opinion that Man is a spiritual entity with a religious instinct. The humanistic Atheist working on his Doctorate is fulfilling his religious instinct just as surely as the Eskimo carving a totem pole.
Religiosity is just one way - and not the preferred way - our spirituality finds expression in the physical world.
It appears that the Pharisees practiced their religion to the detriment of their spirituality.
Their modern day counterparts can be found in great number sitting in a pew, singing in a choir, or preaching from a pulpit on any Sunday morning in any American town.
You are correct in this. However, the Pharisees are also found in great numbers sitting in boats or watching the footballs games on Sunday morning. Great numbers of them.
All secure in their own hearts that they are ok with God and that they can worship God “in their own way.”
They don’t need the church, already have enough “bible knowledge” and they happily forsake the assembling of themselves together as they do not want to be offended by “hypocrites.”
They judge themselves and find that they are “ok with God.” They especially feel good about themselves when they judge others to be “Pharisees.”
The tax collector said: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus said he went home “justified.”
