The Bible is a unique book. It is not for nothing called eternal. Not only for Christians of all faiths the Bible contains the most valuable guides and instructions, the lessons of life and faith. But for any atheist-minded person it is extremely important, because, despite the limitations of writing, it is a moral code of ethics, a textbook for the proper education of the soul and heart.
Bible parables
The 10 Commandments is not the only set of rules that directly and specifically explains how the foundations of human society should be built. The huge moral potential is carried in the parables set forth in the Bible. In these small everyday stories, in the veiled, philosophical form, the most important truths are embodied, they speak of eternal spiritual and moral values that are characteristic not only of one people, but of humanity as a whole. And if we ignore the concrete 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. It is difficult for an average reader who is not burdened with the baggage of cultural and historical knowledge about Jews 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?" As well as a tax collector. 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 apologizes for his sins, recognizing his imperfection. The second thanks God that he does not belong to the caste of despised beggars. From the context we understand what “Pharisee” means. This is a well-to-do person, belonging to the wealthy.
And in order to more accurately understand the meaning of the word, we will look into the explanatory dictionaries and reference books. Ushakov’s dictionary says that in ancient Judea, the Pharisee is a representative of one of the largest and most influential religious and political parties. Only eminent, prosperous citizens, mainly residents of cities, had the right to enter 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 church servant! Without it, the Pharisee is not a Pharisee! The members of the party 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 party representatives. They were supposed to serve as an example to the common people, the standard of true service to God. How much they actually succeeded, the parable "On the Pharisee and the Publican" will show us.
Image analysis
It is presented in the Gospel of Luke. The author writes that Jesus told a story especially for those listeners who consider themselves righteous and humiliate others on this basis. The parable of the Pharisee and the publican directly indicates: he who considers himself superior to others is better, cleaner, 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 the opposite poles. One does not sin, strictly observes fasts, voluntarily sacrifices a tenth of his income to the church; And the second, on the contrary, according to the then laws is considered a contemptible person. The tax collector is a tax collector. He serves the Romans, which means that we hate and despise the native Jews. Communicating with publicans was considered desecration, sin. But how then to understand the final line of the parable?
Morality
At the end of his story, Luke on behalf of Christ affirms: the publican, who sincerely prayed and sadly regrets his sinfulness, is much more worthy of forgiveness than the Pharisee, looking down on everyone and everything. The Pharisees argued with Jesus, perverted the essence of Christianity, served dogma, and not living faith. Therefore, from ancient times, the word acquired a negative evaluative connotation, became abusive. The publican behaves in the temple humiliatingly, with self-abasement, humility. And that deserves forgiveness. One of the worst sins in the Bible is pride. She infected the Pharisee. The publican is free from her. Therefore, the conclusion is made: everyone who exalts himself will be humiliated in the face of God. But he who humbles himself is exalted and entered into the kingdom of heaven.
Moral lessons
What can we, ordinary people, not very religious, not always observing fasts and other rituals, take for ourselves from the parable? First of all, they should understand that in no case should one 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 the states, and the last beggars. All human beings are born alike; everything is mortal too. Therefore, one should not ascend. The more modest we behave, the more worthy the reward will be.