Life's Inanities and Ironies

During the Second Temple period (roughly 516 BCE to 70 CE), Judaism was not monolithic. Several sects and philosophical schools emerged, reflecting diverse interpretations of the Torah and responses to Hellenistic influences and Roman rule . The two most prominent and influential groups were the ** Pharisees ** and the ** Sadducees **. These sects frequently clashed on doctrine, authority, and practice, shaping Jewish religious life in biblical times—especially during the life of Jesus. Understanding their differences provides crucial context for the New Testament and the development of modern Judaism. This post explores their origins, beliefs, social bases, roles in the Temple and Sanhedrin , and lasting legacy. Historical Origins The Pharisees and Sadducees likely emerged during the Hasmonean period (2nd–1st centuries BCE), amid debates over Jewish identity under foreign influence. - The Pharisees (from the Hebrew *perushim*, meaning "separated ones") arose as a lay m...

Frien ds, fellow believers, and seekers of truth, The topics of homosexuality and transsexuality are some of the most debated and emotionally charged issues in our culture today. As Christians who hold the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, it is essential that we approach these subjects not with the noise of the world, but with the quiet and humble authority of Scripture. My aim here is to provide a clear, biblical overview of what the Old and New Testaments say, and to consider what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ would have us understand. The Foundation in Genesis: God’s Intentional Design To truly understand the biblical perspective on sexuality and gender, we must begin at the beginning, in the book of Genesis. The creation narrative provides the foundational blueprint for God’s design for humanity. In Genesis 1:27 , we read, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." This verse establishes a fundam...