Bible - the book unique.It is not for nothing called eternal.Not just for Christians of all denominations the Bible contains valuable guidance and instruction, lessons of life and faith.But for any atheistic minded person, it is extremely important, ie. A., In spite of the prescription writing, is a moral and ethical code of morality textbook proper education of the soul and the heart.
Biblical parable
10 commandments - are not the only set of rules, expressly and specifically explain how the need to build the foundations of human society.The enormous moral potential carry a parable set forth in the Bible.In these small everyday stories in a veiled, philosophical form enclosed important truth, they refer to the eternal spiritual and moral values, not specific to one nation, but of humanity as a whole.And if you ignore the concrete-religious interpretation of parables, consider them in the context of the history of human evolution, each of us can learn a lot of useful.For example, the story of the Pharisee and the publican.The usual average reader is not burdened by baggage of cultural and historical knowledge of the Jews, it is difficult to understand its religious and cultural aspect.To this should be familiar with the socio-political realities of the era, which is reflected in the parable.First and foremost, the question arises: "The Pharisee - who is this?"Nor, as a tax collector.Let's try to understand!
Reference
Remember the parable of the content?Pharisee and the publican praying in the temple of God.First humbly asks for forgiveness for their sins, recognizing its imperfections.Second thanks to God for the fact that he does not belong to the caste of despicable beggars.From the context, we understand what it means to "Pharisee."This is a man of substance, belonging to the secured sections of the population.
But to better understand the meaning of words, look at dictionaries and reference books.In the dictionary Ushakov said that in ancient Judea Pharisee - a representative of one of the largest and most influential religious and political parties.It had the right to enter only famous, wealthy citizens, mainly urban dwellers.Good education, knowledge of religious dogma and sacred Jewish books was also a prerequisite for adoption of the Pharisees.And finally, reputable zealous servant of the church!Without it, the Pharisee - this is not the Pharisee!Party members were required strict observance and manifestation of all the rules and signs of piety, and with increased zeal!Therefore, bigotry and hypocrisy practiced assiduously among party representatives.They were an example of the common people, the standard of the true worship of God.How much actually we succeeded, and we will tell a parable, "the Pharisee and the Publican."
analysis of images
It is stated in the Gospel of Luke.The author writes that Jesus told the story especially for those students who consider themselves righteous and on this basis to humiliate others.The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican clearly indicates that those who consider themselves above the other, better, purer, more spiritual, and flaunts it as a particular advantage of special personal merit before God, I am sure that has earned the kingdom of God - is deeply mistaken.Why is that?After all, the Pharisee and the publican are, as it were at opposite poles.One does not sin, strictly observe the fast, voluntarily donates the church a tenth of their income, discrediting his employment is not seen.The second, on the contrary, according to the then law is considered a despicable person.The tax collector - a collector of taxes.It serves as the Romans, and therefore hates and despises the indigenous Jews.Communication with publicans considered defilement, sin.But how to understand the final line of the parable?
Moral
At the end of his narrative Luke on behalf of Christ says, the publican, sincerely praying and bitterly sorry for his sin, forgiveness is much more worthy than the Pharisee, looking at everyone and everything down.The Pharisees argued with Jesus, distorted the essence of Christianity, were dogma, not a living faith.Since ancient times the word has acquired a negative evaluation coloration became abusive.And the publican in the temple is behaving humbly, with self-abasement, humility.And that deserves forgiveness.One of the worst sins in the Bible recognizes pride.She is infected with a Pharisee.From her free publican.Therefore, the conclusion: anyone who will exalt himself will be humbled before God.And humbles himself - exalted and entered the kingdom of heaven.
lessons of morality
What we can take from the parable for ourselves, we are ordinary people, not religious, not always observe fasting and other rituals?First of all, we need to understand that in any case can not ascend.Always remember: rank, insignia, finance is not given to us forever.And it is not exempt from responsibility for their actions and movements of the soul.And in the face of eternity are all - and the first persons of the states, and the poor in the past.All human beings are born equal, too, everything is mortal.Because should not ascend.How we behave modestly, so it is worthy reward.
