Extreme Righteousness: Seeing Ourselves in the Pharisees

by Hovestol and Tom Hovestol

Book Overview

They despised the teaching of the Messiah who came to save them. They were the objects of Jesus' harshest statements. They crucified our Lord. But if you take a good look in the mirror, they look an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802466966
• ISBN13: 9780802466969
• Release Date: May 1997
• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Length: 215 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Our Best Frie3nds, The Pharisees

Unlike the misconception of most, the Pharasees were rightreous people in many ways. They were rooted in the scriptures, and zealously seeked to both teach and walk in the law. They are strikingly almost identical with the many churches we have today. Some were harsh and fundamental, while others were merciful and flexible. But as history shows their love for being good at both the scriptures and life style led them to self righteouness, legalism, traditionalism an using God's words to both blind and bind them, the identical characteristics that can be clearly seen in many churches throughout the world. Our extenal human righteousness can surely take us away from the invisible, inner reality of a pure and intimate relatiohship with Christ. This book is one of the best books I have read on legalism and the formation of the fundamentalist way of thinking that happens to the most sincere and good people: ourselves. As a former fundamenalist, this book is an eye opener to the dynamics of legalism and one-sided thinking.

Outstanding Book To Examine The Heart Of Every Leader

In Tom Hovestol's book, Extreme Righteousness, the author looks to the Pharisees:ZEALOUS FOR SCRIPTURESSCRUPULOUS IN THEIR GIVINGDEDICATED TO LIVING UNTAINTED BY THE WORLDFERVENT IN ANTICIPATING GOD'S DELIVERANCECONSCIENTIOUS IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S COMMANDSThese phrases describe the Pharisees. And they describe our own churches. Exploring their historical and Biblical roots, the author discovers penetrating truths that warn, enlighten and protect belivers from their disastrous path. Incredible chapters bringing conviction and hope for every leader. Some of the more impacting chapters: When Bible Knowledge Blinds & Binds When Tradition Twists Truth When The Sick Look Fit When A Private Relationship Becomes A Public ShowI appreciated the discussion of the five Jewish groups of Jesus' time: The Herodians, Sadducees, Pharisees - Hillel & Shammai, Zealots and Essenes. In answering the question, why is our self-righteousness unseen?, the author speaks of our blindness to it by the following agencies:Blinded by our culture Blinded by our morality Blinded by religion Blinded by knowledgeThe warning lights of self righteousness? 1. A Contemptuous View Of Others 2. A Shallow Sense Of Forgiveness 3. A Wrong Sense Of Grace & Fairness 4. An Unhealthy View Of FailureA deep heart-encountering book recommended for any leader.

This book makes you take a good look at yourself.

A friend gave me this book about two years ago. I dreaded reading it, but once I got started it was wonderful. This book is about every Christian. There is a Pharisee in all of us. But we are not left with the dilemna. Tom Hovestol eloquently and practically points the reader to the grace of God.Surprisingly, this was a very interesting and encouraging book.

YEAH!

I read this book and was spiritually challenged with nearly every page with Mr. Hovestol's application of Scripture.

<br><br>Who were the Pharisees?

In Tom Hovestol's book, Extreme Righteousness, the author looks into an important group of people who were around during Jesus time. They had a lot of power being the religious leaders of their day, and many looked up to them as holy individuals. Yet Jesus often exposed them for their hypocrisy. In the modern Christian church, we are taught to view the Pharisees as wolves in sheep's clothing. They were the enemies of Jesus, hence the enemies of God. We have learned to despise them. We are told we are nothing like them. Or are we?To read the rest of this review and for others, please go to http://WebBookReview.com