Extreme Righteousness: Seeing Ourselves in the Pharisees

by Tom Hovestol

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 awful lot like us. In this honest, eye-opening book, author Tom Hoevstol examines the life of the Pharisees. Exploring their historical and biblical roots, he discovers truths that will challenge any believer who has 'grown up' in the church. Often we have all the right answers, but live less than righteous lives. We've read the Bible, listened in church, and even had a daily 'quite time,' yet none of that godly wisdom is reaching our hearts and changing our lives. While we live stellar lives on the outside, we battle secret sins in the dark corners of our souls. Though we appear to be saintly, we are self-seeking. Though we appear to be separated from the world, we desperately want to be a part of it. Join Tom Hovestol in answering deep and painful questions like: Why do good spiritual roots sometimes produce flawed fruit? Why do people who know the truth sometimes miss the way? Why is there a difference between the public and the private persona of the Christians you know, including yourself? Why does tradition exert such a powerful pull on the church? Why is there such a love of fences and such a fear of freedom? Why do some who look spiritually fit turn out to be sick?Take a good look at what we're really like, and ask the most important question of all - is there a way out?

Genres: Christianity, Discipleship, Theology

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 1997

Reviews

[Ricardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pharisees. Often disregarded by good old simple christians, labelled as hatred filled religious fanatics of judaism; are here brought to their simple, pure and true form. Tom Hovestol's book brings us an interesting insight on the pharisaic culture and lifestyle. The how's, when's, what's and why's are there, just as the confrontation with the Scriptures. Either the Old Testament Law, or the living words of Jesus, the table is set for this duel. Recurring to the targums and other rabbinic literature, the author provides a strong and solid case for a claim... The pharisees weren't that bad at all, but the problem was within their hearts. Check for yourselves, enjoy the book!

[Ken Curl]

This is an excellent treatise on the righteousness of Pharisees and how much we are all like them--well intentioned (at least at the beginning),out-reaching, passion for truth, but lack of faith in the character of God and his truth. Jesus spent so much time working with them so that we might learn how really apply the truth.

[Mark Kennicott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seminal work that should be required reading for anyone in or aspiring to be in the ministry. Hovestol gives the reader a fresh perspective of the Pharisees, and then masterfully provides a mirror for our own self reflection. I can't speak highly enough of this book or it's impact on my thinking. Read it!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago! Remember really "enjoying" it -- that is, it was very thought-provoking. As sincerely as we want to follow Christ, we can find ourselves building behavior-fences, and measuring our spiritual growth in terms of how well we're behaving. Righteousness versus self-righteousness.

[Deeps George · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely powerful book that helps us look into the lives of Pharisees and understand that we are all Pharisees one way or the other . Tom takes through a journey that makes its think deeply on our motives and reasons we do things for Christ , probably actually working against Christ than for Him. The traditions , the legalism, the culture all contribute to what we call the Christian religion we have today and Tom through the book tells us it is all about an intimate relationship with Christ and nothing else.
Read , Think and work on the change, we all need it.

[Steve Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for the Pharisee in you

[Shawn McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening look at the characteristics of the Pharisees and how similar modern Christians mirror many of their traits. Offers some practical advice: a living relationship with God over religion!

[Nilhan Niles]

Ouch!!!

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rare to find someone critical of their own movement and tribe. Hovestol puts the Pharisees in their original context and faithful beginning (back to Ezra), and shows the dangers Bible-believing Christians becoming them.

[Jennifer Zartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Pastor Hovestol gently shows us that we aren't as wonderful as we think we are. We like to think of the pharisees as the "bad guys" of the New Testament, but we resemble them in many ways. He challenges us to grow in true humility, grace and faith. Highly recommended.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.

[Rick Metrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me become aware of the pharisee within. I am indebted to my former father-in-law for making me aware of it years ago

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and honest look at Christians through the lens of the Pharisees. I found the portions focused on prayer and self-righteousness quite helpful and good to think about!