Is Pharisaism With Us Today?

Jesus’ fiercest rebukes were not aimed at pagans — they were aimed at religious leaders who replaced God’s Word with their own traditions. But was that problem confined to the first century… or is Pharisaism still alive today? In this episode of Out of the Question, Andrea Schwartz and Pastor Charles Roberts examine how the Pharisees and Sadducees elevated tradition over Scripture — and why Jesus condemned them for “making void the Word of God” through human rules and religious systems. The discussion traces how exile-era “stopgap” practices became entrenched traditions, eventually replacing biblical authority. From the rise of the Talmud to modern denominationalism, the hosts explore how religious systems can drift from sola scriptura into man-made righteousness. You’ll hear why Jesus called out religious leaders for producing outward conformity while opposing Christ’s kingship, how tradition can quietly become an idol, and why regeneration — not rule-keeping — is the foundation of true obedience. This episode challenges listeners to examine whether their faith is shaped by Scripture alone, or by traditions that subtly replace God’s Word — and asks a sobering question: Are modern churches in danger of repeating the same errors Jesus condemned?