SADDUCISM Meaning and
Definition
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Sadducism, often referred to as Sadduceeism, is a term rooted in religious practices and beliefs originating from ancient Judaism. This term typically denotes the doctrines and teachings followed by the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that thrived during the Second Temple period. Sadducism places emphasis on a specific set of religious principles upheld by the Sadducees.
As an integral part of the Second Temple period, Sadducism encompasses a range of principles that differ from those of other Jewish sects, particularly the Pharisees. Some key traits associated with Sadducism include a strict adherence to the written law, particularly the Torah, as opposed to the oral law tradition followed by the Pharisees. Sadducees did not believe in the concept of resurrection, an afterlife, or the existence of angels. They substituted the importance of tradition with a focus on the literal interpretation of the scripture, rejecting oral traditions passed down through generations.
Due to the Sadducees' role as the ruling elite during the Second Temple era, their doctrines and practices strongly influenced the religious landscape of ancient Judaism. However, following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, their influence gradually diminished, and Sadducism became less prominent within the broader Jewish community, eventually fading away.
In modern usage, "Sadducism" may occasionally be employed as a broader term to describe skepticism or disbelief in matters of faith, although it is primarily associated with the specific religious doctrines of the ancient Sadducees.
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The tenets of the Sadducees.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SADDUCISM
- saddism
- sadduceism
- sadduceeism
- aadducism
- zadducism
- xadducism
- dadducism
- eadducism
- wadducism
- szdducism
- ssdducism
- swdducism
- sqdducism
- sasducism
- saxducism
- sacducism
- safducism
- sarducism
- saeducism
- sadsucism
Etymology of SADDUCISM
The word "Sadducism" is derived from the term "Sadducee", which refers to a Jewish sect that existed during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Sadducees were known for their strict adherence to the literal interpretation of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and their rejection of certain beliefs held by other Jewish groups, such as the existence of an afterlife and the resurrection of the dead.
The term "Sadducism" emerged in English in the 17th century to denote the beliefs and principles associated with the Sadducees. It was used primarily by Christian writers in theological discussions and debates, often in a pejorative manner to criticize or refute the doctrines of the Sadducees.
Over time, "Sadducism" expanded its usage beyond the specific context of the ancient Jewish sect.
