Where are the Pharisees in our day? In protestant fundamentalist and evangelical liberal churches according to Eric L. Johnson

The spiritual dynamics that led to the Pharisees exist in all ages

James Tissot, Woe unto You, Scribes and Pharisees, Brooklyn Museum

Obviously, as an historical group, the Pharisees will never be seen again. However, the spiritual dynamics that led to the Pharisees exist in all ages. Throughout history, humans have, in effect,' stolen the good that comes from God and acted as if it belonged to themselves, and, as a result, have ended up fighting against God and His saving purposes. Assuming that every age has those who bear a resemblance to the Pharisees, for our spiritual well-being today we must ask, "Where are the Pharisees in our day?"

The first group that comes to mind are Protestant fundamentalists

This billboard near the center of Alabama encourages people to go to church.

The first group that comes to mind are Protestant fundamentalists. This group holds to a relatively strict moral code focusing on certain behaviors like drinking, dancing, smoking, and swearing, and on certain forms of entertainment like music, television, and movies. Like the Pharisees; their code was influenced by Scripture, but it too goes beyond Scripture in many of its particulars. Moreover, fundamentalists often reveal a sense of superiority when faced with others who do not share their views on skirt lengths and wine. It's not uncommon for some in this tradition to raise serious questions about the genuineness of faith of other Christians who do not share their beliefs and behaviors. As a result, some in this group tend to form tightly controlled churches ruled over by a chief Pharisee, and fellowship only with other entirely like-minded Christians, believing "At least we have the truth."

Another interesting group that can share some features of the Pharisees are evangelical liberals

"Towards the Dawn!" - a 1930s promotional image from Saskatchewan

However, another interesting group that can share some features of the Pharisees are evangelical liberals. Contrary to their claims of tolerance and their apparent humility, they can rival the fundamentalists in condescension. For example, this group views fundamentalists with a remarkable disdain. Evangelical liberals have their own politically correct attitude code to address sexism, racism, tolerance, intellectual freedom, and wealth. Again, they are influenced by Scripture but not determined by it. To believe things contrary to this code can invite all kinds of scowls and what we might call a veiled intolerance. The limitations of their humility are seen most clearly when one catches them in an inconsistency, moral or intellectual, for they can become quite defensive toward any who would suggest that they might be deficient in some way. A typical strategy is to hide behind some degree of relativism and ask, "What right have you to judge me?" – a ruse that actually masks their own felt superior goodness.

Source: Johnson, Eric L. “Where are the Pharisees today?” Reformation and Revival Journal 7, (1998): 37-48.