sadducean
Adjective 1. Relating to or characteristic of the Sadducees: Pertaining to the ancient Jewish sect known as the Sadducees, their doctrines, practices, or characteristics. The Sadducees were a priestly and aristocratic group who accepted only the written Torah and rejected later oral traditions and beliefs such as the resurrection of the dead.
The word "Sadducean" is used attributively to describe ideas, beliefs, attitudes, or historical contexts associated with the Sadducees. It is a formal, academic term primarily found in historical, religious, and theological discussions.
- The historian analyzed the Sadducean influence on Temple practices in Jerusalem.
- His rejection of an afterlife was described as a Sadducean viewpoint.
- The debate centered on the contrast between Pharisaic and Sadducean interpretations of the law.
- Sadducean skepticism: A phrase used to denote a materialistic or rationalistic skepticism, especially regarding spiritual or supernatural matters, reminiscent of the Sadducees' reported attitudes.
- The philosopher's Sadducean skepticism left no room for the concept of the soul.
- Sadducee (noun): A member of the ancient Jewish sect.
- Sadduceeism (noun): The doctrines or practices of the Sadducees.
- Sadducaic (adjective): A less common variant with the same meaning.
The term is almost exclusively historical and religious. It carries connotations of: 1. Aristocratic and priestly authority (as the Sadducees were often associated with the Temple priesthood and the elite). 2. Scriptural literalism (adherence strictly to the written text of the Torah). 3. Doctrinal conservatism regarding beliefs like resurrection and angels, which they denied.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this specific adjective.
- of or relating to the Sadducees