What is the belief system of Samaritanism? Definition and Overview Samaritanism is a monotheistic belief system practiced by the Samaritans, who trace their origins to the ancient Northern Kingdom of Israel. Adherents of Samaritanism hold to the five books of Moses—often called the Samaritan Pentateuch—as their primary and divinely inspired Scripture. They view themselves as the faithful remnant of Israel that did not go into exile in Babylon and have maintained what they believe is the pure worship of the one true God on Mount Gerizim. Although Samaritanism shares many beliefs and practices with Judaism, it also has marked differences, most notably regarding its holy sites, religious canon, and interpretations of certain biblical events. Modern-day Samaritans number in the hundreds, living mainly near Mount Gerizim (in the West Bank) and in Holon (near Tel Aviv). Below is a comprehensive examination of Samaritan beliefs, history, and customs, drawing on biblical, historical, and archaeological data. Historical Foundations The roots of Samaritanism date back to the period after the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (c. 722 BC). The Hebrew Bible indicates that the Israelites in the northern territories went into exile (2 Kings 17:6), yet some inhabitants remained in the land. Over time, these remaining Israelites intermingled with other peoples who moved into the region (2 Kings 17:24). The Samaritans claim descent from the original northern Israelite tribes—maintaining that they are neither newcomers nor purely the product of intermarriage but remain a continuous community that legitimately worships the God of Israel. Post-exilic tensions between those who returned from Babylon and the Samaritans are reflected in Ezra-Nehemiah, where the Samaritans opposed the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple (Ezra 4:1–5). This rift grew over centuries, with the Samaritans upholding Mount Gerizim as the worship center, in contrast to Jerusalem. Outside documents, including Josephus’ “Antiquities of the Jews,” give glimpses into the strained relationships between Jews and Samaritans. Excavations at Mount Gerizim have uncovered remains of several structures and inscriptions that corroborate the Samaritans’ claim that they had a sanctified place of worship on that mountain. This archaeological evidence testifies to their long-standing tradition of sacrifice and religious life centered on Gerizim. Scriptural Canon: The Samaritan Pentateuch Central to Samaritan belief is the Samaritan Pentateuch, a version of the first five books of Moses. While it is closely related to the Masoretic Text used in Jewish Bibles and the Septuagint (Greek translation), there are notable textual variations. One major difference is how the Samaritan Pentateuch emphasizes Mount Gerizim as the site of the Temple (for instance, inserting references to Gerizim in Deuteronomy 27). Scholarly work in textual studies—such as comparisons by 19th- and 20th-century researchers—demonstrates high consistency around core narratives, while also noting unique Samaritan readings. Ancient manuscripts of the Samaritan Pentateuch have been an object of intense study among historians and biblical scholars. The Samaritans view their Pentateuch as the original or more “authentic” version, preserved without corruption. Core Beliefs and Doctrines 1. Monotheism: Samaritans adhere to the worship of Yahweh as the one true God. 2. Mount Gerizim: They regard Mount Gerizim as the holiest place on earth and the center of true worship (cf. Deuteronomy 27 in the Samaritan Pentateuch). 3. Rejection of Later Writings: Unlike traditional Judaism, which holds to the entire Tanakh, the Samaritan canon consists solely of the Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy). Prophets and Writings found in the Hebrew Bible do not carry the same authority. 4. Messianic Expectation: Samaritans look for a future Restorer—sometimes called the Taheb—who will be a prophet like Moses and will bring about restored worship on Mount Gerizim. 5. Faith and Practice: Their religious duties include keeping the Sabbath, celebrating Passover, and performing circumcision. Sacrificial worship, once performed on Mount Gerizim, has historically been of central importance to their identity. Place of Worship and Community Life Mount Gerizim stands as the heart of Samaritan religious identity. Historically, they built a temple there, which was later destroyed in the 2nd century BC. Despite repeated upheavals—both political and religious—Samaritans persist in observing festivals and offering worship in alignment with their reading of the Pentateuchal commands. Within their communities, Samaritans emphasize purity codes, particularly around ritual washings. They also keep a lunar calendar akin to that of traditional Judaism, although some dates for festivals may differ, reflecting their distinct methods of calculation. Mentions in the Christian Scriptures Numerous New Testament passages refer to Samaritans. One notable encounter is in the Gospel of John: • John 4 details a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in Sychar. This dialogue highlights the longstanding disagreement about worship locations: “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem” (John 4:20). • The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) emphasizes compassion, depicting a Samaritan as the hero extending mercy to a stranger. • In Acts 8:5–17, the Gospel message reaches Samaria shortly after the earliest believers begin proclaiming the resurrection of Christ beyond Jerusalem. These accounts display both the animosity that Jews frequently held toward the Samaritans (John 8:48) and the ways in which divine grace can transcend historical conflicts. The positive portrayal of Samaritans in some of these passages is distinctive, highlighting the possibility of reconciliation and faith. Points of Divergence and Dialogue with Judaism While Samaritan customs share much in common with broader Jewish practices (such as circumcision, the Sabbath, dietary laws, and festivals like Passover), major points of divergence include: 1. Authority of Scripture: Samaritans regard only the Pentateuch as fully authoritative. 2. Holy Place: Gerizim vs. Jerusalem. 3. Historical Narrative: Samaritans present themselves as retaining pure worship since the days of Moses, rather than returning from exile to re-establish it. Over the centuries, Jewish and Samaritan communities have often had limited interaction. However, modern times have seen increased scholarly interest in the Samaritan Pentateuch, leading to dialogues that examine both textual similarities and differences. Modern-Day Samaritans Current Samaritan populations live primarily near Mount Gerizim in the West Bank and in Holon, Israel. These small communities continue practicing distinctive Samaritan religious rituals, especially during Passover, when they carry out sacrifices on Mount Gerizim in accordance with instructions found in their Pentateuch. Modern Samaritans often speak modern Hebrew or Arabic, and many are bilingual or trilingual, reflecting their unique position in the region. Although their numbers have dwindled over centuries—due to persecution, forced conversions, and assimilation—they remain one of the oldest continuous religious groups in the world. Archaeological and Historical Corroborations Excavations around Mount Gerizim since the 20th century have unearthed remnants of fortifications, altars, inscriptions, and other elements believed to be connected with Samaritan worship. Inscriptions in ancient Hebrew and Aramaic discovered on Mount Gerizim and throughout Samaria have strengthened the Samaritans’ argument that they maintained an authentic worship tradition in that area. Additionally, the Dead Sea Scrolls contain some textual parallels that have intrigued researchers, offering parallels or variants that show a textual closeness to the Samaritan Pentateuch in certain passages. Though discoveries from Qumran are primarily associated with Jewish sects, the overlaps have been studied for what they reveal about textual transmission in the centuries before Christ. Key Takeaways 1. Historical Identity: Samaritanism sees itself as the true continuance of ancient Israel’s northern tribes, closely tied to worship on Mount Gerizim. 2. Pentateuch-Centric Faith: Their scriptural perspective is focused on the five books of Moses as preserved in the Samaritan Pentateuch. 3. Distinct Worship Practices: Emphasis on ritual offerings, purity laws, and festivals, with a firm belief that Mount Gerizim is the rightful center of worship. 4. Complex Relationships: Their interactions with both ancient Judaism and later groups, including early Christians, highlight points of cultural and religious tension, as well as moments of renewed dialogue. Concluding Summary Samaritanism is a distinctive strand of Israelite-based faith that has sustained its identity through centuries of change. Grounded in the Pentateuch, tethered to Mount Gerizim, and persisting through historical persecutions, Samaritans have maintained unique beliefs and practices that parallel yet differ from mainstream Judaism. Modern archaeological findings buttress the historical claims of this small but enduring community, revealing a rich tapestry of faith where views of covenant, worship, and Scripture converge in their most ancient form. Though often overlooked, Samaritan history offers insight into the diversity of ancient Israelite religion. Their presence in biblical accounts, outside historical writings, and contemporary communities underscores a tenacious resilience in preserving what they regard as the original devotion to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. |
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