What is legalism?

Question

What is it and how do you know if you're legalizing something? Give me examples of legalisms.

Answer 1

Legalism, in Christian theology, is a pejorative term referring to an improper fixation on law or codes of conduct, or legal ideas, usually implying an allegation of pride and the neglect of mercy, and ignorance of the grace of God. Legalism may also be alleged, in Christian theology, in criticism of theories which are perceived to be excessively dependent upon legal concepts. It represents the opposite extreme from antinomianism, the claim that moral laws are not binding on Christian believers. Simply put, legalism is belief, stated or supposedly implied, that law, not faith, is the pre-eminent principle of redemption.

Throughout the history of Christianity, certain beliefs and practices have tended to draw charges of legalism. These include:

* Ascetic practices such as fasting and other forms of self-denial. Those who believe in these things often defend them as practices that improve concentration on spiritual things and cultivate detachment from the world, and as practices that Jesus apparently expected his followers to continue.
* Various ordinances and customs that address subjects not directly covered in Scripture, such as customs disapproving of dancing, playing cards or alcoholic beverages. Believers in these customs often defend them as addressing issues and controversies that have arisen since the Bible was written.
* Ritual, such as the use of customary prayers and an elaborate liturgy. Believers in these practices often defend them as traditions with deep roots, and as logical expansions of practices that do in fact have Biblical precedents.
* Similarly, the insistence on certain exclusive ritual practices, such as a Saturday Sabbath or adult baptism or Passover (Christian holiday), especially when practicing these rituals is held necessary for salvation.
* Sacraments, especially when the underlying theology views them as vehicles of God's grace. Believers in these practices often defend them with the claim that the church was founded by God as the vehicle for grace, and that to reject them is to flirt with the gnostic notion that matter is inherently evil and cannot be a vehicle for God's grace.
* Biblical literalism of the sort that underlies Christian fundamentalism.
* The degree to which various ordinances of the Old Testament, such as the Ten Commandments, continue to be binding on believers. See also Old Testament#Christian view of the Law.
a

Answer 2

Sure, I can give you an example from Yahoo Answers. There have been a couple of people posting in the last couple of days who have gone on and on and on and on and on and on about worshipping on "Sunday", how you should not, etc. Getting bent out of shape over something like that is legalism. Especially when, in the new testament, the believers met on the "first day of the week" which in those times, was Sunday.

Another thing. Around Christmas time, you're going to see people freaking out about Christmas trees. Pagan, pagan! They will scream..another example of legalism.

You'd better not shop on Sunday! Legalism. You'd better never have a drink, ever! Legalism. How dare you ever listen to anything other than praise music! Legalism.

These people are more interested in being accusers of the bretheran than they are in lifting others up and loving them. They are usually Christians, unfortunately, and have a penchant for pointing out what "other" Christians are doing wrong. Very annoying people. Their counterparts in the bible are the Pharisees, who, for example, got upset at Jesus for healing a man with a crippled hand on the Sabbath.

Answer 3

In laymans terms, legalism is when you you go 'by the book' in every single way, but without the heart of love. It is to do things for the sake of doing them and to follow rules and make rules for others to follow. Legalism always puts people in bondage. It always causes criticism and bitterness. Legalism ties people up to the point that they find they are dmaned if they do, and damned if they don't. Legalism makes rules that are impossible to obey. It sets standards that are impossible to hold, and keep.
It wraps people up in misery.
The pharisees of the old testament were legalistic. They made rules for others and forced them to suffer. They didn't really care about the poeple, only about the following of rules.
Red tape is all about legalism. It is about the following of rules to no purpose.

Answer 4

Read the letters (epistles) of Paul to see what legalism is. . .and what it does. . .UNLESS one makes a concerted effort to harmonize one's reading of the Bible (and Christian/New Testament) with the Gospels!

Legalism is the process of becoming a fundamentalist. . .and while it can be a good thing to return to the basics. . .to take a fundamental approach to things. . .it is not such a good thing when the disease of fundamentalism takes root in one's thinking and acting. . .and, sadly, we have seen this take place in all three of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).

Answer 5

Working your way into heaven.
Follow the Bible like it's some kind of
proceedure book.
You do it and you will be blessed.
You don't and you'll be cursed.
Rules and regulations.
No grace, no peace, no believing you are free from the law. You will follow the law.
Christ came to set us free.

Answer 6

regrettably many churches have those ridiculous legalistic regulations and regulations which drives away many people who're attempting to comprehend God. Jesus in no way became all of us away who became in decide for of His grace and mercy. besides the undeniable fact that, people shrink back the main needy of the human race. detect a church whose doors and hearts are open and inviting to all sinners who are available in seek of redemption and fellowship.