What do you think that Jesus would say about the legalism in many religions today?

Question

Do you think they are any different than the religious leaders that Jesus was so vocal about when he was on earth?Do you think some religion is too legalistic today? Do you think it misses the whole point of Christianity?

Answer 1

He would condemn it just as He did when He was here on earth. There is a lot of legalism in Christianity today, and it is a stumbling block for believers and unbelievers alike. It does a lot of damage to the cause of Christ--and yes, I do believe it misses the whole point of Christianity. It's one reason I dislike the term, religion. Religion can exclude, as much as include, true Christianity.

Answer 2

The term 'legalism' is a made up word. It has nothing to do with the gospel of Jesus at all.
No one has to ask 'what would Jesus say,' or 'what would Jesus do.' What he said and did is recorded in the new testament.
Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it, magnify it, and deliver us from it.
There is nothing "Pharisee" or "legalistic" about wanting to see justice, and righteousness reign. These are things Jesus promised to do.
The well-intentioned may mess up, but at least they intend for righteousness.
As far as condemning others, this is the contrary of the gospel.

The term 'Christianity' needs to be replaced by Christians who follow what Jesus said.
Religion is supposed to be a sanctuary, not a dungeon.

Answer 3

smoke: I love your question, as it presents, to the point, what is wrong with religion today ! I am a Christian, and have been for well over 30 years. I have found that all religions have legalistic practices in them today - no different than those, at the time Christ walked this earth. In short, true and genuine Christianity entails RELATIONSHIP based in SPIRITUALITY, whereas, religion invokes legalism ( do's & don'ts) . One (religion) produces EXternal adherence to rules and the other (spirituality) produces INternal changes regarding the mind. This was one of the BIGGEST lessons being conveyed to us by God, from the Old Testament or Covenant of the Holy Bible. Christianity is about who you ARE not what you do. Paul, the Apostle was "blameless" in the observance of the Law , as a Jew - a Pharasee but still required the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as a human being. God demands to be worshiped both, in spirit and in truth - not by a list of "To dos" !!! Jesus continually emphasied a change in the heart [mind] not obedience to the Old Covenant Law. Samson - the strong man disobeyed God continually, ran around on his wife, was a drunk and a real scrapper - he will be in God's Kingdom - by faith (see: Hebrews 11th chapter.) All about faith through GRACE !!! We therefore, demonstrate the love of God the Father to both, Himself and to human kind because we are under that grace.

Answer 4

In many cases things haven't really changed that much. I think that Jesus is very
sad. He died on the cross to set us free from sin. When He came to earth He
tried to show He is the way to freedom from all the religiosity and how wrong legalism is but they haven't got the message yet. Sad, eh? Yes, the whole point of Christianity is being missed by a country mile. He came to set us free.

Answer 5

No matter what anyone says, if we're all going to be judged by God someday, than there must be some sort of a justice system at work.

Call it what you will.

The imperative is to identify that system and how it works, so as to come out on the right side of things in the end.

Answer 6

what's legalism? Does the observe look in the Scriptures? Are all of us unfastened in the Spirit to make up our very own suggestions on actuality? NO! i visit offer you some examples... Did Jesus obey the customs of the regulation and circulate as much as the temple - sure! Simeon develop into in simple terms and non secular, waiting for the convenience of Israel in the messiah, and he took the toddler Jesus up in his hands and stated, 'Lord now you're letting your servant go away in peace in accordance on your observe....' Did Jesus sort an anti-temple party - No! in simple terms like the prophets he challenged corruption and a those people who like Caiphas had forgotten the main substantial precis or objective of the previous testomony rules - Love your God with all your coronary heart, on an identical time as you like your neighbour and brother. Jesus did no longer on the instant do away with the temple. He did no longer do away with ritual. He instituted the Christian mass at passover in prophetic coaching for the circulate. He chosen twelve apostles, who in turn whilst Judas departed chosen Matthias as a successor by fact the place of work of the Bishop develop into substantial, and those 12 chosen successors. yet another considered necessary occasion of the Church as a theocratic corporation, St. Paul whilst Saul observed the Lord Christ Himself in a Christophany (visual charm) on a thank you to Damascus. He then went into the desolate tract for 3 years, yet he did no longer in simple terms circulate forth in the Spirit to proclaim the hot Gospel, no he went to Jerusalem to the regular Church the place the Bishop laid hands on him to consecrate him for provider in the Church. He went to the ruling authority of the Church for course and confirmation of ministry. the answer to this count of 'legalism' is to look into Church history and hit upon by the writings of the Apostles and their direct disciples however if the Church develop into meant by Christ to have a governing order and a priesthood, and the respond is sure!

Answer 7

He probably would commend it. In the New Testament Jesus commanded his followers to "do as the Pharisees teach," that their righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees, and that the Pharisees sit in the seat of Moses. He also commended the Pharisees for their extra-biblical traditions, and critisized them for negating the commandments of God.

Answer 8

I think so. Legalism is like a crutch that too many use. It's not like they lack faith in God, but they lack faith that without really clear rules the community will fall into sin. But in their attempt to save everyone else, they only blur the message.

Answer 9

Sweety, I think the vast majority of Christianity has missed the point of Christ's teachings...

Answer 10

Well, I hope that Jesus will forgive them for what error they say. He is forgiving to those who are covered by His sacrifice.

All I can do is refute them when they show up with some self righteous thing to say. Especially about homosexuals.