That is, more on the Scriptures than the heart, much like the Pharisees were accused of doing?
2007-06-02 12:48:41 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You actually need both. The spirit of the law is when we don't even think about breaking the law of GOD, whereas, the letter of the law refers to the actual act. The Pharisees did things only to be seen by men. Many of their hearts were wicked, however. The Pharisees lacked the "spirit", but, only displayed the "letter".
GOD bless
2007-06-02 12:55:51 · answer #1 · answered by Exodus 20:1-17 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Legalism has always been a problem within the Church, even from its earliest days. Remember the dispute between Paul and Peter because Peter insisted that the new Gentile converts follow the Jewish law? Trying to force people to follow the letter of the law rather than being led by the Spirit is certainly nothing new.
Based on what I've seen, most churches are a mixture of those who sit in judgment of others' behavior versus those who feel that they have no right to condemn anyone else because they, too, were sinners saved by grace. I really don't think the percentage of the two groups has changed all that drastically over the centuries.
2007-06-02 20:01:28 · answer #2 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is a major problem in the churches today. It actually causes people to turn away from the church when they see the hypocrisy. Some Christians today go to church and say they are good people because they know the Bible. But, they neglect the "spirit". They do this by looking down on other religions and atheists, or by talking gossip. It sounds a little wrong to me when you learn when thing in church, but then you still see so much hate and judgment. But, I guess I shouldn't judge.
2007-06-02 19:57:09 · answer #3 · answered by jdzmumbles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that I cannot wait for Armageddon. Then we will never have to hear or see another word of blasphemy and ridicule uttered ever again. All those non-believers, liars, blasphemers, and revilers won't be around anymore.
That whole element of doubters and ridiculers will be eliminated permanently. Then the good people who truly love Jehovah God's standards can get on with everlasting life on a paradise earth not filled with liars, murderers, rapists, atheists, blasphemers, men who lie with men, drunkards, and the like...blah. They'll all be done away with.
That will be a wonderful day, Armageddon, because the believers and those who truly love God will only have to "stand" on this day of war while Jesus and his father will do the rest. Amen!
2007-06-02 19:54:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The right-wing movement brought about by evangelists after the Twin Tower attack has certainly turned many people in fundamentalists who are smug in their doctrines, and anyone who disagrees with them will go to hell, but that doesn't mean all believers are like that. There are a lot of charismatic people out there, who let the Holy Spirit work in them.
Just focus on your relationship with God, is my advice.
2007-06-02 19:57:59 · answer #5 · answered by henry d 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A true believer/christian/elect without letter " Holy Scriptures " would have a hard heart & cold conscience and become one of the coldest son of beasts you would hope to never ever meet. Without these sacred texts to convince the human heart that there are things not allowed and listing them on our hearts - thus allowing us to become better/kinder people through our beliefs - we become a far better sociaty. AMEN!
Our beliefs, whatever they are, make us what we are.
2007-06-02 20:08:56 · answer #6 · answered by S.O.S. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know what: some churches do exactly that. I used to go to a private school that focused completely on the letter (they even made up a few rules of their own lol) and had no real faith at all.
If you're church is like that, then perhaps you should find a new one, or try to change the one your at. Don't be afraid to stand up and say that your church has problems.
2007-06-02 19:52:30 · answer #7 · answered by Chip 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On the contrary. In general, I think there's much more emphasis today on feelings and emotions and "getting fed" during worship, and an experiential "Jesus 'n' me" relationship with Christ rather than seeking Him in the Scriptures and meditating on (or pondering, if you prefer) the Word. We were given hearts AND minds, and the Spirit works through both.
2007-06-02 20:08:58 · answer #8 · answered by Clare † 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jesus never condoned sin.Mercy is needed for those needing and wanting it.Sin tolerance is no where approved in the bible.
2007-06-02 23:22:18 · answer #9 · answered by robert p 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think so, sometimes. I think of it as a spirit of "Lawfulness".
2007-06-02 19:54:55 · answer #10 · answered by Knight-of-God 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋