Is the Catholic church a "legalistic" church or is it the antithesis of legalism?

Question

It seems to me that most non-Catholics think it is all about ritual and legalism*, but upon my cursory study of it, I do not think so. I find more freedom and yet more responsibility under (my rudiment understanding of) Catholic's idea of grace. Am I wrong?

*that's not to say I believe in it, I do not.

Answer 1

Yes it is a legalistic church. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation is by baptismal regeneration and is maintained through the Catholic sacraments unless a willful act of sin is committed that breaks the state of sanctifying grace. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace which is received through simple faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that good works are the result of a change of the heart wrought in salvation (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17) and the fruit of that new life in Christ (John 15).

Answer 2

A bit of both.

There are six levels of spiritual maturity:
+ Information (lowest)
+ Knowledge
+ Intelligence
+ Understanding
+ Wisdom
+ Transformation (highest)

Some Christians never progress past the legalism of the stages of Information and Knowledge.

Many others progress much further.

As Paul encourages in Hebrews 6:1, "Therefore, let us leave behind the basic teaching about Christ and advance to maturity."

The Catholic Church embraces believers in all six stages of spiritual maturity.

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

I think a lot of (misinformed) people feel that because the Church speaks out against so much socially acceptable (but also morally wrong) behavior, the Church is actively trying to diminish one's rights and freedoms.

However, the popular (and ill-conceived) definitions of freedom and rights is the ability to do whatever one wants to do. This is not freedom in the spiritual sense, it is slavery.

A lot of people have been morally corrupted into thinking one's ability to do something means that it is within the realm of one's freedoms and rights to do, even if it's immoral. This constitutes a strong temptation.

Real freedom, however, occurs when one has the "freedom" to do something, simply because it can be down, but then chooses not to do it; presumably basing this choice on one's (proper) sense of moral values. This is more difficult to do than most think it is. It takes time to build that proper morality, and then put it into active practice.

As for whether or not I agree with you, I don't know because I am unsure of the meaning behind your use of the terms "legalistic/legalism", "antithesis".

Answer 4

Is the Hour of God's Judgment is Come? Believers must NOW Flee the Churches?

The Bible teaches that in these days we should flee the churches. Gods judgment has begun, and God starts it at the external church. We should, if possible, fellowship with other believers; (He.10:25) but not in a church.

Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Re.14:7)

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand: (Matthew 24:15)
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. (Lu.21:20-22)

In these verses, Jerusalem and Judaea refer to the external or corporate churches. The ETERNAL CHURCH consists of all those whom God has saved and these will live with Him forever in Heaven.
The armies are Satan (the antichrist), as he comes with his false prophets and lying signs and wonders.
This is Gods judgment on the church. See also:2 Thessalonians 2:1+.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Pe.4:17)

Join us for live fellowship over the Internet: http://www.ebiblefellowship.com

Answer 5

To put an analogy to it, it is the assembly line of faith and religion. There are many hoops you have to jump through to earn your way into the nougatty goodness of heaven.

This process for these rituals can be traced back to the founder of the Roman Catholic church, the Roman emperor Constantine, when he intertwined many pagan beliefs and rituals into the worship of god.

Answer 6

Yes it is a legalistic church.

There are lots of man made rules and much of what the Bible teaches is ignored.

Very sad.

Jesus taught against tradition and man made rules.

Pastor Art

Answer 7

I think that the RCC is definitely legalistic or at least ritualistic to an extent. They have a checklist of things you need to do in order to be saved and remain saved. Much of that checklist is in my opinion man made and not necessarily Biblical.

Answer 8

Legalistic, hence the canon laws.

Answer 9

intersting.... as a Catholic i do feel it my responsibility to uphold to the laws and truths of our Faith. i guess this is that we are taught that after we accept Christ - it's all about how we live our lives. some accuse us (the Rcc) of caring about "works". to a degree they are right, however they bastardize the thought.... they forget to BE a practicing Catholic you must have accepted Christ fully into your life as your SAVIOUR.

Answer 10

in mo yes...5 extra sacraments were not commanded,,