As far as giving a poignant and concise definition that would cover all bases, I'm not sure that I, personally, can do that concisely. However, as to what "legalism" is, in the words of the late Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, "I know it when I see it."
Ed
Define: Legalist
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Rufus_1611, Aug 1, 2007.
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I would like to see the quotes where anyone called the condemning those things legalistic? -
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We probably are. I think when the term is used on this board, it is mostly referring to an improper fixation on rules or laws. -
The way I interpret the term "legalism(ist)" is a person who dwells on the "letter of the law" rather than the "spirit of the law." This can also include interpretive issues of the "forgotten" commandments ("Women shalt not wear pants.") or "secondary issues." (worship style, womwn in ministry, etc.) Things are often seen as prescrptive rather than descriptive.
Often these people look to the rule rather than the person. -
thou shalt not even think about parking thy car in the parking lot of an establishment that sell or serves alchohol.
Thou shalt not have a myspace, unless you are an adult male over the age of 24. -
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A Pastor is responsible...but don't forget that we are all responsible for ourselves. A Pastor's leadership and guidance crosses lines when he attempts to enforce extra-biblical mandates (such as not parking in a lot owned by a place that sells liquor), and writes it off as leading you from temptation. That is legalism. He is improperly fixated on his own ideas of avoiding temptation. -
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"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." - Hebrews 13:17
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Let me give an example of legalism - A pastor insists on haveing Sunday night services on a "family" day (Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter Sunday night, etc.) giving a a huge guilt trip on those spending time with our families. Legalism - PM church attendance is more important than spending time together as a family.
You guessed it, I'm not very fond of Sunday night services. In most I've been a part of they're pretty bad if not counterproductive. -
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Let's get back to the examples used to begin with:
Is that legalism. Surely we wouldn't think so.
Now No. 2 does cross the line, because it is a demand placed on a person where the pastor has no right.
For example I know a pastor that told one of his attendees that this person could not speak to or communicate with anyone else in that congregation about certain topics.
Now is that legalism? Does the pastor have the right to say who a person can and can not speak with and what that person can and can not speak about? -
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