*Note Subject Change was "Eternal Judgment" and now is "Legalism"
John defined legalism as: > It is the imposition of their interpretations upon others > and the elevation of their understanding to the status > of Ex-Cathedra. This is pretty much how I see you coming across all the time, John. However, the rest of what you described applies very little to me, you, or almost anybody else I know. There have been a few over the years, but I don't tend to hang around people like that too long. I use the term legalism in the way that the dictionary defines it, which is adherence to the letter of law, or a literal interpretation and adherence to some law, rule, or religious code. You guys have a certain theological system passed on to you from guys like Torrance and Wright, and you are very strict not to depart from it. It is actually your new found legalism that makes it difficult interacting with those who are legalistic in regards to the standards of Scripture. Like Bill said, however, most legalists do not realize that they are legalists. We are creatures of habit and tradition, and this is what makes us all tend to be legalistic in some way. I keep in mind that passage that says that the letter of the law kills but the spirit gives life. This tempers my tendency to be legalistic. I think the absence of legalism would be sin, but I also think over emphasizing the letter can be a sin as well. Remember that Jesus encouraged his disciples to listen and learn from the legalists of his day, but he warned them of their hypocrisy. He wanted us to do what the legalists said to do, but not to follow their example of living. Too many times in this culture we hear warnings against legalism. This is kind of like the hippy cry of the 1960's for freedom and liberty and free love. Too often the battle cry against legalism is a justification for anti-authoritarianism and anti-Biblical adherence. How about we talk about this word legalism some more and see if we can decide if it is really all that bad after all. As a starter for discussion, if legalism were carte blanche evil, then shouldn't we just get rid of all laws? It seems to me that without laws and rules, then it would be very difficult for anyone to be legalistic. What do you think? Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
