Re: [TruthTalk] Legalism

[Terry Clifton]

David Miller wrote: 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. John, do you consider the interpretation that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ to be something that we should be legalistic about? Should we impose this view upon others in this world or not? John wrote: We don't need to rid ourselves of rules and laws -- what we need is fewer legalists !!! I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that we need rules and laws but that we should not have anyone who imposes these rules and laws upon others? Do you consider Judges and our Judiciary to be legalists? Should they be? I would love to hear others on this list answer these questions. Apparently some here hate the idea of legalism and consider it something that is wrong. =================================================================== Webster has his dictionary, Thorndyke has his, and I have mine.  In my dictionary, legalism has nothing to do with obedience to Christ.  Following His teachings is expected of us as I made clear yesterday.  That is called obedience.  His teachings, almost without exception were to equip the saints, disciples, followers, whatever term you use, to walk in obedience, whether given prior to the cross or subsequent to it.  He came to seek and save the lost and all His instructions educate us as to how to be saved and how to avoid being lost.  Legalism, in my book, is the unending list of rules laid down by men who claim to speak for Christ.  Examples would be that one must wear a suit and tie to "Worship services",  or women must wear dresses and not pants suits.  Other examples would be that only church members may take communion, only the pastor can speak during the sermon, only the pastor can baptize a new convert, that the deacons rule the church, that communion must be from a shared cup, that whites worship in white churches and blacks worship in black churches, that the Sunday school teacher must teach from the approved Sunday school teachers book, and on and on.  You get the idea I am certain.  Big difference between obedience and legalism, but apparently only if you use my dictionary. Terry