In Christianity, the pendulum swings one of two directions: Liberalism or Legalism.
God confronts both topics in the Bible, and He calls them both sin.
My personal definition of "Liberalism" would be anyone who likes Romans 6:1, but forgets about the following verses. I consider "Legalism" to be anyone who skims Galatians and takes 6:7-10 completely out of context.
Okay, so...Liberalism is easy to spot. They are the ones who say that all faiths are basically the same, but isn't God good? Let's just talk about His love and acceptance and forget about holiness and purity! They might even go so far as to say there is no such thing as sin; Jesus was a good man, but maybe not God; God cares more about your business succeeding than your heart condition; Fatherhood of God/ Brotherhood of man. They also might try to bring in other religious philosophies or what have you. The point is, Liberalism is easy to see.
Legalism, on the other hand, is much more subversive. Okay...so...there is obvious Legalism of, say, Buddhists who beat themselves up or Mormons who have a whole check list of things they need to get done before dying. The reason Christian Legalism is so hard to spot is because they use the Bible as a guilt forum rather than a grace forum. In this way, they can keep the congregation from asking questions that will potentially point out their flaws. Also, they re-word things: judgement becomes "discernment"; witnessing becomes "praying for the missionaries"; gossip becomes "concern". They criticize legalism in other faiths like Roman Catholics, but practically live like them.
Both of these groups are the focus of Jesus' and Paul's warnings and commands, but neither group seems to mind much.
Liberals enjoy their side of the fence. That's why they are there. They are willing to label themselves "Liberal." Of course they do not think they are sinning, b/c they don't believe in sin. "At least we aren't stuck up," is the thinking.
Legalists on the other hand, focus almost entirely on sin. There is a feeling of paranoia and everyone having to watch their step. Strangely, the Legalists will at once deny their Legalism simultaneously viewing it as a point of pride. I actually heard a preacher from the pulpit say once, "Well, if I'm a Legalist, then I'm proud to be a Legalist!" I'm like...'Great..so...you revel in sin, and yet you would condemn a gay pastor to the fires of hell. Perfect.'
Run like the wind. Neither of these churches boast in their God; they are proud of their sin.
God confronts both topics in the Bible, and He calls them both sin.
My personal definition of "Liberalism" would be anyone who likes Romans 6:1, but forgets about the following verses. I consider "Legalism" to be anyone who skims Galatians and takes 6:7-10 completely out of context.
Okay, so...Liberalism is easy to spot. They are the ones who say that all faiths are basically the same, but isn't God good? Let's just talk about His love and acceptance and forget about holiness and purity! They might even go so far as to say there is no such thing as sin; Jesus was a good man, but maybe not God; God cares more about your business succeeding than your heart condition; Fatherhood of God/ Brotherhood of man. They also might try to bring in other religious philosophies or what have you. The point is, Liberalism is easy to see.
Legalism, on the other hand, is much more subversive. Okay...so...there is obvious Legalism of, say, Buddhists who beat themselves up or Mormons who have a whole check list of things they need to get done before dying. The reason Christian Legalism is so hard to spot is because they use the Bible as a guilt forum rather than a grace forum. In this way, they can keep the congregation from asking questions that will potentially point out their flaws. Also, they re-word things: judgement becomes "discernment"; witnessing becomes "praying for the missionaries"; gossip becomes "concern". They criticize legalism in other faiths like Roman Catholics, but practically live like them.
Both of these groups are the focus of Jesus' and Paul's warnings and commands, but neither group seems to mind much.
Liberals enjoy their side of the fence. That's why they are there. They are willing to label themselves "Liberal." Of course they do not think they are sinning, b/c they don't believe in sin. "At least we aren't stuck up," is the thinking.
Legalists on the other hand, focus almost entirely on sin. There is a feeling of paranoia and everyone having to watch their step. Strangely, the Legalists will at once deny their Legalism simultaneously viewing it as a point of pride. I actually heard a preacher from the pulpit say once, "Well, if I'm a Legalist, then I'm proud to be a Legalist!" I'm like...'Great..so...you revel in sin, and yet you would condemn a gay pastor to the fires of hell. Perfect.'
Run like the wind. Neither of these churches boast in their God; they are proud of their sin.
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2 comments:
I will run like Forsest.... run, Forest, run......
It's so scary to think about how easy it is to fall into either of these traps. I have to constantly remind myself to see if what I believe falls in line with the Word of God. I think because it is easier to go to one extreme or the other and that balance requires a lot more effort and work - Narrow is the way - how appropriate your blog title is.
If we can achieve balance and maintain balance then we can truly say that we are walking in the straight and narrow path.
That's so awesome that you said that, b/c that was my other point about the way being narrow (but i just couldn't fit it in with my finite brain). It's like that balancing act is like being on the edge of a knife sometimes. talk about narrow!!! Good thing God does the work for us--like not just the dying and resurrecting, but the constant interceding and providential care and stuff.
I love that you pointed that out!!!
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