intersting article in legalism in the church

[dgolvach]

http://www.factnet.org/cults/Toxic_Faith/R...s_Legalism.html

[patricia1]

there are rules and then there is legalism. Legalism does not come from a Godly root and stops the flow of The Spirit of God; whether it be in a church or a individual.

To have guidelines to keep man in order is one thing. To have laws that do not allow freedom of the Spirit of God is another.

We get so use to one way...unwilling to change familiarity, get so structured God has a difficult moving, like a tight squeeze...LoL

[patricia1]

Me too!! lol

[Vickilynn]

there are rules and then there is legalism.

Shalom Patricia,

Amen. And to ignore them BOTH is wrong. Some people exalt their freedoms so much that they can't see the forest for the trees in the bigger spiritual picture of preferring others over themselves. We cannot do away with necessary rules, but we must be careful not to place our personal convictions upon anyone else, AND we must be willing to lay down our personal convictions if they cause another to stumble.

Rules can be a good thing and they should not be summarily ignored. They could have value.

Legalism is not rules. It is making man-made rules the same as Law.

What we see here all too often is people getting their knickers in a knot when someone posts THEIR convictions (not saying anyone else has to adher by them),but people get defensive and cry "legalism" and all that blather. Sorry, but that's not true. Just by someone posting THEIR beliefs, in no way places any burden on anyone else to agree and adhere. However, we ARE commanded to lay down our freedoms if they cause another to stumble.

[Vickilynn]

However, we ARE commanded to lay down our freedoms if they cause another to stumble.

NO!

YES! We are. The Scriptures plainly say so. The choice is to obey G-d or rebel.

If what we are doing is known to cause offense to someone, the Scriptures state we are to lay them down rather than knowingly offend:

1 Corinthians 10:

28But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience

[chin]

the need to be right seems to take us away from sharing our love. have a great day! jim

[Guest Biblicist]

To me, legalism is believing that you can get to Heaven by doing what God's word says, and preaching that people are not getting to Heaven without their works.

Legalism is not, for me, learning how to behave as a Godly Christian Woman and following God's word.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is

[OneLight]

name='unred typo' date='Feb 27 2008, 09:18 AM' post='1122165'

Patricia1 wrote:

there are rules and then there is legalism. Legalism does not come from a Godly root and stops the flow of The Spirit of God; whether it be in a church or a individual.

To have guidelines to keep man in order is one thing. To have laws that do not allow freedom of the Spirit of God is another.

We get so use to one way...unwilling to change familiarity, get so structured God has a difficult moving, like a tight squeeze...LoL

Yes, Paul warned us about this very thing. We are to guard ourselves from being bound by external ceremonies and man made laws and try to live only by the Law of Christ

[Guest Biblicist]

Banning what they perceive to be inappropriate media. IE, music, television, movies, books, and other literature.

Banning alcohol, tobacco, and sometimes, food products.

Strict adherence to dress and personal appearance codes.

Placing the outside political motives in the worship service.

Long-winded, often politically motivated, pastoral prayers designed to push issues and agendas on the congregation.

Banning freedom of expression in art, music, and other forms of entertainment

Using the Bible as a weapon in order to intimidate and control the congregation.

Establishing themselves as the only right means to salvation and, opposing any ecumenical thought. (This is also a cult tactic)

Use of guilt, intimidation, mind control and coercion to keep the members in line. (Another cult tactic)

Shunning individuals that do not adhere to the man-made doctrine of the congregation. (Another cult tactic)

Guilt ridden sermons designed to make the congregation submit to the authority of the Pastor.

Use of the theory that people should spend long hours at the church and, do work in the church in order to gain rewards in heaven.

Establishing a bureaucracy within the church in order to limit change or dissention.

Emotional, spiritual and sometimes physical abuse.

Isolationism and secrecy. (Another cult tactic.)

Are there verses in God's Word that cover these issues. What we watch, smoking, drinking, what we wear, how we wear our hair. Are there verses that talk about "shunning" if a member refuses to Follow God's Word. Absolutly, and learning these and doing our best to follow them is not legalism.

It literally sounds to me like he is talking about a cult, where they live in a commune and the belief is that their actions are what gain them enterence into Heaven. Not learning about God's word and trying to live a Godly life, but expecting actions to save. That's not legalism, that's false teaching, cults, and their future is secure. (1 Timothy 1 & 2 Peter 2)

[Emily~Anne]

Legalism seems to be acquiring a broader and broader definition, and seems to be heading towards doing anything at all out of a reverent spirit to God = legalism. If you don't HAVE to do it, and you do it anyways, then you must be a legalist. I am very tired of the word legalism. It is VASTLY over used and abused and has lost credibility.

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Unred Typo said:

I believe that you can get to heaven by doing what God