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Without quarrels over the answers, try to define what Legalism is in one paragraph as it relates to a called out assembly.

Phariseeism (maybe that is not a word?) then try Pharisaic or like a Pharisee. Loading heavy burdens on others but not lifting a finger to help carry the burden. Rules without love. Standards that are absolute with no room for deviation.

Depending on our works to get to heaven.

Treating discipleship as a set of legal rules to be followed, seeking status from others and from God based on our "spiritual merit badges".

Following the letter of the law with no regard to the spirit behind it.

RZehr wrote:Following the letter of the law with no regard to the spirit behind it.

X2.

Imho, speaking in an Anabaptist context especially, it also usually includes teaching (and enforcing) the commandments of men as doctrine, which naturally also leads into "fencing the Torah" and completely missing the intended spirit or effect upon the heart as we attempt to maintain unity in ever-growing bodies of forms.

Attempting to accomplish by law and regulation that which God intends to accomplish by His Spirit.

Lots of good answers here. I'm probably just repeating what others have said.
1) Works or performance based religion (as opposed to works as a natural result of genuine faith).
2) A heavy emphasis on "perfect doctrine" or the church standard (i.e. rules), at the expense of faith and unfeigned brotherly love.

CADude wrote:Lots of good answers here. I'm probably just repeating what others have said.
1) Works or performance based religion (as opposed to works as a natural result of genuine faith).
2) A heavy emphasis on "perfect doctrine" or the church standard (i.e. rules), at the expense of faith and unfeigned brotherly love.

Justice and mercy and faithfulness, too ... "the weightier matters of the law".