"Legalism"

by Chalam 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  Chalam

  Hi,

  I just posted this link in another thread Legalism (theology) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  I mentioned the term to my JW friend once. He didn't seem to understand so I explained.

  Anyhow, I think people will especially enjoy the list from further down the page :)

  In history

  Throughout the history of Christianity, certain beliefs and practices have tended to draw charges of legalism. These include:

  • Asceticism, such as fasting and other forms of self-denial.
  • The keeping of Christian Sabbath, especially regarding prohibitions of various otherwise innocent activities on the day of worship.
  • Various extra-biblical ordinances and customs that become associated not just with wisdom but with holiness, in the contemporary situation, such as prohibitions againsttheater, movies, dancing, playing cards or mixed bathing.
  • Total abstinence from alcohol (See also Christianity and alcohol.)
  • Ritualism, a superficial or superstitious use of customary prayers and liturgy.
  • Similarly, certain exclusive ritual practices, such as rigorous insistence on the tetragrammaton as the only name by which God is honored, dietary laws, Saturday Sabbath, orPassover (Christian holiday), especially when practicing these rituals is held necessary for salvation.
  • Sacraments, especially when the underlying theology allegedly views them as communicating God's grace automatically (compare ex opere operato).
  • Various rigorous and restrictive beliefs, such as that, only the King James Version of the Bible constitutes God's word.
  • The belief that contemporary Christian music is evil.
  • The belief that women should never wear pants or shorts.
  • Iconoclasm
  • Circumcision
  • Puritanism
  • Judaizing
  • Restorationism

  Several underlying dynamics appear in these controversies. The permitted scope of veneration of material objects versus claims that such veneration is idolatry, affects the perceived sanctity of ritual spaces and objects, and therefore of the rituals and customs themselves. Teachings about the authority of the church, the sources of legitimacy of that authority, and the role of clergy versus the priesthood of all believers, also affect these debates. Related to these disagreements are debates concerning the authority of the Bible, and whether it is to be interpreted literally or more freely.

  All the best,

  Stephen
• 

  snowbird

  The following have had an impact on my life.

  Various extra-biblical ordinances and customs that become associated not just with wisdom but with holiness, in the contemporary situation, such as prohibitions againsttheater, movies, dancing, playing cards or mixed bathing.

  My preacher paternal grandfather often railed against such things.

  Total abstinence from alcohol (See also Christianity and alcohol.)

  The pastor of our Baptist church disapproved of "demon alcohol."

  Similarly, certain exclusive

  ritual

  practices, such as rigorous insistence on the

  tetragrammaton

  as the only name by which God is honored,

  I joined the JW's because I thought that was the way to honor His Name.

  Various rigorous and restrictive beliefs, such as that, only the King James Version of the Bible constitutes God's word

  For the longest time, I thought the KJV was the only version of the Bible!

  Sylvia
• 

  Chalam

  Hi Sylvia,

  I did a study last year throughout the bible with regards to alcohol. I found God is not against drinking, only getting drunk.

  The only person that I can remember that was never told to drink alcohol was John the Baptist. Jesus likely had a few drinks, certainly at the wedding reception at Cana. There are those that would disagree and say it was grace juice. However, I would point out this verse which draws upon the command of John never to drink alcohol.

  Matthew 11:18-19 (New International Version)

  18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

  The King James is a great translation IMHO, especially for one several hundred years old. It is much easier to read and understand than the NWT, even with all the thee and thou words! However, most people that advocate its sole use are quite often a bit legalistic, I agree!

  All the best,

  Stephen
• 

  mindmelda

  Chalam, I enjoy your comments immensely, I just want you to know. "Legalism" has been on my mind quite a bit lately and that was all very interesting.

  I don't do rules too well, but I do principles wonderfully. I don't think of Christ as overly rule oriented. There were times he broke the Pharasaical (man's) laws to help those in need or teach or heal. He broke customs of his time and people to reach out to those in need. But, he never broke a principle of God.

  I tend to think it's pretty simple. Just do what Christ did. He never added burdens to people's faith, nor did he hand down lists of rules or law. But, he spoke about godly principles based on love.

  Adding to that just detracts from Christ.
• 

  Chalam

  Hi mm,

  Thanks for the post and the kind words :)

  Yes, Jesus was not big on rules, love God and love each other really all you need to know.

  It is all about living by the Holy Spirit who lives within the born again believer Romans 8 Galatians 5

  That is why JWs cannot manage it. They are trying in their own strength and rule keeping.

  Unfortunately, they are bound to failure :(

  All the best,

  Stephen