Quote:
Originally Posted by Holy Roller
Legalism, when tangled with theology, is defined as a dependence on moral law rather than on personal religious faith.
This is precisely accurate. When I think of legalistic Christians, I think of a person who probably depends solely on things they see as rules, whether it be outward holiness, sustaining from the mingling with the world, or possessing a holier than thou façade.
I know some Apostolic people that are legalistic. They believe holiness, per masculine view, is "long sleeves and pants". I recall asking this guy if it ever started inward, and he said he felt it was more important for someone to dress right. It didn't surprise me though, because his church hasn't any idea about how to love people into the Truth. They have that "you're here, fall in line" mentality.
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This actually is NOT "precisely accurate". What if one's personal religious faith requires a "dependance on moral law"? The definition you posted is like saying "depending on regular maintenance rather than on one's relationship with the local auto shop." How is there even a contrast? Regular maintenance might very well be a substantial part of doing business with the local auto shop, and vice versa.
In reality, legalism is "anything that says I ought to do something I don't want to do." THAT'S how the term is actually used, and usage determines meaning.