Without question, one of the most disturbing trends in the world of theology is that, far too often, grace is eclipsed by theological legalism.
Twice today I encountered this in its most blatant forms by two very different types of people. Both were very passionate about theology and both, undoubtedly, believe that their attitude toward me or my teaching is justified and honoring to the Lord. However, I believe both of these men sacrificed the major issue – grace – in defense of minor issues in theology.
The first, whose name I will not share as he is undoubtedly well-known to most of you, caught me very much off guard (and it is not really easy to catch me off guard, as I receive dozens of “hate” emails every day from those who believe it is their job to put me back on the path of theological correctness). This man, a significant figure in the world of reformation theology, does not believe I take theology seriously enough. Of course, his reasons come (I imagine) from the fact that I don’t agree with him. And obviously, if I took theology seriously, I would agree with him! Ironically, this lack of grace often comes from those who believe most strongly in the reformed “doctrines of grace.” But this man sent me one of the most ungracious emails I have ever received. And, yes, it did hurt my feelings. But more than that, sensing that this man’s criticism of me comes from his general disdain for the “heresy” of Evangelical Calvinism – it discouraged me that someone who believes he is so right theologically could be so graceless personally.
The second came from a Fundamentalist who was quite disturbed that I would suggest that Catholics could be saved. To be fair, I remember in the mid-nineties when Billy Graham suggested the same on national television. I was so angry and confused. I could not believe that Billy Graham would be so theologically inept as to make such a suggestion. In order for me to retain the belief that Billy Graham was saved, I had to convince myself that he had just gone senile in his old age. But this came from someone who has been a believer for quite some time and is a leader in his local church. This one statement (“Catholics can be saved”) has served to disqualify me and all of my teachings. To him, I will forever be one of the many who has compromised my faith for the glory of acceptance among men.
Theological legalism is nothing new (and is certainly not limited to the world of theology). Think of the Pharisees who, according to Christ, strained out gnats and swallowed camels (Matt. 23:24). To the theological legalist, there is no such thing as a gnat. Christ spoke of the weightier things of the Law (Matt. 23:23). To the doctrinal legalist, all issues are equally weighty. Paul spoke of things of “first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3); to those who are theological Pharisees, everything is of first importance. There is rarely, if ever, a second.
I find this very typical of those who call themselves “true” Calvinists. You will sometimes be given more grace by these if you don’t claim to be a Calvinist. But if you claim to be so, you are never Calvinistic enough. They live to nit-pick all the minor details they believe you get wrong about reformed theology. Nothing makes them angrier than so-called “Evangelical Calvinists” (such as me). I also find this among those egalitarians who wear bitterness on their sleeves, believing everyone who opposes them is doing so in order to oppress. I see this among Christian evolutionists who attempt to belittle anyone who opposes their position (some even calling creationists “cultic”). This theological fundamentalism elevates doctrine above the mandates that the doctrine necessitates. Right belief becomes their primary call to righteousness.
And let me not forget Roman Catholics. The system itself demands acceptance of everything the Church has ever dogmatized, from the resurrection of Christ to the assumption of Mary. The Catholic Catechism – to which all Roman Catholics must submit – is almost as long as the Bible itself. And I rarely meet a gracious Eastern Orthodox. Though they disdain Catechisms, they seem to have an unspoken canon which produces an incredible arrogance. And then there are the Baptists . . . oh, where to begin?!
Of course, there are many exceptions to all of these and I don’t mean to indict any without qualification. There are some shining examples of grace, wisdom, and humility in all of these traditions. I think of my Eastern Orthodox friend Bradley Nassif. I think of Irene, our Roman Catholic commentator. I think of Thomas Schreiner, an incredibly humble Baptist scholar and pastor. And, as you have noticed, I placed my own Calvinistic tradition on the stand. But the sad truth is that very often, the deeper one gets into theological passions, the more corrupt our ability to treat others with grace and humility becomes.
Here are some ways to know if you are a theological legalist:
- You don’t think there are “minor theological issues”
- You always define yourself with the word “true” in front of it (e.g., “I am a ‘true’ Calvinist,” “I am a ‘true’ Baptist,” or “I am a ‘true’ Christian”).
- Your statement of faith or catechism is so detailed that no one but your particular tradition can sign it.
- Your passions focus on the small issues and this finds expression in your personality.
- Most of your theological writing and/or discussion focuses on where other Christians have gone wrong.
- You have a bulldog mentality with regard to your “pet” issues; you cannot let things go emotionally. You have to leave the room.
- When one disagrees with you they are forever defined by that disagreement (“There goes Joe the Arminian,” or “I would like to introduce you to Katie the Complementarian.”
- You think belief is either black or white, you either have it or you don’t; there is no in-between and certainly no room for doubt.
- You think all those outside of your tradition are either going to hell or are less spiritual than you are (i.e., all Catholics are going to hell, all Protestants are going to hell, all those who suggest otherwise are going to hell, etc.)
- There are only three reasons why people disagree with you: 1) they don’t have enough or the right knowledge, 2) they have compromised, and/or 3) they are justifying in some sin.
- No one outside of your tradition wants to talk theology with you (and you take it as a badge of honor).
- When you write about other Christians, you continually find yourself putting the word “Christian” in quotes.
- Your statement of faith is so qualified no one can understand it.
- You are always shutting conversation down by accusations of logical fallacies ad absurdum.
Of course we all have these problems from time to time. And I am not saying the word “Christian” should not be placed in quotes for some people. But if you find yourself identifying with many items on this list too often, you may have the problem of doctrinal legalism which, in my opinion, is the most dangerous trap out there for those of us who love theology. I have been there and still wrestle with my own theological legalism. But this is something we all need to repent of, and teach our students and children about its dangers.
If you love theology, please be the first to put on the attitude of humility. When someone speaks about you in this regard, don’t have your goal to be for others to think you are smart or right, but rather humble and meek. When others talk about your personality with regard to theological discourse, would they say you are arrogant and legalistic, or gracious and gentle? This does not mean we sacrifice our passions or beliefs, it just means we temper ourselves for the sake of the Gospel. The truth is too important for us to lose our witness due to theological legalism.
Titus 3:2
[Instruct them] to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
Phi 4:5
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
2 Tim 2:25-26
With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
204 replies to "Fourteen Characteristics of Theological Legalism"
Sigh! After reading through the comments, I wish I hadn’t.
Michael. Though I am not a Calvinist, I actually appreciate you and your thoughts as you explain what you believe and why.. This is a well written article and I am sorry to hear you have been over the coals…
Many of the comments bear out the truth of your article.. and all I can say is that some of the commenters should go and join West Boro Baptist.. you would fit in well there.
Michael,
Your blogs and podcasts help me to maintain gospel-centered theology. Thank you! Far too many people go to legalism or anti-intellectualism (“Jesus only” folks who seem to be afraid of doctrine).
Having been in a anti-intellectual Baptist church for the last 5 years it is so refreshing for me to study theology and yet not slip into legalism. I was just telling my pastor the other day how your ministry has helped to keep me grounded in the gospel and nothing else.
Thank you, keep it up, and to God be the glory!
Yeah, as DaveZ said, you would think I planted some of these comments. Sadly I did not.
Pete,
Hurt pride instigated this? Definitely. But take away my emotional reasons for posting and this blog would be blank!
Eastern Orthodox arrogance: yes, this is definitely MY observation. It does not mean it is true, but I would say that there are very deep issues that EO people need to consider and at least hear what I have to say. Besides that, everyone got thrown under the bus! We all have issues.
Let me ask you what you think the biggest problem in your EO tradition is?
And no, I am not going to tell who the person was. Of course I may truly be at fault or misunderstood. This is the case with every illustration we have that involves people. But you read this blog giving me general trust believing that I have enough wisdom to discern such things. And whether it is the fundamentalist or the Reformed scholar, both illustrations require that you give me the benefit of the doubt.
But I don’t reveal his name so that I don’t create controversy. And it is not James White. He would get thrown under the same bus as me.
However, this blog is read widely enough that this particular gentleman may comment of he so chooses. I have never seen him even on the web, but from the nature of our interaction I suspect he is familiar enough with this blog.
But again, even if there was no possibility that I am misinterpreting him, I would not reveal his name. I rarely name folks that I criticize on this blog unless they call me out publicly. But sometimes I deserve it!
The same pen that wrote Rom 1:16-17 wrote Rom 10:9-10
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Greg.
I once had a fellow Christian tear strips of me in a way that nearly had me in tears. He then put his hand on my shoulder and said he was only saying that to encourage me.
I think we all need to truly pray and ask the Lord to teach us what does it really mean to speak the truth in love and to be people of real grace.
Its really sad that some of the comments here are neither graceful or grace filled.
[…] By C. Michael Patton: […]
[…] Fourteen Characteristics of Theological Legalism […]
ok…, I am thinking maybe you are gonna be my friend. not positive yet 🙂
Brethren I think Michaels point is well illustrated in some of the comments that have been displayed here. What do you think someone who is lost is going to think of your Jesus after reading all of this? I learned a long time ago not to be sucked into arguments for the sake of those who were listening. Their soul is worth more than vindicating my position.
Jesus read this post and the comments.
ἐδάκρυσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ λέγει, ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἔσομαι; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν;
Thank you Craig Bennet for making such an excellent point…
Without grace and humility, there is no wisdom.
Anyone who claims to be a “teacher of theology” must be cognizant of Scriptural responsibility to serve–not to lord it over others, but to serve as an example.
Confessing our faults one to another…..when someone in a position of authority refuses to accept responsibility for their sin, then it is best to remind ourselves of our responsibility to follow teaching of Jesus Christ–to be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves.
Scripture is clear (especially Proverbs) that we are foolish if we accept teaching from such as these-as Paul instructs Timothy (II Tim. 3) from such turn away.
It is interesting that when Paul spoke about something like this, he gave the name of the person/people who were providing the information, (as the “house or Chloe’s people”, 1 Cor. 1: 11). And of course when necessary he called them “false brethren” (Gal. 2: 4 / 2 Cor. 11: 26). And of course with the Philippians, they were “dogs”, and “evil workers”…”the false circumcision.” Even in Paul’s day he said these so-called “brethren” had sneaked in! As too Peter wrote, “for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.” (1 Pet. 2: 8). Sometimes I really wonder if we really believe in the authority of Holy Scripture today, even in our best churches? Now sadly, they live right in the Church itself, and even preach from the pulpit’s! And we can see them surely in the so-called Christian Academy. It is simply “unbelief” and “error” masquerading as belief and believers! Wow, you say, how dare you make such a statement, but again I wonder if we have just become so dull in even our so-called biblical doctrine & theology? Here of course were the Judaizers, but now they are simply much more almost plain apostates, outright renegades (to the Word of God) under the guise of freedom, but as Jude wrote: “ungodly persons who turn the grace of God into licentiousness.” (Jude 1: 4)
Btw, this was one of the sins of the Church at Corinth, “impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced.” (2 Cor. 12: 21) And note too, Paul calls some of this, “defilement of flesh and spirit”! (2 Cor. 7: 1)
To point here, is that we are in the depth of a great spiritual battle, and now today even more for the life and soul of the Christian Church! (Note, the last three churches in Rev. 3!)
Sorry Michael, but the old pastor-teacher I think in me comes out on this subject! Of course we are not really to judge people, but surely we must often and really always judge what many people are saying biblically and theologically, especially those who claim to speak for God and the Bible! And those of us that really believe that the hour is late, and the so-called Church ever nears the eschatological realities! We simply must speak up! (The Parable of the Ten Virgins comes to mind, Matt. 25: 1-13)
Note my last is to a blog of mine that sits in “moderation”!
Btw, to place any over-zealous commentators here with the so-called “West Bro Baptist” American church is simply an overstatement, at best.. and perhaps really something else?
I find Patton’s view rather cynical, pandering to those who are “lite” or loose on Bible doctrine (who are the implied heroes) and mischaracterizing those who are earnest contenders for God’s Word (who are the implied villains). It is also judgmental of others’ base motives.
Having reviewed comment #60, it is very difficult for me to trust C Michael Patton and what he says about other people when he has misrepresented me and my statements–especially considering the fact that he has refused to accept responsibility for his behavior.
Expecting the rest of us to give him the benefit of the doubt when he has not given me the benefit of the doubt is definitely a double standard….
More than likely, I am not the only one who has had this experience with him……
CMP,
“But take away my emotional reasons for posting and this blog would be blank!”
LOL true!!!
We have had our differences of opinion of course, but I’ve never doubted 1) your exceptional writing talents and 2) that you are 100% sincere in your beliefs
“Let me ask you what you think the biggest problem in your EO tradition is?”
People like me who spend too much time on blogs instead of prayer!
In other words, EOs that don’t fully understand and learn Holy Tradition (including the Holy Scriptures, which are the centerpiece of our Tradition and Liturgy), and that don’t live the Christian life by trying to be perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect.
(In our defense, in terms of learning…it took the disciples, and St. Paul, 3 whole years of their life to learn the basics of Christianity. And then, add on all that we’ve learned through revelation as a Church in the past 2,000 years…well, that is a lot to digest!)
Anyway, I am a poor example of an EO and unfortunately there are many others like me. That’s not empty humility, it is the truth. Having just gone through Great Lent, my weaknesses were again clearly pointed out. I guess that’s one of the goals of observing Lent.
You mentioned Brad Nassif… I agree, what a great example to model oneself after.
@Pete: Your thoughts are also the support of the Augustinian and Pauline view that the Christian lives in the reality of both Romans 7: 13-25, with Romans chapter 8: 1-3, etc. (the whole of Romans 8). But, I don’t think this is the position of the EO?
Thank you for your post. As a Reformed Baptist, who loves the grace and glory of God that is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, I appreciate your posts. I do not always agree with you about every minor thing, but I appreciate your heart and seriousness. Even though I have no idea about the identity of the well-known Reformed person, I am genuinely sorry for the ungracious email you received. I have always believed that we who love the “doctrines of grace’ should, of all people be the most gracious. Do NOT grow weary or give up. Onward! We have a great King!
Michael, Good article. While there is much we would not agree upon in theological areas, I have found your teachings beneficial & at least an honest effort to be balanced on various positions. I found myself in empathy with you as I read this article. It is funny how little theology Christ taught while he was here on earth. It was his acts (his works) that brought salvation. As Peter says in the book of Acts – “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. The legalist flies too close to the flame of “right thought” equals salvation instead of only by the work of our Savior Jesus. While I love to study the Bible and theology, I know that it is only by Jesus we can be saved. He is all we can depend upon. I do appreciate your honest struggles. Be Blessed Brother.
Luckily, I am a Catholic. I believe Christ left us a church (not a bible) and she determines what is important and interprets theological matters; thus we all don’t individually have to. I know this won’t be a popular view amongst reformers, however, I do enjoy reading different analysis and interpretations and Credo is one of my fave sites for that. Nonetheless I do think each one of us will interpret things in our own way, thus create arguments and confusion and ultimately gets us caught in the “thick of thin things”.
Luigi,
Interesting that you did not even mention that Christ left us the Holy Spirit which is the subject of the whole upper room discourse. Christ left us the church, yes. But this Body of which he is the head, is empowered by the Holy Spirit. But all traditions believe that God left us the Bible. No need to undermine its significance. Read Dei Verbum. It is one of the great documents about the authority of the Bible in all history.
Humility and love should be your legs as you walk through Scripture. In Matthew, Jesus says that on the Great Commandment to love hangs all the law and prophets, all his scripture. Jesus says he did not come to change one line of the law, but when there was nobody to throw the first stone, Jesus did not feel obligated by the law to do so, either. That story was so beloved of the early church that it lived outside the Gospels by word of mouth and memory for quite a while, before being given a Gospel home.
We are all sinners, and are not tasked by Jesus with judgement but to love, minister, witness, worship, learn, teach. We are not purified until we leave this world, for our animal instincts work to twist our minds into subtle sin (but we can be much improved; humility allows us to more readily see the sin creeping in, for we are not in denial). We depend on Grace for our salvation. It is sad and ridiculous for a Christian to say “But they are sinners!”, for we all are.
BTW, your email twitter link had a modified title, somewhat reversed:
14 Ways To Prevent Theological Liberalism http://conta.cc/18osN4w
Michael,
A very good post and a sometimes strange conversation following. Overall I think both the post and the conversation made your point.
Hi Fr. Robert,
EOs love Romans:
Romans 2:6-7: 5 God…will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.
Romans 5:10: For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we WILL be saved by His life (future tense).
Romans 13:11: … now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is NEARER than when we first believed
Romans 3:31: Do we then make void the Law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.
Romans 12:16: Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Of course I have to chuckle about your note: “…follows the Augustinian & Pauline…” instead of, more accurately, “…follows the Augustinian interpretation of St. Paul”…
But I’ll bite anyway, I took the day off: what exactly are you referring to?
David Bishop – as one who is far more spiritual than you are (I began my Christian walk 37 years ago by attending Bill Gothard nine separate times!), I think I’m well qualified to declare that you are so twisted in your desperate desire to have everyone agree with every point of your theology that you’ve become the clanging cymbal referred to in I Cor 13:1. Get a grip, man!
Do you know how many times you posted in a row? Making sure that everyone knew that you were RIGHT and they were hell-bound, deceived instruments of satan? The vast majority of those who have changed the world for Christ (George Muller, Hudson Taylor, D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, Brother Andrew, Billy Graham etc, etc, etc) would never fit in your tiny theological world. Instead, they spent their time demonstrating the love and power of Christ to a lost world, winning millions in the process.
One could only hope this would be a wake up call to you. While I’m sure Michael didn’t have you in mind, the article was exactly what you need to hear. Except I doubt you have ears to hear.
BTW, one could only wish you understood how little we care about your opinion of our salvation. We don’t answer to you and you haven’t transformed our life. The Spirit that bears witness with our spirit that we are childen of the King is not the spirit by which you speak.
Do I need to say the first line was a joke?
There was one thing that stood out to me as I read your post… “forget grace, everyone you talked about has missed the 2nd commandment Jesus gave us… Love one another!”
You talk about all these different view points and everyone seems to hate each other, where is the JOY?
Here’s an idea, give up on the theological knowledge and great wisdom you all seek for prideful reasons and follow Jesus, you all sound like the 2 disciples arguing who will be the greatest or sit at the right or left… I am thinking they missed the point also. Time for some self reflection and maybe a new filling of the Holy Spirit! jmho
Legalism has problems like: Bacon good, Gay bad. Nothing like the Vurt of an Orthodox Jewish nephew to show you how much of the law we ignore for our convenience.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:16The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:17But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.18What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Philippians 1
Well, it’s a shock, a serious shock, to think that Christians like Methodists and Anglicans may have valid baptisms. Yes, that’s my Inner Pharisee, nurtured and coddled for decades through Baptist and baptistic churches. And yes, it IS possible to stop thinking that way about others. It’s just not easy… not easy at all. Maybe it involves dying to self, in a way, since it is possible that some personally-held doctrine may, in fact, be mistaken…
Glory to God! If it weren’t for the Lord’s grace, we’d all be in hell. Imagine if we were held eternally accountable for our theology!
I read somewhere that the Lord God said through a prophet Isaiah, that a chosen people were honoring Him with their lips, but with hearts that were far from Him. Centuries later the descendants of those same people were reminded of these words by a man known as Jesus of Nazaret. As a theologian myself, and specifically one who is reading the Bible again as if for the first time, there are many doctrines out there in the Christian environment that I see the flaws of man-made traditions in. But in explaining my understanding, I always try to play the ball and not the man. I trust that I succeed in doing so. There are probably many, many people with a heart for God despite their lack of rightly divided knowledge.
And I remember a murderer and adulterer who was called a man after God’s own heart. Of him the Lord said to a prophet (Samuel) that He looked at man in a different way that man did – He looked upon the heart.
Well written Michael. I differ from you in a number theological or doctrinal respects, but as a considerably older man than you, I have come over a number of years to respect and value your opinion and understanding.
I just love how God puts the right sermon, the right Facebook post, the right blog, radio program in my path as I seek understanding of a biblical subject! This is one of those times. You may agree or disagree with individual statements, but if one or more of these 14 characteristics fit, it is at least time for some serious soul searching.
I’m not a theologian, my teacher is Christ (I.e. scripture), I try to be careful about judging the state of salvation in others, rather I try to judge myself. Christ paid for my sins on the cross, through which He offered me salvation. The works he asks of me are that I believe in Him the Father sent. I was saved before I knew the finer points of theology (still don’t, but I know and learn every day). I learn by seeking scripture, listening to and reading what other mature Christians have to say, and asking God to guide and direct me, and He is faithful to do so.
I measure what others say and teach against scripture, not against theological interpretations based on traditions of men.
This does not make me a better person or a better Christian, and is by no means anything that I can take credit for. It is simply what God has put on my heart, so who am I to argue? May The Lord bless you all, and may we all find ourselves in His grace, and may we all consider each other with the mercy that we hope for and are assured of!
2 Corinthians 3
“1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant–not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
7Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! . . .”
Mr. Patton: you do mention those who believe that they have “the truth” (RCs, EOs, Southern Baptists with their Landmark teachings, Lutherans, Charismatics, etc, etc), but fail to mention pre-mil dispys, who can viciously attack anyone disagreeing with their teachings and private believe anyone not adhering to their eschatology is going to hell. (For an example of this, see “The End Times Controversy,” a nasty diatribe written 8-9 years ago by many dispys attacking all those who have “strayed” from this “obvious” correct teaching. What arrogance!!)
Have you ever hosted a debate between pre-mils, amils, and postmils? Of course you haven’t. Be careful of being caught in the very hypocrisy you condemn.
Yes, there are weighty matters of the law. The problem comes when WHO DECIDES what those weighty matters are and which aren’t. Obviously, Scripture dictates this, but just note that Jesus did go on in that passage to STILL SAY that tithing was important. Sadly, many ignorant Christians fail to read on in the passage and so don’t tithe.
The fact of the matter is that denominationalism has pretty much rendered the Church ineffective to confront the very major problems in the world which could bring nations to their destruction. The fact that Christians are not of one mind which both Jesus and Paul commanded has ruined almost everything.
So even though you condemn others for these things you yourself are guilty of these things and do not even realize it. This is exactly why I have never become a financial supporter of your ministry. Try showing a little grace yourself.
What is the OP’s definition of legalism? It seems to me it’s a poorly defined term more often than not – resulting in assumption-based reactions. It’s a little like the term ‘cult’. I’m willing to bet that most people don’t know the precise definition of the word but “know it when I see it”. How can anything productive come from such imprecision? Especially when mixed with emotional reactions.
If making everything of prime importance is legalism, the term is misleading or clumsily used. After all, we serve a God who numbers the hairs on our heads but it hardly seems to fit to call God a legalistic. He equates lust with adultery, stubbornness with idolatry (how extreme does that seem!) and laziness with being related to a destroyer. Yet He is slow to anger and abounding in love. So He fits at least one description of “legalistic” (making even small things of great importance) but He meets the qualifications for that which we would call anything but legalistic (merciful and kind). That these two coexist in one Person hints that maybe true legalism is nothing more than incomplete attention to what God desires of us (speaking the truth in love -NOT diminution of either). Further, I would suggest that the charge of Pharisaism is more often than not an attempt either to suppress the truth or an excuse not to show love to our neighbor (or both). After all, how often do we complain about others not being hard enough on us when we sin?
The OP’s charge of imbalance is, I think, partly true. But not in or approach to doctrine – rather in how the love for the truth affects our love for others. Neither should be tempered but both should simultaneously drive us in all we do.
So I think several of the points in the blog are, themselves tempering truth itself rather than encouraging both truth (which includes doctrine) and compassion to operate simultaneously without reserve – letting them balance each other.
#83:
“14 Ways To Prevent Theological Liberalism”
Where’s that linked post at?
Is this one of CMP’s post? If not, he should write it.
I remember playing HS football, I enjoyed “taking peoples heads off”. I’ll never forget the advice my dad gave me after a rough loss. He said, “no matter how tough you are, you’ll always find someone bigger and meaner than you”. I think David Bishop found that person when Kraig showed up (41). I think my dads advice holds true in theology too.
More often than not, following the attitude and beliefs of Patton’s points is a sign of willful ignorance and disobedience.
1. “You always define yourself with the word “true” in front of it (e.g. “I am a ‘true’ Calvinist,” “I am a ‘true’ Baptist,” “I am a ‘true’ Christian).”
Most Americans claim to be Christian but reject the gospel. They are goats pretending to be sheep. So, we need to let people know what a true Christian looks like according to the Word.
4. “Most of your theological writing and/or discussion focuses on where other Christians have gone wrong.”
Some people are called to be watchmen. In other words, they must warn Christians about various evils that are in the Church. If you do not like that, then you are probably participating in those evils.
9. “There are the only three reasons why people disagree with you: 1) they don’t have enough or the right knowledge, 2) they have compromised, and/or 3) they are justifying in some sin.”
If you are truly speaking truth, those reasons do apply.
In my experience, people who want to disobey God react like rabid zombies. It’s as if they’re possessed (and some probably are). But, backsliding Christians also respond that way. Such people try to silence God’s messengers, shut them out, belittle them, ignore what they say, demonize them, slander and libel them, call them “legalists”, say they’re listening to Satan, project themselves onto them, displace others onto them, call good evil and evil good, use weak and carnal arguments to “win”, etc.
Anyone who sincerely accepts Jesus as his or her Lord and savior is a Christian. However, if they purposely pray to idols (Buddha, Mary, angels, saints, other dead people, etc) or if they put people over God (scholars, pastors, priests, popes, educated people, etc) then they are guilty of idolatry. They are also guilty of adultery when they follow false teachings (pluralism, New Age, indulgences, using rosaries, calling Mary “Queen of Heaven”, calling the pope “Holy Father”, praying to dead people, etc). Jesus said that his true followers obey his commands. If someone claiming to be Christian refuses to repent of willful ignorance and disobedience, he or she can wind up a reprobate. It is unwise to have the mentality that if you accept Jesus, you do not have to obey all of his commands. It is also unwise to rely on humans for wisdom and understanding, in any capacity. Wrong thinking is why the Church is apostate.
What is our message to the unbelieving community? Did Jesus die for us or is this not important. I am trying to encourage my wife to believe in Jesus my Lord and Saviour and all this blog does is nit pick and not send the message
to the world that Jesus died for everyone and wants to accept Him as Lord and saviour? She reads this daily and will not appreciate my comment.
Michael like your sister my wife suffers from depression. Twice she has tried to end her life. Fortunately the one night I was working my daughter in law that does not live in the same city realized from the email she received that my wife was in trouble and phoned the police who sent an ambulance to our home. My wife is doing much better now, however, she continues to doubt her faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour. Thank you for what you wrote, however people who comment on this blog need to be thinking about who is reading their comments and what message they want to send to doubters and those who don’t believe.
What’s an evangelical Calvinist?
Greg. Check this site out. http://evangelicalcalvinist.blogspot.com.au/
You will get some detailed info here.
Greg, maybe Michael does mean something different.. but Bobby is the only one up till now I have heard use that terminology and presumed he meant the same.
Don: “Michael like your sister my wife suffers from depression. Twice she has tried to end her life. … My wife is doing much better now, however, she continues to doubt her faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour. Thank you for what you wrote, however people who comment on this blog need to be thinking about who is reading their comments and what message they want to send to doubters and those who don’t believe.”
Don’s wife,
Please don’t kill yourself.
I don’t know why you doubt Jesus. It hasn’t been made sufficiently clear. Curious, have you ever doubted your doubt?
For all those who don’t believe and actively trust Jesus and in Jesus as their Lord and Savior as both repentant and redeemed sinners, it will not go well for you in the end according to Scripture.
regarding depression and Jesus, sometimes I feel like a surfer on the wave of my mood, high up on the manic side, feeling and sharing the love as best I can, and with Jesus by my side, helping me keep my balance on that tricky wave. Sometimes I fall, but we get back up on the wave right away. So be bipolar just long enough to get in touch with the love, and then stand up on your surfboard and stay in the sunlight. Do not doubt the love that made this Creation, the love that forgives us every sin at our first asking, so we can be close to God, have God with us, Jesus by our side, Emmanuel. Even the staunchest Atheists I have chatted with still believe in love, and God is love, so I can work with that. Believe in the love, first. Our love for you is real.
PS: It might seem off topic, but in a simple, not legalistic theology, everything is close. So, on the commandments to love hang all the law and the prophets. Without love, you are nothing. Without love, faith is meaningless. Without love, scripture and its law, legalism is meaningless. Among faith, hope and love, the greatest of these in love.