I continue to hear from readers about how the story of my journey out of extreme fundamentalism has been a blessing to them. From time to time, my readers share some of their own stories. Recently, a young woman named Becca shared her story with me, and I received permission from her to share it [...]
I want to encourage my readers to take some time and read Jim Elliff’s recent blog post on a practice he calls “confessionism”. As a former independent fundamental Baptist, I still tend toward a legalism of sorts that stresses performance and action to a fault. And while I never reached the level of zeal and [...]
Over at Sharper Iron, there are some interesting discussions of the role of rules in schools. Mike Durning, in a 3 part series, argues that a heavy-handed, rules-oriented school can foster legalism. Then Aaron Blumer, site publisher, posts a 2-part series defending the validity and value of rules. My blogging friend Josh Gelatt saw in [...]
I stumbled across a great blog post that relates with the theme of our last several posts: the Gospel’s work in believers. The post actually was first an article for Discipleship Journal. Let me quote a relevant portion of it here, but encourage you all to go over and read the whole thing. It’s also [...]
Recently we’ve been discussing the sticky issue of legalism. It’s hard to define, and its easy to use the term as a perjorative against those you think are wrong. The term is still important, however, because it describes a sin which is deadly. A sin which in many Christian circles is able to walk incognito, [...]
A friend of mine just posted an interesting list of definitions by John Piper on a variety of topics. He linked to the online sermon or article from which the definition was taken, and gave a summary of the definition.
One of those definitions was legalism. Let me give Piper’s definition here.
(1) Treating biblical standards of [...]
With title pictures like these, you can be sure Seth McBee’s series on becoming a legalist will entertain you. I hope he also educates and informs, even if he uses a bit of hyperbole and sarcasm to make his point.
Here are the links to his series so far:
Step 1: A Lesson on How to [...]
On my recent vacation, I read an excellent book by Randy Alcorn, The Grace and Truth Paradox. It is based on John’s statement in John 1:14 that Jesus was “full of grace and truth”. Some churches (and Christians) today emphasize grace over truth while others do just the opposite. Christ did neither. He was full [...]
Continue reading about The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn
I recently read C.J. Mahaney’s classic book The Cross Centered Life. Let me recommend it wholeheartedly!
It has the ability to transform your life, and greatly reorient your thinking. It’s subtitle is “Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing“. Am I doing that, are you? The gospel is not only important for the lost, but it is [...]
Continue reading about The Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing by C.J. Mahaney
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