What is the point of this site? It is pretty simple – combat legalism and legalistic thought within the body of Christ with the Truth that can be found through a faithful study of Scripture and a healthy use of common sense.
There are so many areas of life that can be negatively affected by the Pharisaical attitude called “legalism.” Many have lived oppressed lives, never tasting the sweetness of grace. Many have gone to their graves never having the chance to question man-made laws that kept them bound. Many today cower under the authoritarian, dictatorial power wielded by the “faithful” that are “right with God.” This site will offer the opportunity for anyone to discuss
- what is legalistic and what is not;
- what the Bible demands by way of holiness, and what it does not;
- various interpretations of certain controversial Scripture passages;
- practical ways in which to live a life of grace without fear;
- and how to live free without being a snare to a “weaker brother.”
Any and all comments, as long as they are respectful, will be welcome. Dialogue is the key, not silence brought about by fear or intimidation.
This is great stuff. Glad to hear I have a new friend. My journey is one of being a through and through Pharisee as well. I see you’ve added Steve Brown to your blog roll, can’t say I know of a better source for a recovering legalist. Not sure if you’ve considered Philip Yancey’s writings (a couple books I’d highly recommend) on this topic.
Was glad to meet you today during lunch. I would love to get in touch with you again sometime. I really enjoyed our conversation.
GREAT TRUTHS!!!!!!!!
Mr. Baker,
I don’t know how you wish for me to address you: Mr. Baker, AC, A.C., A.C. Baker, or other.
I have followed your comments on Heather’s blog for a few months now, and I appreciate your stand against legalism. I grew up in a legalistic subculture (friends, family, church, and school) that put more emphasis on rules and “letter of the law salvation” than on developing one’s relationship with Christ. I was so frustrated and angry by mid High School; I decided to chuck the whole thing. I told myself, “If I’m going to be bad, I’m going to be bad.” I wish I had not made that decision. I became the prodigal son in every way and eventually overdosed on cocaine twice in the same week – all by the age of 22. It was not until I was 34 years old (2004) that I submitted my life to God. In 2007 I felt driven to find my own Bible and chose the ESV. I immediately dove in and devoured the scripture with a hunger I had never experienced. I was, and still am, determined to find what God’s Holy Scripture says, as opposed to manmade opinion. I take the Bible literally when it says the Holy Spirit will teach us all things truth, providing we are teachable and open to receive that truth.
The problem with legalism is that it is more than a set of manmade rules and regulations. It is an ideology that works its way into the very core of one’s subconscious, adversely affecting every decision, thought, belief, and action. I am now 40 years old and still find myself struggling to root out that ingrained prison of manmade “spiritual” doctrine.
I will say this, for anyone who is trying to recover from a lifetime of legalism, open your whole self to God, find an excellent Bible (do your research), and study, study, study. If you don’t understand what you are reading, throw your biases and predispositions out the window and ask God to show you the meaning. If you are truly open to receiving his truth, whether it cuts you to the core or makes your heart cry out in praise and awesome worship, God will teach you because he wants you to understand.
Mr. Baker thanks again for tackling the disease of legalism head on. What a great ministry.
So glad you have this blog! Legalism is almost like a disease and yet no one wants to talk about it! Didn’t realize that reply above said the same thing! wow, maybe God is trying to tell us something!
Thank you for reading!
I have nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award! Please go to my link at Permalink: http://craigmotor.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/the-kreativ-blogger-award/ for details! Congratulations!
Hi there! I just added a link to your blog on Greyskeil Rainbow’s blogroll. Keep up with writing
I am excited to look around your blog more, Anthony! I notice you are a musician, from Tennessee, and attending a Baptist seminary. I’m also a musician, lived in TN for a few months (pursuing music), and am also attending a Baptist seminary. You are currently a pastor and I hope to become a pastor soon! Keep in touch, brother!
By the way, I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award! Learn more about the award:http://annasonelife.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/versatile-blogger-award/
May God Bless you!
Anna
Why, thank you, Miss Anna! The only other award that comes to mind which would require more work would be Miss America. I guess I’ll settle with the Versatile Blogger
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for stopping by my blog today — and like I said there, I love your blog title.
I, too, have come to see the subtlety of legalism in my own life, and have experienced a profound change in my Christian life. I used to live mostly by will-power, and saw that any change that produced was shallow and temporary.
But what a difference it is to live by faith in all that Jesus promises to be to us. It’s a fight of faith — but how powerful when the Holy Spirit enables me to feel that Jesus really is infinitely more satisfying than anything else.
So press on in your labor of love — for Jesus’ glory –
Steve Fuller
The one thing I remember about my legalistic phase was how tireing it was…soooooooooooooooo energy consuming. Of course I know a few people who become leaglistic in NOT being legalistic.
Yes, I understand. And OH how I know the legalistically non-legalistic type. For example, here’s a typical statement: “Look at the way those fanatics dress…don’t they know they’re out of God’s will?”