1. […] Next week: Biblical verse-hurling and arguments alone may not convince even a more-grace-minded fiction legalist. So in what other ways might we love them in Christ? […]

  2. Kirsty says:

    “Most people think we are legalistic; but we are not.”
    To be fair, I don’t think what they meant was a claim to be entirely free from a universal sin, but that this particular decision of theirs was not for legalistic reasons. And (as far as anyone can understand their own motives) this may be true.

    Another very different kind of legalism I have come across in regard to fantasy: A book which claimed that Christian parents ought to read fantasy to their children, because of the spiritual benefits. Now, I agree it is a good thing. But it is not necessary (especially if the children hate fantasy!)

  3. Bethany J. says:

    Wow, what a great article! Thanks for responding to my question. I’m looking forward to the next installment.

    This reminds me of the best definition of legalism I have ever read, which I found online once (I haven’t read the book it’s from): “Legalism is the lie that God will find more pleasure in me because my obedience is greater than others or that God looks at me with disgust because I am not growing in grace as quickly as my friends. It is the failure to remember that God’s pleasure in us comes outside of us (in Christ). Legalism causes the heart to forget that God sings over us because of the work He has done, not because of what we have done (Zeph. 3:15-17).” — Tony Reinke

  4. […] Part 2: Remember that we all lapse into legalism — even while we are trying to avoid being legalistic! Enjoying fantasy or fiction, while condemning someone who simply doesn’t as legalistic, could be more of the same problem. […]

What do you think?