Use of the word "LEGALISM"

[mardukm]

Dear brethren in Christ,

I know that here in the ECF, we often use this word “legalism.”

In all humility, may I ask that people to be more careful about their use of it. That term in any context is pejorative. I think many times, when people use the word, they mean to use the word “legal” or “forensic” or “juridical.” The latter terms describe something that has a basis in law or a condition where law is important.

“Legalism” is a very different thing. It refers to an attachment to the law that is detrimental to the one on whom the law applies.

Blessings,
Marduk

 

[Other_Eric]

Dear brethren in Christ,

I know that here in the ECF, we often use this word “legalism.”

In all humility, may I ask that people to be more careful about their use of it. That term in any context is pejorative. I think many times, when people use the word, they mean to use the word “legal” or “forensic” or “juridical.” The latter terms describe something that has a basis in law or a condition where law is important.

“Legalism” is a very different thing. It refers to an attachment to the law that is detrimental to the one on whom the law applies.

Blessings,
Marduk

Legalism is defined as “strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit.” If it is pejorative at all, it is because it implies that the person so described is being Pharisaical. As such, it is a more than appropriate word to use on a forum such as this one. While I agree with your call for the more careful use of language, I should point out that this virtue begins by knowing clearly for oneself what the definitions of individual words are.

 

[mardukm]

Legalism is defined as “strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit.” If it is pejorative at all, it is because it implies that the person so described is being Pharisaical. As such, it is a more than appropriate word to use on a forum such as this one. While I agree with your call for the more careful use of language, I should point out that this virtue begins by knowing clearly for oneself what the definitions of individual words are.

In the mind of Christ, strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit is a big no-no. So in a Christian forum such as this one, the term is indeed ALWAYS pejorative.

Blessings,
Marduk

 

[Other_Eric]

In the mind of Christ, strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit is a big no-no. So in a Christian forum such as this one, the term is indeed ALWAYS pejorative.

Blessings,
Marduk

Christians are not called to divorce themselves from the world of objective reality. If something is best described as “legalistic,” than that word, and no other, is the word to use. If someone is inclined to take offense at the expression of the ugly-at-times truth, the best advice for them to observe is to man up.

 

[TrueLight]

This dialogue is really deteriorating

 

[mardukm]

Christians are not called to divorce themselves from the world of objective reality. If something is best described as “legalistic,” than that word, and no other, is the word to use. If someone is inclined to take offense at the expression of the ugly-at-times truth, the best advice for them to observe is to man up.

Agreed. So what exactly is your issue with my OP? What exactly did I write that is contrary to what you are saying here?

Blessings,
Marduk

 

[mardukm]

This dialogue is really deteriorating

Thank you for the exhortation. But I think the gentleman just jumped the gun. There’s really no disagreement.

Blessings,
Marduk

 

[Pakesh]

Dear brethren in Christ,

I know that here in the ECF, we often use this word “legalism.”

In all humility, may I ask that people to be more careful about their use of it. That term in any context is pejorative. I think many times, when people use the word, they mean to use the word “legal” or “forensic” or “juridical.” The latter terms describe something that has a basis in law or a condition where law is important.

“Legalism” is a very different thing. It refers to an attachment to the law that is detrimental to the one on whom the law applies.

Blessings,
Marduk

Thank you for posting this Mardukm. I am very frequent visitor to this particular board, but I rarely post. It has been my experience that the term “legalism” is indeed extremely pejorative here.
Thanks and God Bless,
Pakesh

 

[Other_Eric]

Agreed. So what exactly is your issue with my OP? What exactly did I write that is contrary to what you are saying here?

Blessings,
Marduk

To hold that the use of the word “legalism” is, in all cases, pejorative (that is, disparaging, derogatory, or belittling) is an unnecessary universalism. In fact, the term is merely descriptive. The only question that should be considered is whether the word was correctly used to describe something, not whether another poster took offense.

 

[mardukm]

To hold that the use of the word “legalism” is, in all cases, pejorative (that is, disparaging, derogatory, or belittling) is an unnecessary universalism. In fact, the term is merely descriptive. The only question that should be considered is whether the word was correctly used to describe something, not whether another poster took offense.

What does a poster taking offense at it have anything to do with saying the term is pejorative? If it is used, it should only be used correctly – it is, correctly used, SUPPOSED TO BE pejorative so people will understand the objectionable quality of legalism, especially in the Church, where our Lord has taught us that IS objectionable.

Blessings,
Marduk

 

[TrueLight]

Thank you for the exhortation. But I think the gentleman just jumped the gun. There’s really no disagreement.

Blessings,
Marduk

I agree. I’m just sayin’.