Legalism

“What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?” (Mark 3:4 MSG)

Legalism is a strict adherence to the letter of the law rather than to the spirit of the law. Fundamentalists of every group usually insist on sticking to long-held beliefs rather than treating people with empathy and tolerance. For example, Islam considers homosexuality a sin. Many conservative Muslims believe that harsh treatment of homosexuals is justified, because they are an abomination to society. A Muslim fanatic, who espoused these fundamentalist values, recently shot up a gay bar in Orlando, Florida. His strong, religious convictions led him to kill and injure many people.

Fundamentalist Christians are often vocal also in their condemnation of homosexuality. We point to Bible verses, especially from the Book of Leviticus, to defend our position.  Jesus spoke out against legalism and encouraged compassion in its stead. His teachings emphasized love, acceptance, forgiveness, and kindness. Yet, many of us who profess to be devoted followers of Christ ignore these teachings. We stand behind the shelter of religion while casting stones at homosexuals, refugees, the poor, and the marginalized.

Evil uses our human desire for order and subverts it--deceiving us to rely on rules more than on our conscience. We can always find laws and precedents to defend our beliefs. However, this is what Jesus condemned in the self-righteous Pharisees. He showed us how to live a life of compassion. Let us be followers of Christ’s example. May we help those who are vulnerable, be merciful to those who are oppressed, be kind to those who are different, and inclusive of those who are disenfranchised. May we always choose forgiveness over blame, acceptance over condemnation, and love over hate.