Legalism (theology)

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In Christian theology, "legalism" (or "nomism") is a pejorative term applied to the idea that "by doing good works or by obeying the law, a person earns and merits salvation."[1][2][3] The term has been criticized by certain Christian traditions, such as Conservative Anabaptists who have said that being a disciple of Jesus means being obedient to New Testament commands (such as the holy kiss, baptism, communion, headcovering, and feet washing), and the same is "crucial evidence that an individual has repented, believed, and yielded to Christ."[4]

  1. ^ Poettcker, Henry (1989). "Legalism". Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  2. ^ Hagen, Kenneth, ed. (1994). The Quadrilog: Tradition and the Future of Ecumenism: Essays in Honor of George H. Tavard. Liturgical Press. p. 84.
  3. ^ Bertram, Robert W. (Spring 2001). ""Scripture and Tradition" in the Lutheran Confessions". Pro Ecclesia: A Journal of Catholic and Evangelical Theology. 10 (2). Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology: 179–194. doi:10.1177/106385120101000204.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Martin2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).