... everyone of us is much much worse than we care to believe we are ...Isn't the subtext that we humans are just so awful that there's no point in trying to behave; just grab our free salvation and coast.
... For those who trust in Him, there is no more need of “measuring up” and working hard to satisfy God’s righteous demand. ...
... Have you realized ... the hopelessness of your attempts to “be good”?
Bawer's book which I hope to review here in greater detail before long, points to alternative approaches to Christianity which could open its doors to those whose upbringing and innate moral sense led them to believe there was no place in the 'traditional' church for them.
1 comment:
Micah,
When I think of legalism, I think of an emphasis on particulars over over-arching concepts - so whether the particulars are about belief or about actions, the division of all humanity into saved and unsaved seems at heart legalistic. Now granted the evangelical emphasis on grace and redemption in itself may not be legalistic, but the message in the quote emphasizes unworthiness, and the pointlessness of trying to "be good". Underneath that it seems to me is an appeal to salvation itself, and hence ultimately selfishness, rather than to the power of Jesus' message of love. We are "much worse" & "no more need of measuring up" & "hopelessness" are hardly the messages that would inspire Christ-like behavior.
That said, I'm glad to have you as a reader, since I've not thought of myself as a Christian since I was 16, and so I welcome your perspective when I delve into theological matters.
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