Is there a litmus test for being a Christian?
Absolutely. And I think they figured it out around 300 A.D., when a group of bishops got together and wrote the Apostle’s Creed. It’s short, it’s to the point, and it’s everything that should unite us.
Interestingly, though, if you read that creed, you’ll find that it says nothing about tattoos or yoga or spanking or day care or alcohol or modesty or music choices. It concentrates on things like believing that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins, was crucified, died and buried; He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. You know, stuff like who God is; what He did for us in the past; what He does for us now; and what He’ll do in the future.
Real Christianity Isn’t About Christian Legalism
I’ve always been of the opinion that you can be a real Christian without having to follow a bunch of man-made rules. Real Christians can get tattoos. Real Christians can drink a beer after work or a glass of wine at dinner. Real Christians can do yoga, can date, can leave their kids in day care, can decide not to spank, can wear shorts, can listen to secular music, can kiss before they’re married, and can even vote Democrat (or Liberal).
Now, there are quite a few of those things that I would never do. I certainly have my opinions about the wisdom of many of those behaviours–as I’ve written about on my blog before. And I do think that most Christians, once they know God better, will start to have opinions on some of them, too.
Nevertheless, I am quite dismayed at the stringency with which many Christians loudly declare that so many of these things are absolute sins and lead to incurring God’s wrath.
It leads me to wonder: are we more concerned about showing people Jesus or about feeling righteous ourselves?
Because sometimes it really looks like the latter. It looks like Christian legalism has made a real comeback.
I wonder if this is more a problem on the internet than in real life.
The internet can be a very polarizing place. I can write a post where I think I take a reasoned approach, and then someone will comment with something so extreme that it seems out of left field. Yet because that comment is there, people tend to assume that opinion is widely held, even if it’s not. Regular people read that comment, and then figure they can’t say anything because they’ll get ridiculed. And thus the comments section of most blogs and websites is dominated by the extremes, giving the impression that that vast middle is underrepresented, when it’s not.
This week alone, I have had comments left on older posts on my blog telling me that it is impossible to do the stretches in yoga without worshiping an Eastern god (even though the yoga exercises I do with my Wii don’t mention anything about emptying your mind, but tons about stretching your hamstrings). I have been told that “courting” is too liberal, because it’s too much like dating, and we should move towards betrothal instead, where a boy “proposes” to the girl’s father before any relationship has started. I have been told that if parents don’t spank their kids their children will go to hell. And I have been told that my daughter is in mortal danger because she read Harry Potter.
Stop it, people, with the Christian legalism. Just stop it.
Paul was not impressed with this kind of behaviour. In fact, he thought it was rather immature. Paul himself ate food that had been sacrificed to idols. He talked to women. He ate food that wasn’t kosher. He did all kinds of things that would have been seen as “breaking the rules”. And then he said this, in Colossians 2:20-23:
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Are we spending so much emotional energy creating a whole new set of increasingly stringent rules which have no power in and of themselves to change behaviour, while ignoring the fact that we are called to show Jesus to the world? Remember that the more insane and extreme we look, the less likely we’ll have an effective witness.
“Ah,” but some will reply. “Jesus was radically counter-cultural, and so we should be radically counter-cultural, too.”
Yes, but Jesus was radically counter-cultural not to regular people, but to the Pharisees.
It wasn’t the regular people who had issues with Him; it was those who were in the business of writing rules about who would get into the kingdom of God and who would not.
It’s interesting, but in my “real” life (as opposed to my internet life) I don’t seem to have these struggles. In fact, our struggles tend to go in the opposite direction. My daughters had some major conflict at different camps and youth groups because it seemed that all that was ever preached was grace, and not holiness. Yes, God is gracious, and yes, forgiveness is freely offered, but if you love God, you will also live a godly lifestyle. Telling teens that “God accepts you no matter what” isn’t a complete picture of the gospel. Grace without repentance is empty.
And so I often find myself in this strange middle, where I do believe that most Christians need to take their faith far more seriously, and yet I also believe that too many Christians are piling burden upon burden and rule upon rule, making the Christian life almost impossible, if not downright unattractive.
We need to get back to fixing our eyes on Jesus.
When we do that, we won’t have cheap grace, because we’ll be so overwhelmed by His sacrifice that we will repent. But we will also see clearly that Jesus loves people, not rules. And Jesus wants to call people to Himself, not separate His children into internet and cultural enclaves until we become so strange to regular people that Jesus’ message is no longer accessible.
Let’s keep the focus where it belongs: on Jesus. That’s the heart of the gospel far more than Christian legalism with a bunch of “do not touch, do not taste” rules.
UPDATE: Read my follow up post on the difference between a timeless moral edict and culture-bound edicts in Christian legalism: Part 2!
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Sheila Wray Gregoire has been married for 29 years and happily married for 24! She loves traveling around North America with her hubby in their RV, giving her signature "Girl Talk" about sex and marriage. And she's written 7 books. About sex and marriage. See a theme here? Plus she knits. Even in line at the grocery store.
Very good. I can’t wait to read these comments. I am praying for you now because I know it could get a bit ugly. The other thing I keep hearing with this is Romans 12:2… so we should have nothing to do with these patterns of the world. So that these are all world things we should be fleeing from. I am more concerned with the heart of a person and why their heart has led them to certain choices/ activities. I was approached before that I was practicing idolatry for the ‘yoga’ I do…. I don’t do yoga- as in the classes and emptying the mind, mediating…. I stretch but yet I was still practicing idolatry!
Thank you, Alexis! I do find that these things are far more prevalent online than they are in real life–where, as I said, the more common issue in real life is that people don’t take their faith seriously enough.
We’ll see what happens…and I’m totally with you on the stretching. Stretching=good. Emptying mind = bad. But there is no need to empty the mind when one is simply stretching, and to assume that’s what we’re doing is kind of odd.
Hi Sheila, you might like this book I just read called “One Way Love: The Power of Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World” by Tullian Tchividjian. He goes into how we, as Christians, all know we’ve been saved by grace, but somehow stop living in the good of that grace and become legalistic/self-righteous. He explains how the concept of God’s grace is so soul-transforming that if we were really living in the good of it, our lives would change. Not by a set of rules, but by the knowledge of how incredible God’s grace really is. Also, how we as Christians tend to downplay the Law, when in reality, the Law is HUGE and it’s the very fact that we CAN’T live up to it that Jesus needed to come and die for us. Anyway, it’s such a great read, and I think a message that gets lost in Christianity. All that to say, I completely agree with you!!
Yes, exactly, Laura! I think one of the big problems is that we’re really uncomfortable the idea of “living by the Spirit”, because that’s too wishy washy. So we want to codify what “living by the Spirit” means. But it’s all supposed to be about a relationship. God was willing to take that risk. I think the church needs to be willing, too.
I come from India. From where yoga comes. Here we too are faced with the same thing. “Doing yoga stretches are a sin!”
Stretching is not. Emptying the mind as a form of meditation is a sin. If your conscience feels it’s wrong don’t do it. God looks at the heart, he knows when your doing it to worship someone/something else and when you have NOTHING to do with some imaginary deity!
But Harry Potter is wrong cz it introduces the reader into the occultic. No joke.
Thank you for this post. You wrote it beautifully.
A note on the yoga.. Although it is based out of Eastern religious practices, I really take my time in yoga class to spend time with Jesus. I make it into an act of worship and it becomes quiet time where God is able to speak to me. I think these “rules” we have are more of a heart issue than anything. I know people who have drinks after work for the wrong reasons (for esape), or rebel (through tattoos or whatnot) for the wrong reasons. Wrong reasons being that they are turning away from God instead of to Him in these acts. I completely agree with you that as you turn more to Jesus, these desires and actions that have potential to be destructive completely fade. I have seen this in my own life. I am definetly in the middle with you! It can be so hard to articulate these things when your not an extreme saying YES do that or NO don’t do that!
Again, thank you for this post. It is a dialogue that needs to happen more. God bless
Yes, Lynn! It’s about whether we’re doing things out of worship or rebellion. That’s the key thing.
I was pumping my fist the whole way through this! AWESOME!
Good observation about legalistic culture online vs. cheap grace culture IRL … definitely observe that too! It seems like we live in an age that so values independence, tolerance, and everyone figuring out *their* truth for *their* lifestyle – it’s scarier to stand up for truth in “real life,” so maybe we backlash as “keyboard warriors” online, spilling out our fears about sin and waving our banners. When you can’t see or know the other commenter, they take on the face of whatever person you truly can’t handle IRL.
Yes, Hannah, you’re probably right. I think I am far bolder online than I am in real life. Maybe that’s more of a call to action to us to speak up with those we actually know personally!
Hello All,
Good post!
I just have a few things to say on this. Jesus came so we could have life and have it more abundantly. Living life to fullest, God is ok with this. But, I’ve studied scripture and some things are made plain so no one could misinterpret them. Whether Old testament or New testament, if God (who is the author of the ENTIRE BIBLE), says do not do something he meant that (Christ didn’t get rid of the law but fulfilled it – Do not means DO NOT). It’s been my experience that many christian don’t study the word of God in great length and really are only aware of the “popular” scriptures widely known by many Christians. But, upon a well-rounded study they will realize what God is against and what God gives us the authority to do. Anytime God says not to do something it is not for his benefit but for us.
Hope I wasn’t to extreme here.
Grace and Peace
M.D Henderson
Christian Married Men Brotherhood
I love this post…. as Hannah said ‘Awesome”
I want to print it out and take it to my small groups at church. Although I have never been directly criticized for most of the things on your list, I heard enough people condemn others with tattoos, do yoga or have a glass of wine with dinner. Kind of hard to be open with a group when you know that you ‘participate’ in things that they consider sinful.
And this is why I adore you. 🙂
Another thought: we have to be very careful not to shame or condemn those whose conscience are bothered by some of these things. (1 Cor 8:7-13). We know from scripture (and experience!) that even if we rationally know something is FINE and not sinful, sometimes associations or personal sensitivities make it impossible to be around, and seeing friends participate triggers all kinds of indignation or feelings of isolation. I know at times I have felt physically nauseous and had to leave the room listening to Christians talk about movies or TV, because media has been such a battlefield in my own heart. The fight against fear and judgmentalism in that area seems like one that will last me till heaven.
I like that you draw attention to self-righteousness and judgment as the real issue. An internet commenter is extremely handicapped to address sin Biblically because there is no relationship. If you see sin in my life, regardless of how “grey” the issue is, please address it, and do it graciously! If two people are bothered that I drink wine, one driven by self-righteousness and one by genuine concern that I am sinning, the conversation will happen very differently.
I agree with this completely! In the same sense though we need to not put our convictions onto each other. If yoga or alcohol (for example) are heart issues for you, and you feel strongly convicted that you should not be part-taking in this then by all means please be obedient and abstain!! But that is not for you to put on me…
Yep! Absolutely.
There is no “litmus test” – but then to say there is no problem with some things goes a long way. Yoga? I believe you have to separate the mysticism, the demonism part from the exercises. As we say in my country, “one thing is one thing, but another thing is another thing”!
I so understand. I homeschool four children(well 3 one is not quite there yet) and most everywhere I go I am the most conservative person I know. I am strict about what is watched on TV. I closely monitor any internet acsess. I do not insist that other people meet my standards or even think they are in the wrong(not Christian ) for having different standards. However I used to be a member of a christian homeschool group. It was the only place where my kids were the bad seeds and I wadd the bad parent they were skirts only (I have high standards for modesty but my girls wear pants and shorts and when they are swimming a one piece bathing suit gasp!) The other moms inn this group had no tv rules and no secular music rules. It was not an online group it was real people and I have no problem with their standards but they expected every one else to meet their standards. we had a field trip planned that included swimming and sent out notices that no bathing suits were allowed they must be covered. Needless to say we had to leave the group. I have heard since that the group split into two groups… one conservative, one liberal. I may rejoin. but no where else I go ever. am.. I. considered. liberal. I just don’t get it.
Oh, Monica, I totally get it! Totally. We could have formed a homeschool group together…
Amen! I always think, is it a salvation issue? No? Then let it go and agree to disagree. Thank you for putting the challenge out there.
Amen and amen some more! Thank you for this thoughtful, well presented post, Sheila. Seriously, you’ve laid out the heart of the issue so thoroughly and spot-on, I could not agree more. I’m sharing this on Facebook today.
Thank you so much, Becky! And I LOVE your post you linked up. Just shared it, too!
I was afraid to share this… I have so many well meaning holy spirit friends who are very quick to condemn. I was afraid for the onslaught of messages I would receive. 🙁
Has anyone’s self-righteousness ever brought anyone to Jesus? I once had a relative tell me that I hated God just because I didn’t agree with his (my relative’s, not God’s) condemnation of a leader in our church who was asking hard questions about a sensitive issue.
Thank you for this post.
I’m always fascinated when people get into such heated debates about different issues that don’t seem that important (at least to me). I think the reason may be that we all want to do “the right thing” and sometimes it’s hard to figure out what that is. Perhaps when someone else agrees, it feels more right somehow? I’m not sure. I often read the comments on here to get a different perspective so if people disagree with what I think, I find it interesting more than anything else. If someone thinks my kids are going to Hell because I don’t spank them, that’s their prerogative. I’m not going to waste my energy concerning myself with what they think!
“I’ve always been of the opinion that you can be a real Christian without having to follow a bunch of man-made rules.”
Very true! So turn to scripture to see what God says about tattoos and our bodies.
Leviticus 19:28 “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
There are those that argue the Old Testament is passé as it represents the old covenant and Christ the new covenant. But the emphasis of I AM THE LORD in that verse stands out to me as something very important and not to be disregarded. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit; we are IN the world, but not to be OF the world. As believers, are we not to be different from unbelievers?
For me, the answer as to whether or not I should get a tattoo is spelled out clearly in scripture … both Old Testament and New Testament. The answer is NO.
I do know what you’re saying–but the Bible in the Old Testament also speaks of not eating meat with any blood in it (so a rare or medium steak is bad). Not wearing clothes with two different kinds of fibres. Not eating pork or shellfish.
If we’re going to say that the tattoo verse applies, then why do all the other verses not also apply?
My point is that we pick and choose, even if we don’t like to admit it.
Here’s what’s key to me: Are we trying to recreate a culture from a bygone era, or are we trying to make Jesus relevant to the culture that we’re in right now, where we are planted and where we are called? Too often I see people trying to recreate a previous culture, and giving that older culture a spiritual status that it really shouldn’t have, and thus render it much more difficult to be a witness in this culture.
“To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.” (1 Corinthians 9:21).
I’ll follow this up next week with a broader post, but I do believe that there is an element of Christianity that is trying to recreate biblical times, and re-impose cultural rules onto modern day, instead of coming to terms with the culture we are in and figuring out how to make Christ known in this culture.
Hey Shelia,
I see what you are saying about becoming relevant to modern culture to be a witness. But I feel like there’s a fine line and if a Christian has to compromise his/her salvation to be relevant to someone who doesn’t know the God he/she serves, the sinner might not see any distinction between a Godly person and themselves. Then, ultimately say what so many sinners oblivious to Christianity always say…”Those Christians are hypocrites.”
It’s a fight and we have to be wise in this matter.
M.D. Henderson
We’re not talking about compromising salvation, though. We’re talking about things that are mostly cultural. Like I said, I do have opinions on the list of things I gave, but they are not salvation issues. When we elevate them to salvation issues, we lose a lot.
I agree that folks go to the Old Testament to pick and choose their “standards”. People close to me wouldn’t eat pork if they were truly starving and are sure they have gravely sinned against God by being pressured into a blood transfusion during an emergency situation because it’s “forbidden” in The Law. And yet, these same people would never dream of building a hut and sending their wife out for her menstrual cycle each month. You can’t pick and choose. If one thing applies, ALL of it applies.
That said, I’m often labeled as uber conservative because I think that The Law does contain principles that are beneficial to us today. There are often common sense principles and scientific evidence for the reasons God said yay or nay on something. Because of that, I stop to ponder implications before I rush forward. But Scripture is clear: I can’t keep The Law on my own. That’s why Jesus came. 🙂
Yes, exactly, Janel, and that’s what I’m going to argue in next week’s post. All of these things that God said–they all had a REASON behind them. The key is: do we look at the reason, or do we look at the outward expression of it? The REASON is what is timeless; the outward expression is often cultural. We need to keep the reason, and realize that we don’t need to recreate that bygone culture to be truly Christian.
Awesome Reply Bev, This is what I was saying earlier with my comment…Do not means DO NOT..
I certainly don’t mean to take Scripture lightly, but I do think that if you’re going to elevate one verse in the Old Testament, then you also have to elevate the others. If the “Do Not” in the tattoo verse applies, then the Do Not in Leviticus 19:19 also applies:
“‘Keep my decrees. “‘Do not mate different kinds of animals. “‘Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. “‘Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.”
I tend to plant basil with my tomatoes because it keeps the bugs away. I also wear cotton/poly blends.
Obviously we are picking and choosing with regards to the tattoo verse. If that applies today, then so do these. That’s all I’m saying, and I hope people understand that.
I understand what you are saying, Sheila. The problem, and it is a problem, is that many Christians do (cherry) pick verses from the Bible to justify their choices. There are many things occuring today that were never specifically mentioned in the Bible. As an example, where in the Bible are things like IUDs specifically mentioned? Personally, I think there are times when we need to deduce from the higher principles in the Bible what is the right and correct thing to do in specific situations. The Bible does not contain specifics on every issue we face today. It is helpful to recall to mind Jesus’ 2 commandments to love God and love your neighbor. (And, as an example, as to the specific I mentioned above, if murder is wrong and condemned as it is in the 5th Commandment, then all forms of it must be avoided. Life begins as conception, thus IUDs are wrong to use.)
Great point Larry.
And thanks a lot for this post Shelia. The dialogue and exchange really has me thinking about all said here today.
So glad!
Exactly! Let’s look at the reasons and the guiding principles, not the cultural expressions of those reasons.
Larry, then the question comes in, is it absolute and always 100% wrong? Are you willing to make exceptions to the rule? The IUD issue mentioned is because it “murders” the baby at it’s conception. What if NOT having it could cost the woman’s life because through some strange body changes she’s on a constant menstrual cycle that lasts months on end and she becomes so anemic that her heart is at serious risk? Is that ok? EVEN THOUGH, this could cause her to “murder” conceived children? See, I think that there are exceptions. I do believe that the IUD isn’t a horrid device meant to destroy life. I believe it is in the application and intention. I personally have an IUD. It was something that was emergent because my heart was suffering from the lack of iron. It’s been almost 2.5 years and I’m still battling with my iron stores. Should I be condemned because I cannot conceive a child for my husband? I’m not trying to pick a fight. Text is really hard to convey tone and sound. Because it is truly something that I struggled with. Did I do the right thing? Is the possibility of conceiving a child more important to my salvation or being around to rear the toddler I already had? I chose my own life because without it surely I was going to have to have a hysterectomy or die. Anyways. It’s pretty thought provoking, this article. However, I will only say that there are VERY few absolutes in this life. 1.) God is creator of all things. 2.) Jesus is His son and was so in love with us that He died so that we could live with God. 3.) The ONLY reason I’m worthy of Heaven is because of Jesus’ love and God’s grace. There are few more, but so long as I have these, and I do my best to be LIKE Christ, there’s hope for me yet.
Well according to Revelations Jesus had a name written on his leg. I think if you want to get a tattoo, go ahead. It’s not going to keep you out of Heaven. If you personally don’t feel it’s right; that’s your choice. But to tell everyone else that it’s wrong; well in my opinion that is wrong and full of condemnation. People have enough of that, trust me they don’t need anymore.
I agree wholeheartedly with Bev. For me the decision to do something or not,like tattoos,is based on God’s word. What does God say? Also,the bible talks about doing things with consideration for others. If my drinking wine will encourage my fellow man to fall into sin…why would I want to do it?Let us be our brothers keeper too.Less of self….more of Jesus
People like this, judgemental, offendable, and critical make the Gospel all about them, and nothing about Jesus. The church is not a museum for perfect specimens to be displayed, it is a HOSPITAL for the wounded, the broken hearted, the bound( with religious spirits). These are the same people bound with the same religious spirit, who cry..”I don’t go to church because of all the hypocrites.”…What a cop out! That is like saying “I don’t go to the gym because of all the fat people!”…really?
Nicole, as your post appears immediately after mine, it is apparent that your words “people like this” refer to me.
I do not see how my words, which included scripture and answered the question of whether I should get a tattoo, automatically makes me judgmental and critical, etc. Should all who share this understanding automatically be put in the same mould?
Bev, Nicole didn’t hit reply to your comment; she started another thread. And I believe her comment went through before yours did, since yours had to be approved and hers did not (she’s commented before). She’s making a statement on the article.
This is my correct site adds.sorry…http://ndnman23.blogspot.com
Nope. Not just a problem on the Internet. The small, rural area in which I live is filled with legalism. Can’t handle it most days.
Just talking to my mom about that–she grew up in an extremely legalistic small community. So I guess some of us see it in real life. I really only did in some of the homeschooling groups I belonged to (and then only from a few families), but I know it is widespread.
I enjoyed this article! These are things I see all the time; and just shake my head in amazement of people’s judgmental attitudes. Especially, if you do something that goes against what they think is “Christian Law”. What is ironic though is the fact that someone posted a long list of things you can’t do, and if you do it means, you are a Satan worshipper, last night on FB. Boy, oh boy, if these are real, am I doomed. LOL I agree, when did being a Christian mean having rules and laws, instead of about following God, and his commandments (which are in the bible; our true life manual)!?
For some individuals, it may be easier to follow the letter of the law even though one may be ignoring the spirit of the law. People need to govern their religious fervor with reason. And, this is not just a challenge for Christians. One sees this in other religions, too. (There is a need for organized religions, but, sadly,one sees abuses of authority in them.)
There is a sad reality in my world…I tend to be legalistic! I like rules…most days anyway. Problem is I can’t follow all the rules. I want to, I desire to. I like black and white. It’s easier when you know the DO’s and DON’Ts of the Christian life. But it is also EXHAUSTING! But then that is what rules do, it’s what the LAW of God does…shows us we can’t follow the law. At least we can’t follow every letter of the law. It’s why I NEED the gospel. I NEED grace.
Oh how I understand those who find it easier to have a list of rules to follow, but the gospel of grace free’s us from the law. Funny thing is I used to think that if I lived in grace it would be easier to sin. I feared that without rules I would do the wrong thing. The truth is that when we live in the freedom of the gospel and understand grace our desire is to obey and our obedience is not a burden.
Not sure if I am making total sense…it would really require a few blog post to break it all down, but I think when we have a proper understanding of the gospel and grace there is less legalism. I’m still learning, still growing and so often finding myself fighting MY tendency toward legalism. 🙂
Sharon: THIS EXACTLY!!! “The truth is that when we live in the freedom of the gospel and understand grace our desire is to obey and our obedience is not a burden.” I believe that when we know God, we will naturally do things that please Him. But we don’t need rules for that. We need Jesus. And I still am of the opinion that Jesus often calls people to different expressions of faith. We need people who can minister effectively in the inner city, and we need people who can minister effectively in farming communities. That’s going to be very different cultural expressions of Jesus. But if the heart is right and desiring to worship, I believe that God honours that.
Have you read that divorce is just as common among church members/professing Christians as those who profess no religion at all. Articles like this are easy to write, much more difficult to defend. Its amazing that we have a significant number of people who THINK they are Christians but who without question ARE NOT! These professing Christians “believe” that it is alright to “marry” someone of the same sex, but, alas, it is not. They “believe” that it is alright if you “must”, have an abortion. After all, God will still love you. They “believe” you can be a Christian and still dress like a slut, that God didn’t have anything specific in mind when he said that His disciples (followers of the Christ and the Christ life) should dress with modesty as their first goal. A little make-up truly is a good thing but if you’re so made up you look like a whore, you’re not going to influence anyone toward Christ. You see, when you minister, every day, in the REAL world, with REAL people, you are called by them and by GOD to get into the details……..AND, that’s a good thing, because it really is true that “the devil’s in the details”.
I know that I didn’t just read that my comment was awaiting “moderation”……….DID I?!
All first time commenters are on moderation. Once you’ve commented once you’re usually let right through–but I have to manually allow EVERYONE’S first comments to avoid spam and ugliness.
Actually, Carroll, there’s a great new book out debunking the myth of the equal Christian divorce rate. The Good News About Marriage, by Shaunti Feldhahn, looks into the U.S. Census data and survey data and finds that the Christian divorce rate is 30-50% lower than the secular divorce rate. The original study that said we had the same divorce rate was by George Barna, and he simply asked people to self-identify their religion, not about whether they actually went to church. He’s gone public to say that people have misused his survey data. When you actually measure things like whether people pray or go to church, the divorce rate drops significantly, closer to 15%.
We may not be under the law anymore, but the Old Testament does give us a glimpse into the heart of God on many varying issues. Leviticus says not to make any markings on your flesh. I may not have to abide by that, since I am under grace, but God still said it. And I love him and respect him enough to obey whether I “have” to or not. It’s not legalism. It’s a desire to honor every word of the Lord.
“like”
Kristen, it would fall under the category of legalism when we start making it an issue of salvation. I’d point you to the book of Galatians for all of this. There is no problem having an opinion on any of it; as I said in the article, I have personal opinions on many of the things I mentioned, and I would never do them. But when we set up rules and concentrate more on those rules than on people growing closer to God, we miss the point.
Obedience flows out of being a slave to the Spirit, not a slave to the law. When we know God, we follow His voice. When we set up a bunch of rules–rules which seem very exclusionary for those outside the faith–then we turn people away and do exactly what Paul was saying to the Galatian church.
I subscribe to your newsletter and love reading your posts. Thank you for the encouraging word and experiences you share. I many times feel judged and in my younger years it affected me alot. Today, almost 40… I diminish the judgments sent to me in a stare or word. I am a wife, mother of 3 great kids, we both work, are educated, lead a healthy life, go to church, are faithful, attempt to lead a christ-centered life with the best intentions possible, but we are not perfect. We both have tattoos and so what…why should that make me any less than anyone. We use to go to a church (diff religion) where we were constantly judged. I felt like a “bad” mom becasue of the tattoo on my ankle and always attempted to hide it with long skirts. But today, we go to a different church and we are welcomed in any way or fashion as we come in.
We are Christians. We focus our heart and ways on Jesus. We are learning everyday. We are attempting to model a healthy faith-full life for our three kids in hopes, they will continue to grow their relationship with Christ. The rules, fashions, and judgements do make a person a Christian. As you said in your post, “Let’s keep the focus where it belongs: on Jesus. That’s the heart of the gospel far more than Christian legalism with a bunch of “do not touch, do not taste” rules.” Awesome post you wrote! 🙂 Thank you,
I meant… The rules, fashions, and judgements DO NOT make a person a Christian.
Thank you, Sharon, for your truthful comments. I have to ask myself, daily, if what I choose is honouring to God. When I became a believer, I pledged my body, soul, and spirit to Christ’s redemption. Because of this pledge, body, soul, spirit (my time, my money, my hobbies, etc.) are not mine, but were bought with the price of Christ’s blood. As I grow in faith, I learn that my freedom to choose is overshadowed by God’s direction. For me, “grace” is God’s mercy offered because of my immaturity (thank God!), but never permission for disobeying His direction. Increasing holiness, by His grace, God willing.
I would so love to hang with you in “real” life! You are my kind of gal!
Hi Sheila
Thank you so much for this blog post – the title immediately caught my eye! I am a Christian, I have a tattoo, I drink wine and sometimes even go dancing with my girl friends BUT I also love Jesus. He is my world and without Him I am nothing. I study His Word and spend time with Him. So what I am trying to say is that although I have and do some of these things that some people say are wrong according to the Bible, am I a bad witness to my friends around me? I think not!! All my friends (save or not saved) know where I stand with regards to God and my love for Him. They know that my life is founded in Him and that I live according to His Word. And most of the time they’ll come to me for support when faced with a crisis or problem in their lives. I do believe that should God speak to ME regarding a certain issue in my life that it is for ME and no one else. If He would tell me, for instance to stop drinking wine, I must obey Him and not force my conviction on any one else. If God wants to convict my friend that she should stop drinking wine, I believe He must tell her first – not me. And just on another note, if we want to point out these issues (like tattoos, drinking wine etc.) we must just remember that there is a lot in Scripture about gossiping, lying, back-biting (things other people cant always see) that cause a lot more pain than a tattoo, drinking wine etc.
And by the way, as a career I even assist people who went through a divorce to claim their share of the pension fund (hope that doesn’t put me in the hot water – wink wink).
I love your blog and always read your articles. Thank you for talking straight to your readers. Let those who have ears, listen 🙂
Greetings
It’s important to be culturally relevant. Jesus was, but do not negate or deny the Word of God, which is Christ himself. Yes, His grace is sufficient for salvation. Period. Consider, now, how Christ is to be our example, and not our excuse. He followed the law and the Law of the Lord is good, refreshing the soul (read Psalm 119). How is it exhausting if do His commands in the power of the Spirit? He said in Matthew 11:30 “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Please be careful. He also said in Matthew 5:19 “Whoever then annuals one if the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be great in the kingdom of heaven.” My opinion based on this verse (and the context of this verse) is that some are teaching to annul. That’s your choice, but I wouldn’t do it. I don’t have this figured out yet, believe me. I still “pick and choose” which laws from the old testament to follow, but as I read through God’s entire word, I know that He still wants us to follow His commands. Why? Not so we have a righteousness of our own, but to show Him we love Him and want to be close to Him. Yes, we need to show Christ to the world. That’s the great comission, but don’t leave off the part that says “and teaching them to observe all that I commanded you”. Remember that Revelation 2 tells us to be “overcomers” and in 12:17 “to keep to the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus”. That’s what I hope to do by the power of God and I hope we all do too.
Sara, I’d agree–and I’ll address this more in a follow-up post next week.
I think my main point will be this: there is a difference between the cultural edicts of the Bible and the moral edicts of the Bible. The moral edicts are timeless, and absolutely non-negotiable. The cultural edicts, though, are more how we live out those moral edicts, and those will change over time and over cultures. My problem is that we’re elevating the cultural edicts to the level of moral edicts, and it can wreck our witness and take out down a rabbit trail in our own spiritual life.
I hope that makes sense, but I’ll expand again next week!
There are some really awesome points expressed in this article. Jesus spent a lot of his time on earth teaching that the hypocrisy of religion was wrong and that it is the heart of the man that is important. “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” Mark 7:6 (Isaiah 29:13). I do not believe in legalism. However, if a Christian has submitted his/her life fully to The Lord and is filled with the Holy Spirit, then he/she will be on a progressive journey toward holiness. (Romans 6) This process is called sanctification. When the Holy Spirit is working in your life there will be evidence or fruits- Galations 5:22-26. We are all on a different level in our sanctification process and therefore we all will produce different amounts of evidence or fruits in our lives. However, if someone is a Christian and is not progressing toward holiness or not producing fruit in their life then I think the question has to be asked if they are truly repentant and truly seeking The Lord. It may not be a matter of salvation but of sanctification. I believe that it is our responsibilty as maturing Christians to always point those to Christ-the highest example of holiness, and not give permission to flirt with the ways of the world. Rather, submit ourselves unto Christ and he will convict us through the Holy Spirit whether we should have tattoos, drink alcohol, or engage in physical relationships outside of marriage. God’s grace should not be a permission slip to do what we want and then ask forgiveness. His grace should point us to the fact that we serve a merciful holy God who does not give us what we deserve. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:17 that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. In other words, Jesus came to call us into an ever increasing relationship with a Holy God so that only through him and the power of the Holy Spirit can we uphold the law. When we grow in our relationship with Christ, it means we must be willing to give up our rights, our comforts, and yes, some of the things we may want to do for the sake of our relationship with him and for building his kingdom. While I deeply respect your opinion I think now is the time to point our sisters in Christ towards the sanctification process. For the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we will want to be like him and less like the world!
Ashley, thanks for your well thought out answer! I totally agree with you about sanctification.
Where perhaps we may differ is in this sentence: You said, “Rather, submit ourselves unto Christ and he will convict us through the Holy Spirit whether we should have tattoos, drink alcohol, or engage in physical relationships outside of marriage.”
I guess I wouldn’t see those three things as on the same spectrum at all. Sin is sin; a moral code is a moral code, and having sex outside of marriage contravenes a moral code. Therefore it is a timeless edict from God.
The other two, however, aren’t of the same weight. I believe that honest Christians could come to different opinions on them, and that what could be wrong for one could be right for another dependent on culture. When it comes to sex, though, there is no gray. There is only black and white.
There are some things which we need to say are simply wrong or right, and that isn’t legalism. It is the other things–like drinking wine, getting tattoos, women working outside the home, whether or not you only wear skirts, etc. etc.–that people often give the same weight as the moral and sin issues, and that’s where we get legalistic. Sin is sin; cultural norms are cultural norms. We need to honour God within our culture, and not make a sin issue out of these other things. People need to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice and heed His voice when it comes to these other things. But let’s not assume that we know the correct answer for everyone with regards to these other things, because we don’t.
We do, however, know the correct answer when it comes to sex outside of marriage, because that is about a moral code.
I hope that makes sense; I’m going to talk about it more next week. But that’s where I think real legalism comes in: when we create moral codes about cultural norms, rather than sticking to the moral codes that God set. I absolutely believe that we need to obey God’s moral code. I’m just saying that I think that moral code is much narrower than most Christians act.
Let’s not forget that Jesus turned water into wine. I grew up being told by my pastor that this was only because water at the time was low quality and contaminated! But they obviously had water wells! How Christians twist themselves into knots to judge others amazes me. Thank you for this well-written post. I read you regularly and agree with about 80% of what you write, but I know we both say the Apostle’s Creed with pride. The rest God can sort out. Blessings to you and thank you for putting the focus back on Christ.
I can fully relate to your daughter’s issues as I have walked a very tough road regarding the lack of preaching on holiness and heaven forbid the word “sin” being mentioned from the pulpit. Cheap grace is rampant as it is more “palatable” but misses so much of what the FULL Gospel of Christ is. Was shunned, called all sorts of names, labelled and ultimately gave up the “fight” and left a church which our family were founding members of years ago. Heart breaking but leadership and the Board would not even consider the issues at hand. You are totally correct to say life is about holiness and what it cost Christ to give us grace. May your girls stand strong and press on speaking truth!
Sheila, thank you. You have expressed exactly what is going on in my heart and mind. Having come from conservative roots God has slowly been working on me showing me that the works is pointless when it is in order to achieve salvation. I especially love the part where you said that Gods grace is not cheap.
Im still on this journey but i can tell you that i am so much happier. I feel free.
Thugh I deeply admire and am a follower of your blog, I also test all things, and hold fast to what is right (1 Thessalonians 5:21). So I respect all your opinions here about the topic of tattoos. I firmly believe however that there is a huge difference in ‘having’ a tattoo than in ‘getting’ one. The first one is already done after the fact that he/she is already a Christian, and the second is intentionally done even though having read Romans 12:1 “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” which clearly means that our bodies are no longer ours and should be treated as HOLY and pleasing to God. What we do with our bodies, obviously matter to God as well. However that is not to say we do not accept people who had them because they are not yet aware of this, but something is to be said about those who still desire, decide, plan, and march up to a tattoo parlor and actually get one regardless of what he/she has read in the Bible. Everything we do after accepting salvation should point to what is pleasing to God and centered in His will, not what looks pleasing to us.
Again, I love this ISV version of 1 Corinthians 10:23 Everything is permissible, but not everything is helpful. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up.
I hope as Christians we spend more time building each other up. I apologize if my comment offends anyone, but this is my view of tattoo, and I prefer it at that.
I meant the first one is done *before the fact
Oh my gosh. Well said. Thank you. It’s so well written and everything I’ve ever wanted to say to people who criticize me for doing yoga.
Everything about this article is wrong, wrong, wrong.
Starting with the cover picture, a pair of shoes on the Bible????
The writer of this article should go and ask forgiveness to God for misleading young believers into believing that God can be mocked.
Please LaToya, as a Christian myself, I urge you to open your Bible and read for yourself.
Meanwhile, please read the followings:
1- Romans12:1
( is about us offering our bodies as a living sacrifices).
2- 1 John 3:2-3
( is about us purifying ourselves)…” What is purifying about Harry Potter?
3- 2 Peter 1:4
( is about us Christians to participate in God’s nature, and walk away from corruption in the world caused by evil desires)…
I could go on and on.
There is no legalism in choosing to live a pure life and make Jesus smile.
On the other hand, it is very wrong for us Christians to love our culture more than the word of God.
Reading the Bible often will help young Christians to understand God more, and to respect Him more.
Let us read the Word more often, so we can avoid tagging other Christians who are growing in the Word ” Legalists”.
Yves, I absolutely believe in purity and in pleasing God.
The question is, “how do we define purity?”
To me, purity is following God’s moral code, often called the 10 Commandments, or summed up in Galatians 5:19-21.
Yet I wasn’t talking about any of these things. I wasn’t talking about the 10 Commandments or about things that are black and white sins. I was talking about things which we often say equate to purity, when really they are cultural things over which Christians can have legitimate disagreements.
Bringing cultural things up to the level of sins IS legalistic, and is dangerous. That, to me, is the issue. Yes, we absolutely have to obey God’s moral edicts. But let’s remember that many of the things in the Bible–like whether or not to wear fibres of two different kinds, or whether or not to wear braided hair–are cultural. Today we also have cultural things, like the ones that I mentioned. And we should be careful not to become proud and pronounce judgment on other people for these things which really are only cultural.
What’s wrong with shoes on the Bible? I could be wrong, but isn’t it like a visual metaphor for your walk with God based on/ founded in the Bible? What’s wrong with that?
Pleasing God is for our own good.
I’ve forgotten people freak out about yoga. I dunno. I just don’t do any videos with weird mysticism stuff in it.
I’m not sure how you are supposed to empty your mind while doing it. I do vinyasha style yoga. Your constantly moving, so my mind is really busy focusing on my form, what my body is doing, my breath and making sure I don’t fall on my face. I find it helps me focus on the moment and manage my anxiety. It’s also given me a lot of upper body and core strength and it helps my back. So, until I feel convicted by God to give it up, I”m going to happily practice my yoga, drink my wine and read fiction.
Apparently all these happy legalists neglected the verse about minding their own business and living in peace with people. I’ve not really encountered such people in person. Our church actually does preach about sin, holiness and grace. So maybe that helps keep things in perspective.
Personally (meaning this isn’t for everyone) I make it a practice never to put anything on top of my Bible, because it reminds me that God trumps everything in my life. It’s also a sign of respect for God’s word, and as a nurse, shoes are dirty, therefore… so I did find the picture offensive, but this is the crux of this article. This is a rule I keep for myself. I’ve never told anyone else to do it, nor do I tell you to do it. It’s a deeply meaningful, but personal, act between God and myself. Having something on top of your Bible, though, isn’t breaking a command so I can’t tell others (ie Shelia) not to do it. I hate (yes, I know that’s a strong word) how the church’s cultural traditions are sometimes elevated to the level of Scripture. This is ungodly. We are warned not to add to the law and so make it difficult to bear. But let me ask this. Are we really ready for the freedom we have in the law? This is sometimes hard to accept, as it was in Jesus’ day when he challenged the pharisees on their “cultural” norms. If we are talking about the authority of God’s “moral law” over a “cultural law” we need to have a fulsome conversation and I wonder if we’re ready for it. For example, polygamy is never condemned in the Bible, unless you want to stretch the principles of the law, but this is arguably what the pharisees did to create their oral / “cultural” laws. Martin Luther agreed the Bible doesn’t condemn polygamy and other church leaders did as well. It’s not “culturally correct” so we don’t talk about it, much less openly permit it! Please let’s not focus on polygamy though (tattoos are a much safer topic, although tattoos are clearly forbidden in God’s law whereas polygamy is not, go figure ;). My point is this: Read through the ENTIRE Bible and let Him tell you what is right and wrong. He who has ears to hear and eyes to see will understand. Simply ask Him to explain to you how the Old Testament relates to today (this is where I’m at personally). He won’t hide this from you. If you seek Him you will find Him, if you search for Him with all of your heart. Test if your books or your pastors are “adding to the Bible” with the traditions of men. If need be, challenge them respectfully. Although I would pass on polygamy, (there are other reasons not to do this, which is why it’s not prevalent in our society today) I wonder how much we are missing out on what God intended us to enjoy simply because we hold to the traditions of men. Whatever we do, we must be sure not to nullify God’s commands in order to keep the traditions of men, as Christ warns. Are we really prepared for what life could be like when we all understand the Bible says nothing against some of our most valued “traditions”? This is a huge can of worms. If you open it, make sure you are strong in the Word (not in empty philosophy) and have your full armour on. Don’t be afraid of the freedom we have, just be strong in the Word.
I agree with everything you said in your article except the piece about yoga! I love exercise, I love to stretch, I love to pray and love to meditate, but I want nothing to do with a form of physical activity that is actively being used to “soften” participants up to accepting ideas and philosophies that are not conducive to faith and trust in Jesus. I know that many say they are praying as they do yoga – I respect that, but I am more interested in how those who do not know the love of Christ are being influenced in that situation and what are they being taught. My best friend was a yoga teacher and now that she is a Christian wants NOTHING to do with it to do with it at all!
THIS THIS THIS!
Thank you for this post. I consider myself a Christian because I take the Apostles Creed very seriously and I believe in its principles as a statement of my faith. I am also a fairly liberal person, at least socially. I don’t run around naked or think that everything goes, but I have a tattoo (my mom and I got matching ones, and it was a fabulous bonding experience after years of teenage rebellion), I wear pants, I speak my mind, I believe gay people deserve TRUE respect (i.e. not “I respect you, but you can’t have all the same rights as me”) and I am considering studying to be a pastor someday. Some people would look at me and, regardless of my beliefs in terms of God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and any other “essential”, tell me that my “liberal” side will land me in hell. Who says?! I often say in these situations, “It’s not our job to judge and condemn others when they go against our own interpretations of the bible. The only one qualified for that job is God”.
To be honest, I often read conservative christian blogs and roll my eyes at every “submit to your husband” or “cause our brothers in Christ to stumble” and subsequent explanations of what the blogger believes it means. But your blog post today has really convinced me that, for all my preaching about not wanting others to judge me for having different beliefs, here I am judging others in the same way. I am going to try really hard to check myself for that from now on. We don’t HAVE to agree on every single little thing, especially when doing so takes away from our true mission of loving like Jesus. Lets have enough respect for each other to consider opinions for what they are, not attacks on our faith or way of life. From this girl who’s just trying to figure it all out, thanks again for a fantastic post.
I like reading your blog. I agree with you on most things, but sometimes we disagree. Most of the time, when that’s the case, I don’t bother commenting to let you know I didn’t agree. This is YOUR blog, and you write YOUR opinion.
I have several very good christian friends. With a few of them I disagree about every thing other than that Jesus is Christ, and that He died for our sins and rose from the death. And that’s okay. We love each other. We pray for each other. We respect each other. I will however give my honest opinion IF ASKED.
When you write a post and ask your readers for their opinion I might comment (If I have the time as the mother of 3 little children) and I might disagree with you. We disagree about yoga, for example, and that’s okay.
I feel like a lot of this ‘christian legalism’ goes into the category of ‘arguing on the internet’, which is not something I want to waste my time on. So some woman in Canada disagrees with me on some issues, big deal.
I think that to be effective in this world, we need to be Christian and show God’s love right where we are – at work, at school, with our friends, and being true to who God created us to be. I have two tattoos. And I would love to get another – and I have perhaps half a glass of wine with dinner every night (I say half, because I fill it with so many ice cubes its more like flavored water in the end). But none of those things matter if people don’t see Jesus in me. I’ve seen biker gangs – Christian biker gangs covered with tattoos and looking really rough have a wonderful impact on little children and witnessing to them. Don’t tell me that because they wear leather and are all covered in tattoos that it somehow takes away from the impact they are having on the world around them? I don’t think so. And I do believe that they are a shining example of Christ’s true love. And THAT is what is important – showing Christ’s love to the world. I remember someone telling me – many years ago – that my doing Yoga was evil. Really? When all my body needed was a good stretch? I find that so heard to believe when I know that my heart and mind were definitely not in worship mode – only in exercise/stretching mode.
I find it ironic that so many condemn tattoos but have no problem with women who wear makeup. One washes off, one doesn’t. You are still decorating yourself. I have learned people like legalism because it tried to make everyone exactly the same. That, in a nutshell, is control. It is pride. It is ‘God loves me more than you because look how holy I am’. Grace is actually what makes us all equal and people don’t like that because they base their salvation on outward appearances or how hard they think they have to work for God. “I live in the slums in the mission fields…I have no water, I don’t wear pants…we only sing accapella.” That mindset is opposed to the one who drives a nice car, has a glass of wine, maybe even a tattoo because the first person has suffered more than the second. It is the I can’t, so neither should you. The parable of the field workers comes to mind. The biggest irony is this attitude is so prevalent in the world with income equality and ‘everyone should be the same and live equal’.
Good article, Sheila! (Although I’m probably as guilty as anybody of having my “rules”).
One thought occurs to me: are we modern Christians liable to being counter-cultural for counter-culturality’s sake?
Often among the first phrases people use to promote their [INSERT CHRISTIAN TREND, MOVEMENT OR PRODUCT HERE] you will find a breathless, “It’s *so* counter-cultural!”
Did Jesus come to be counter-cultural or actually to show us what real life is and how to find God?
I’m beginning to wonder if some people don’t feel like they are serving God unless they are standing some part of normal life on its head. Which is often part of the process of holy living, but it shouldn’t be the focus.
And it gets to feeling like you should be doing something amazingly abnormal (sitting on bare floors? Opening your house to orphans? Eschewing traditional Sunday church?) just to be a “proper” (i.e. counter-cultural) Christian.
Sometimes it’s radical enough to treat other people as you want to be treated, live contentedly, and tell people God loves them.
GREAT thoughts, Jeremy! So true.
My beautiful friend,
I got tired reading all of these comments – never mind replying to them! You are amazing and have more patience, insight and wisdom at the ripe old age of 47 than I will have at 100!!
Thank you for being brave and for pointing us to Jesus! You know I love rules – perhaps my early days as a believer at our WONDERFUL, somewhat legalistic church, has something to do with that?! That being said, the rules have kept me on the straight and narrow and for that I am truly grateful and honestly feel safe, happy and loved!
Keep on keeping on! I love you and I am always so inspired by your writings!
In Acts 10 when Peter was hungry God gave him a vision of those things which were considered unclean in the Old Testament, and told him to eat. Peter said, not so Lord I’ve never eaten of the common or unclean! God said to Peter, do not call what I have cleansed common. This was done 3 times. There are things that God made plain in the New Testament that they were no longer as they once were under the old covenant. But most importantly is Acts 2:38 where Peter was asked what they must do to be saved and he told them to repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Yet so many people say it’s ok to be baptized in the titles Father, son and Holy Ghost or even not at all! when Peter plainly said in the name of Jesus Christ and people say the Holy Ghost is not for everyone but in verse 39 it’s says for this promise is until you and your children and all who are a far off even as many as the Lord our God shall call! I think we should absolutely get back to the basics (The plan of salvation) and get those in our hearts first and then go from there. The Spirit of God will then lead and guide you into ALL truth.