Religious legalism and its adverse affect on Christians
By Michael J. Wedge
This is a personal view on church legalism and how man-made doctrine can cause problems with individuals.
I was raised a Catholic and, since four years ago, became a Protestant, Christian, I have seen both sides of a delicate issue. And, have seen how man-made doctrine has caused disruption in the lives of people. I am no longer affiliated with one specific denomination and prefer to call myself a "Non-denominational Christian". And now attend a good Christian Fellowship.
Since man is imperfect and, man created religion as a set of guidelines to worship God, religion is imperfect. In some churches, these guidelines become laws, or rather doctrine, that the congregation is expected to follow.
Some churches demand strict adherence to these doctrines. And, establish bylaws that will be enforced by the leaders of the congregation.
Here is a brief list of items that some religions create as doctrine or rules that eventually become "laws of the church".
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Banning what they perceive to be inappropriate media. IE, music, television, movies, books, and other literature.
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Banning alcohol, tobacco, and sometimes, food products.
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Strict adherence to dress and personal appearance codes.
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Placing the outside political motives in the worship service.
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Long-winded, often politically motivated, pastoral prayers designed to push issues and agendas on the congregation.
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Banning freedom of expression in art, music, and other forms of entertainment
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Using the Bible as a weapon in order to intimidate and control the congregation.
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Establishing themselves as the only right means to salvation and, opposing any ecumenical thought. (This is also a cult tactic)
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Use of guilt, intimidation, mind control and coercion to keep the members in line. (Another cult tactic)
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Shunning individuals that do not adhere to the man-made doctrine of the congregation. (Another cult tactic)
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Guilt ridden sermons designed to make the congregation submit to the authority of the Pastor.
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Use of the theory that people should spend long hours at the church and, do work in the church in order to gain rewards in heaven.
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Establishing a bureaucracy within the church in order to limit change or dissention.
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Emotional, spiritual and sometimes physical abuse.
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Isolationism and secrecy. (Another cult tactic.)
Religions often use biblical scripture in order to back up these doctrines and laws. Most of the time it is through the interpretation and misinterpretation of the Bible that these laws become reality to the members.
In the process of establishing and enforcing these "man made rules and doctrines", the church leadership becomes no better than modern day Pharisees. And, eventually can drive people away from Christianity. Which is the ultimate sin. In their attempt at cultivating a flock, they have driven people away.
Some individuals have been damaged both spiritually and emotionally.
Either falling away from Christianity or, they have deep emotional scars that have caused depression, PTSD, drug abuse and activities that the religion so desperately tried to oppose. Also, in the stricter sense, the religion or school has not prepared the individuals in how to deal with life and society in general. These misguided religions also try to impose political beliefs that are somewhat narrow minded and only approve one political party.
The freedom to express oneself is not tolerated and by misinterpretation of scripture, becomes a sin. Music, even certain forms of Christian music become wrong in their eyes. Musicians are stifled and not allowed to use their God given talents but rather to adhere to only church approved music.
In
some churches and schools, dress codes become mandatory and, almost
military in procedure. With
specific guidelines and codes. Freedom
to have ones own identity is limited or curtailed.
Individuals are treated as robots that must be programmed.
The programming also entails guilt and coercion. These in themselves can cause low self-esteem causing members to submit to church imposed doctrines. Individuals that do not adhere to the guidelines are sometimes shunned or worse yet, told they are living in sin and must get right with God.
When in reality, they are being told that they must get right with the church imposed rules and guidelines. More often than not, man-made doctrines that is misquoted from the Bible.
Secrecy within the church becomes another tool. Some of the stricter Christian churches will use secrecy to maintain control. And, prospective members are not told the realities of the religion until they have been programmed sufficiently and are submissive enough to be nothing more than non-thinking sheep.
Some churches use fear as a method to obtain members. A typical tactic would be to word sermons like this:
"What if you walk out this door and die. You may never get salvation and thus, you will burn in hell forever."
Or, guilt:
"You need to get right with God. You are a sinner and fall short. Get your life right now."
Altar calls are another example of how to use a guilt-ridden sermon to entice new converts.
Guilt appears to be a common tool. Even families that have been raised in this environment for generations utilize this tactic on themselves as a method to control individual family members.
Some congregations actually believe that there is only one approved translation of the Bible. And, perceive other translations as wrong. Specifically certain Baptist churches that will only accept The King James Translation and oppose other Christian translations such as The New American Standard and The NIV.
What is unfortunate is that the stricter churches have lost touch with what Jesus taught. Peace and Love. And, that all fall short; even the leadership of these certain churches.
Which goes into another subject, Church leadership. Sometimes corrupt and sometimes authoritarian. For some unexplained reason, Pastors and high church officials perceive themselves to be on a higher level than the common man. Or, that they are closer to God because of their position. Obviously, the Pharisees used this same tactic in the first century.
Some ministers do have some training in psychology. This in itself can be a weapon. They also perceive themselves to be the ultimate authority on God and the Bible. And, worse yet, they also may feel that they personally are closer to God and have his authority.
Power corrupts. And, corruption can and does exist in the church hierarchy.
Ministers and high church officials are no better or worse than the individual church members.
The reality is that all are imperfect and fall short.
It has been seen that some of the older members of specific churches use their wallets in order to flex their authority within the church. And, that may even sway the members of boards and committees. Deep pocket may cause some churches to adhere to the authority of only a few misguided people.
Unfortunately, new ideas are shunned. Growth of the church is impaired by these modern day Pharisees.
Unfortunately, these Legalistic churches are wide spread. Their membership is strong and their corrupt behavior will continue. The children and adults will continue to suffer at the hands of church leadership. The man-made doctrine will continue. And the sinful behavior of the pastors and church leadership may not stop.
Perhaps some will read this and will reevaluate their religion and break free of the tyranny that exists. And, hopefully, the ones that are out there and hurting will be able to find a good, honest Christian church that can minister to their individual needs and wants. One must go where the spirit leads them.
God Bless you all!
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The above article is solely the opinion of Michael J Wedge and is reprinted here for purposes of information and to act as a discussion document. See Disclaimer
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