Definitions for legalism

• Definition
• Anagrams (325)

legalism le·gal·ism

Spelling: [lee-guh-liz-uh m]

IPA: /ˈli gəˌlɪz əm/

Legalism is a 8 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 11 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 15 points.

You can make 325 anagrams from letters in legalism (aegillms).

Definitions for legalism

noun

1. strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, especially to the letter rather than the spirit.
2. Theology. the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works. the judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.
3. (initial capital letter) (in Chinese philosophy) the principles and practices of a school of political theorists advocating strict legal control over all activities, a system of rewards and punishments uniform for all classes, and an absolute monarchy.

Origin of legalism

First recorded in 1830-40; legal + -ism

Examples for legalism

The struggle with legalism was now over and past, at least in its critical phase.

Henceforth—for the struggle with legalism was the crisis of Paul's ministry.

Those who resort to legalism, he has said, ensure their own condemnation.

The former is the acknowledgment of God by the energy of faith; the latter is the setting up of man in the spirit of legalism.

In the view of legalism, this is the natural outcome of Pauline teaching.

The whole method of Plato's "Politeia," breathes the spirit of legalism in all its severity, untempered by the spirit of Love.

Was it by stumbling up the ladder of self-righteousness and legalism?

Did it sustain the gospel of the grace of God, or the "other gospel" of legalism?

This was the condition to which legalism would reduce the Galatians.

The tendency of legalism to externalise life has another aspect.