The tendency in legalistic religion is to mistrust God, to mistrust others, and consequently, to mistrust ourselves

The tendency in legalistic religion is to mistrust God, to mistrust others, and consequently, to mistrust ourselves

Brennan Manning, a well-known author and speaker in the Christian faith, often spoke about the dangers of legalistic religion and the impact it can have on our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. In his book "The Ragamuffin Gospel," Manning delves into the idea that legalism breeds mistrust in all aspects of our lives.

Legalistic religion is characterized by a strict adherence to rules and regulations, often at the expense of grace and love. Those who subscribe to this mindset tend to view God as a harsh judge, ready to condemn them for any misstep. This leads to a deep-seated mistrust of God, as they believe that His love and forgiveness are conditional upon their performance. Manning believed that this distorted view of God only serves to distance us from Him, preventing us from experiencing the true depth of His love and mercy.

Furthermore, legalism also breeds mistrust of others. When we are constantly judging ourselves and others based on a set of rigid standards, it becomes difficult to form genuine connections with those around us. Manning argued that legalistic religion creates an "us vs. them" mentality, where we view others as either allies or enemies in our quest for righteousness. This lack of trust in others can lead to isolation and loneliness, as we struggle to find true community and support.

Lastly, legalistic religion fosters a deep mistrust of ourselves. When we are constantly striving to meet impossible standards of perfection, we inevitably fall short. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt, as we struggle to live up to the unrealistic expectations we have set for ourselves. Manning believed that this self-condemnation only serves to further distance us from God and others, as we become consumed by our own inadequacies.