7 “isms”
March 16th, 2010 by Todd JohnsonI read this on a blog recently and thought it might provoke some more thought and conversation on the subject we’ve been considering.
In one of Paul Tripp’s books (co-authored with Tim Lane), How People Change, he identifies seven counterfeit gospels—-”religious” ways we try and “justify” or “save” ourselves apart from the gospel of grace. Do you ever find yourself gravitating to one or two or three on this list? Which one(s)?
Formalism. “I participate in the regular meetings and ministries of the church, so I feel like my life is under control. I’m always in church, but it really has little impact on my heart or on how I live. I may become judgmental and impatient with those who do not have the same commitment as I do.”
Legalism. “I live by the rules—rules I create for myself and rules I create for others. I feel good if I can keep my own rules, and I become arrogant and full of contempt when others don’t meet the standards I set for them. There is no joy in my life because there is no grace to be celebrated.”
Mysticism. “I am engaged in the incessant pursuit of an emotional experience with God. I live for the moments when I feel close to him, and I often struggle with discouragement when I don’t feel that way. I may change churches often, too, looking for one that will give me what I’m looking for.”
Activism. “I recognize the missional nature of Christianity and am passionately involved in fixing this broken world. But at the end of the day, my life is more of a defense of what’s right than a joyful pursuit of Christ.”
Biblicism. “I know my Bible inside and out, but I do not let it master me. I have reduced the gospel to a mastery of biblical content and theology, so I am intolerant and critical of those with lesser knowledge.”
Therapism. “I talk a lot about the hurting people in our congregation, and how Christ is the only answer for their hurt. Yet even without realizing it, I have made Christ more Therapist than Savior. I view hurt as a greater problem than sin—and I subtly shift my greatest need from my moral failure to my unmet needs.”
Social-ism. “The deep fellowship and friendships I find at church have become their own idol. The body of Christ has replaced Christ himself, and the gospel is reduced to a network of fulfilling Christian relationships.”
Biblicism is me me me… though I really try to repent whenever I find myself acting in that manner. And recently, because of certain circumstances in my life, I have been realizing how knowledge will do NOTHING to further my spiritual walk by its self alone. I am finally seeing the gospel for what it truly is… simple.
I also dabble in a bit of social-ism as well. I love to drink deep those empty cisterns. mmmmmmmm good. But this too God has made me to see my folly. Praise Him for not letting us cling to our idolatry forever!
Good find Todd. Going by this list I seem to gravitate towards “Activism” and “Biblicism”. To much defense of what is right and not enough “joyfull pursuit of Christ” with my activism. I need to become more tolerant and less critical of those with lesser knowledge. Knowing im on the right team and the game is in the bag can bring great peace but can also make one lazy and arrogant. This whole list is really good stuff. Thanks for keeping us on our toes.
Legalism and Biblicalism is me.
I also realized recently that I needed to examine my motives for being so involved at church. From the moment I was saved, I was full-throttle. I love church, always have; love church-culture, being there, the sights, the sounds, the people. It hit me that I may just love church, and not Jesus. It sounds weird, but it’s so easy to forget who we are and Who He is. I’m going through the Truth Project and the segment on “Remembering and History” really hit me. So much of what we think, do, say, and feel is based on what we remember.
Not sure if I went off topic. It seemed like it tied in somehow.
#8 Blogism: Having to much joy when your pastor or others respond favorably to your posts.
Heh, Perry, you’ve tapped into one of the darkest isms of all! What a weird, proud thrill us dorky bloggers get about this.
And there has to be some sort of physcological term for the feeling of insecurity one has when they’re the last one to post and NO ONE comments after. (As in my case, being #4, hanging exposed for 24 hours!) You’re just out there, vulnerable, you feel you’ve bared too much, and picture all the other bloggers emailing each other, snickering about your comment, you feel like Todd is messing with your head, refusing to even post the sought-after smiley.
Oh, what self-centered, proud, creatures we are!
You guys are HILARIOUS. “messing with your head”. Good stuff.
Uh oh! I’m getting really joyful! Cursed man that I am, who will deliver me from the body of this death!
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Answer:
Christ!
Phew! Thanks Paul!
I feel like my “ism” is mysticism…Nancy Drew fan that I am…
Thanks Michele#6, You often say what I’m thinking but am just to chicken to put down in writing. At the same time I’m surprised to learn of your insecurity, you are the boldest person I know.
I’m bold, but insecure. Love you, Terriann.
I may join in just so I can make sure I always get the last comment. I just want to do my part in making sure Michele (with one l)is never the last to leave a comment. I love getting the last word in
Last word…
Mr. Crabby you crack me up
This was a great post! Made my day!LOL