The Anabaptist Tradition and the Dangers of Legalism
Special Note:
All forms of Christianity have their own traps and pitfalls. The Anabaptist tradition is not alone in this regard. This article acknowledges the dangers of legalism and offers insights into how we can avoid these traps.
Anabaptism, with its deep commitment to discipleship and careful attention to the teachings of Scripture, has always stood apart for its emphasis on living out faith in a radical, Christ-centered way. However, this focus, while Godly, can carry the dangers of legalism—where rules and laws become more important than grace and the heart of the gospel. The early Reformers even accused the Anabaptists of this, branding them the “new monastics” due to what they saw was an overemphasis on works and discipline. Their concern was that the focus on discipleship might undermine the doctrine of salvation by grace alone. This concern continues to remain relevant, even till this day.
Legalism in Christian thought arises when ethical living overshadows a spiritual relationship with Christ, turning faith into a set of rules. Paul warned against this in his letter to the Galatians: “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3, ESV). Even with the best intentions, legalism will ultimately lead one to a spiritual dead-end where actions are seen as the means to righteousness, rather than as an outflow of faith. This is particularly dangerous for traditions like Anabaptism, where discipleship is emphasised, and the line between faith-driven obedience and works-driven legalism can easily blur, or even erased.
How Legalism Takes Root
The Anabaptist tradition’s emphasis on biblical literalism, simple living, and communal discipline has sometimes been interpreted as legalistic by outsiders. This perception often stems from the rigorous nature of Anabaptist ethics, which can be perceived as culturally conservative or excessively rule-based. It is true that certain practices, when isolated from their spiritual context, can lead to a form of Christian life that feels heavy, burdensome, and legalistic. When obedience to Christ’s commands is reduced to rigid rules rather than a heart-led response to God’s grace, the vibrant relationship with God can be obscured, or even lost altogether.
Another contributing factor is historical. The persecution faced by early Anabaptists may have reinforced a survival mechanism that emphasized strict community rules and boundaries to preserve the faith amidst external threats. As Paul wrote to the Colossians: “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’… according to human precepts and teachings?” (Colossians 2:20-22, ESV). At times in history, the Anabaptists have leaned toward legalism in an attempt to preserve their communities. This type of excessive regulation, though meant to protect, can replace true spiritual life and grace, as well as a personal relationship with the Lord.
In modern society, there is a temptation for Anabaptists to fall into the trap of allowing the ethics of their Christian community to eclipse the spiritual grace that should underpin it. When discipleship is reduced to a set of rules or followed for its ethical value alone—as noted in Stuart Murray’s anecdote of an atheist who admired Anabaptist ethics while rejecting the faith behind them—the richness of Anabaptist spirituality is lost.
Avoiding the Trap of Legalism
Despite these dangers, contemporary Anabaptists need not fall into the trap of legalism. Instead, we can ground our discipleship in grace, aligning ethics with a vibrant relationship with Christ, and fostering a community of radical love rather than radical control. Here are just three ways to avoid legalism:
- Focus on Grace as the Foundation of Discipleship
Legalism thrives when Christians forget that all obedience flows from grace, not the other way around. Paul reminds us that “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV). Anabaptists can avoid legalism by ensuring that their discipleship practices are anchored in God’s grace rather than human efforts. A constant emphasis on God’s free gift of salvation fosters humility, allowing ethical living to emerge naturally from a heart transformed by Christ. - Cultivate Heart-Led Obedience Rather than Rule-Based Compliance
Jesus was clear that the heart is the source of all true obedience. He says in Matthew, “This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9, ESV). A relationship with Christ should not be about outward appearances or rigid rule-following, but about a transformed heart that seeks to please God in all areas of life. Anabaptists can foster Christian communities that encourage personal reflection and discernment, where discipleship is not a checklist of behaviours but an ever-deepening relationship with Christ. - Maintain a Balance Between Community Accountability and Personal Freedom
While Anabaptism values communal accountability, it must not confuse communal accountability with authoritarian control. True Christian community encourages growth while also respecting personal convictions. Paul writes, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, ESV). Contemporary Anabaptist communities can avoid legalism by offering guidance and encouragement without dictating every aspect of individual life. Christian leadership should model servant leadership, not dictate rules and regulations. This balance between accountability and freedom ensures that ethical standards build up the church rather than control its members.
Conclusion
While Anabaptism’s has a strong focus on discipleship and has historically at times, drifted into legalism, it doesn’t have to. By grounding practices in grace, fostering heart-led obedience, and ensuring a healthy balance between community life and personal freedom, Contemporary Anabaptists can embrace a Christ-centered discipleship that is both deeply rooted in Scripture and alive in the Spirit. As Paul writes, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13, ESV). This is key to avoiding legalism—living out freedom in love, empowered by grace, and grounded in a relationship with Christ.
