Dismantling Legalism In the Messianic Jewish Movement Today, Part 3 (Messianic Literary Corner)

Part 1 of the "Dismantling Legalism in the Messianic Jewish Movement Today" study states the greatest threat to the Messianic Jewish (Hebrew Christian) Movement in the 21st Century is the de-spiritualization of it's ranks by legalism in the form of mandatory Torah observance.

Stuart Dauermann, former staff member/song writer with Jews for Jesus and now the Rabbi of Avahat Zion Messianic Synagogue of Beverly Hills, CA has written a critical analysis of the "Dismantling" study. (See http://rabbenu.blogspot.com/2006/07/defining-theological-swear-word.html )

The major thrust of Dauermann's criticism is an attempt to discredit the use of the term "legalism" in regards to mandatory Torah Observance in the Messianic Jewish and Gentile Movement today.

Dauermann states: How shall we respond to this? Well, many ways. There are a number of red herrings, half-truths and mischaracterizations in this document. But for today, let�s settle for just one�a better definition of �legalism.� �Legalism� is a word commonly thrown around by people seeking to either avoid or discredit Torah observance. I believe it is time the careless and self-serving polemical misuse of this theological swear word was exposed and retired, and that the right use of the term became the norm.

Rabbi Dauermann is dismissing a term that may be the only true way of biblically perceiving the deviation taken by Torah Observant Messianic Jews and Gentiles today. Has Stuart cited any New Covenant scripture to defend his stand? I could not find one. This omission indicates the lack of New Covenant teachings in Dauermann's theology. The fact is that the apostle Paul never endorsed Torah Observance in the manner which Torah Observant Messianic Jews do today, but rather preached a "Doctrine of Grace". Colossians 2:16 "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day." Paul taught that the "Doctrine of Grace" gave freedom to be Torah observant, but never at the cost of loosing those New Covenant freedoms.

Rabbi Dauermann also cites Dr. Charles Ryrie in an excerpt from "The Grace of God": Legalism may be defined as a fleshly attitude which conforms to a code for the purpose of exalting self. The code is whatever objective standard is applicable to the time; the motive is to exalt self and gain merit rather than to glorify God because of what He has done, and the power is the flesh, not the Holy Spirit. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that having to do something is not legalism, but the wrong attitude is ----- Israelites had to bring their sacrifices, otherwise they would have suffered certain penalties. It was the attitude toward doing what they had to do that determined whether or not their action was legalistic ------ Having to conform to a law is not of itself legalism (Charles Ryrie, "The Grace of God" 1963: 117-118).

The problem with Dr. Dauermann's citing of Dr. Ryrie's explanation of legalism is that the explanation does not take into account the loss of New Covenant freedoms by explicit adherence to Torah. If the Gospel's freedom is suppressed for the sake of upholding the Law (Torah), then those that put Torah above the Gospel must abandon the contradictory elements of their theology and submit their Torah observance to New Covenant principles. This does not mandate the banning of Torah observance; however, it does restrict Torah observance to that of "non-obligatory" compliance in Messianic Jewish worship and daily practice.

I believe there is a necessity for all Messianic doctrine to be thoroughly scrutinized by trusted teachers of New Covenant Doctrine, and a "Messianic Jewish Task Force" appointed for such oversight. Most Torah Observant Messianic teachers show very little regard for New Covenant Doctrine. Paul strictly warned his disciples to be on guard for heresy. It is with the hope of reinstilling within the Messianic Jewish community a zeal for the grace preached in the Gospel that I continue my efforts.

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