legalism

IPA: ɫˈigʌɫɪzʌm

Focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law, elevating strict adherence to law over justice, mercy, grace and common sense.
(religion) A belief that salvation is attained or maintained by adherence to the requirements of moral law; salvation by works rather than by faith alone.
A legal axiom, term or rule.
A school of thought, originating in ancient China during the Warring States period and officially adopted during the Qin dynasty, advocating rule of law as key to ensuring social stability.
(Chinese philosophy) Alternative letter-case form of Legalism [A school of thought, originating in ancient China during the Warring States period and officially adopted during the Qin dynasty, advocating rule of law as key to ensuring social stability.]

Examples of "legalism" in Sentences

Gays hate Jesus because of fake "christia" n religious legalism, which is not
I think the debate about legalism is a bogus smoke screen begun by Satan himself.
All of these uses of the word legalism demonstrate common misunderstandings of this concept.
Another definition of legalism is substituting man-made rules and laws for those written in the Bible.
One definition of legalism is believing that good works, including dressing modestly, will earn salvation.
And it is to the genius of Israel that we owe that rigorously logical interpretation of the _axiomata media_ of legalism, which issued in due season in
Special bonus opaque legalism, which is noted in the question posed below: Some courts in New England states use the phrase “ppa” in case captions; this means “per prochein ami,” or “by next friend.”
I've also been called a legalist and accused of thinking myself better than others (the true definition of legalism is believing that I must do certain things in order to be/stayed saved - which I don't, and wearing dresses wouldn't be one of those things!).