I tend to think that legalism and true fundamentalism are opposites. Legalism comes from making up extra rules (such as KJV only, no pants/trousers on women, no TV, no contemporary or jazzy music, Republican is the only "moral" party, etc.) and calling it "holiness" when they are merely personal convictions (and they're fine if that's just how they're viewed). Now, fundamentalism is taking the whole Bible as the infallible Word of God, and following it to the best of our ability, with the realization that all Christians have different convictions, and not condemning one who just doesn't happen to view things exactly the same way. Romans 14 gives good insight on this.
__________________ You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
Well the polar opposite of legalism is relativism in Australia a very liberal christian nation and for most part secular culture I have come across many authoritarian christian college principles tutors and pastors whom were relativist by conviction and wanted to shove that down my throat so i would say the problem you speak of isnt all legalism its rather authoritarian personalties whom think due to their position they can enforce their view and will on others. The legalist view doesnt have a monopoly on that.
__________________ Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
- Proverbs 30:5-6
Their a strange group calvinists or baptists i am not one(have not been baptised one) i only attended one of their colleges & churches in Australia. However todays baptist here is far different stripe to the one of only 50 years ago back then they would not allow any kind of leisure activities eg dancing or rock music now they appear to want shove bible relativism down ones throat.
Down here there appears to be an interesting new breed of baptist that wishes to use all the old hallmarks of leglism discipline and authoritrianism to push what are essentially pinko fabian views. Its kind of like a gay body builder all tough on the outside yet pink on the inside. I say let post modern calvinists perish they have nothing of value to contribute towards the glory of God.
I don't think I've ever met a post modernist Calvinist. Of course we don't have too many Calvinists around my part of the world. And even fewer Fundamentalists. Post modern evangelical Arminians? They make up the vast majority of the churches here.
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Well I will say that I am Bible-believing literalist, and attend a fundamental church. And I actually don't have a complete problem with legalism. Don't get me wrong, I believe the aforementioned rules are unbiblical but the idea of erring on the side of caution when it comes to giving The Lord and His House proper reverence is not a bad thing. My church holds to so some legal principles but it's not in your face with anybody.
So many churches are off the rails into apostasy it's just sad. The American church today is a sorry sight overall. So it's good to have churches that are sticking to the fundamentals even if they don't get it 100% right. Because no one is. I think the key is to treat every member and guest with compassion, love and kindness, not expecting them to immediately adopt your rules nor making them feel like an outcast or outlaw.
And to also be open to discourse. You cannot be dogmatic when confronted with compelling scripture. For example, Despite being a Fundamentalist, I am 100% for dancing as a part of worship. Psalm 149 and 150 are basically commanding us to do this. How many "Fundies" on here are adhering to that?? God bless.
Who determines if we are fundamentalists or legalistic? Isn't that rather presumptive and judgemental?
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Who determines if we are fundamentalists or legalistic? Isn't that rather presumptive and judgemental?
It's pretty relative, some people believe that any act of willfull obedience or any attempt of maintaining standards is legalism. Personally I believe that legalism becomes evident when the persons become judgemental, that is they condemn.
Who determines if we are fundamentalists or legalistic? Isn't that rather presumptive and judgemental?
God does.
Adhering to and loving God's laws is not legalism. Living by them in order to try and gain favour or earn salvation is legalism. And creating extra laws, enforcing them on others and placing them in the same regard as God's laws is legalism. It is vital to let God's word guide us in this so that we neither abuse our Christian liberties nor trap ourselves in legalism.
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I don't think I've ever met a post modernist Calvinist. Of course we don't have too many Calvinists around my part of the world. And even fewer Fundamentalists. Post modern evangelical Arminians? They make up the vast majority of the churches here. 
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