“The law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate.”

– 1 Timothy 1:9

What is the contemporary status of America with regard to the distinction between the “letter” of the law and the “spirit” of the law?

How would America’s founding fathers respond to the government that has developed out of the American Revolution?

Legalism

noun

1. Strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, especially to the letter rather than the spirit.
2. Theology
3. The doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.
4. The judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.
5. (Initial capital letter, in Chinese philosophy) The principles and practices of a school of political theorists advocating strict legal control over all activities, a system of rewards and punishments uniform for all classes, and an absolute monarchy.