Breaking the Bondage of Legalism

When Trying Harder Isn't Enough

“Many people have moved on from legalistic churches, but research has shown that many are still suffering the effects of legalism. Breaking free from controllers, perfectionism, and driveness, and learning to relate to God under the covenant of grace is critically important for our freedom, growth, and spirituality.”
—Neil Anderson, Author of Breaking the Bondage of Legalism

“Neil T. Anderson—of The Bondage Breaker^® fame—Rich Miller and Paul Travis demonstrate that religious legalism is insidious in the church, but that performance–based Christianity can make the believer feel he can never measure up to God’s expectations. It can steal the joy of living in Christ or even cause a person to forsake the faith, the authors suggest.

Travis lived in a neatly controlled world. Once when he was considering becoming pastor of a particular church, he was so driven to perform that he put on his brave face and gave the sermon despite the fact that his wife had died unexpectedly that very morning.

Travis’ testimony of ‘recovery’ and other such stories in the book show that it’s possible to escape the trap of fear, shame, and guilt that accompanies legalism.

As with all The Bondage Breaker^®–type books, readers are led through the process of renouncing lies, affirming truths and praying through to their liberty in Christ. Another valuable section shows believers how to properly view obedience to God’s commands.”
—Christian Retailing

“When Anderson, Miller, and Travis spend the first half of their book defining legalism, they offer what is perhaps their greatest contribution to Christian thought. If it is not the only accurate diagnosis on the shelves, it deserves to be recognized as one of the best as the authors unpack their argument with compelling testimony, contextual scripture, and a writing that neither condescends nor avoids the tough issues.”
—For God and Country.com

“The authors do an excellent job in teaching the readers and helping them to understand the bondage of legalism, how to be set free from this bondage, and the life we can have in Him. The words and wisdom they share is easy to read and easy to apply in our lives. You have the tools in this book to set yourself free and not be caught up in the bonds of legalism. An excellent book to read and one full of wisdom and insight. A very timely book—one every Christian should read. Be set free from the bonds of legalism today.”
—Teens4Jesus Library

“Legalism is one of the most difficult issues in the church today, yet it goes sadly unaddressed. Anderson, Miller, and Travis build a solid biblical case against the legalist spirituality that oppresses many Christians. They also weave in personal anecdotes that humanize the book.”
—Youthworker

“This book is intense. It is heavy reading, but the content weightiness is offset by words of encouragement throughout. Testimonies from the authors and their friends and fellow church members give it a feeling of reality and personalization.”
—Church Libraries

“Breaking the Bondage of Legalism is one of the best books on the characteristics and cure for legalism that I’ve read! It will challenge you to think about the way that legalistic influences have affected your life and will clearly lead you down the path to freedom. Now and then, a book comes along that covers all the bases—and this is one of them. It caused me to laugh at times, to repent at times, and all along the way through its pages, to thank my Father for the freedom He offers us from stale religion that focuses primarily on performance. Get this book. You won’t be disappointed!”
—Steve McVey, President of Grace Walk Ministries and author of Grace Walk, Grace Land, and A Divine Invitation

“Breaking the Bondage of Legalism is a must read for all Christians, whether it is to receive Freedom in Christ for ourselves or with those in our Church family we are ministering to. I was amazed how easy and subtle it is to fall under the bonds of legalism and how Christ is here to free us.”
—Mike Hoseus