Spirit of the law vs the letter of the law

[Bismillah]

Salaam alaikum (peace be upon you),

So a question popped in my head and I wanted to know the perspective of other followers of Abrahamic religions.

What do you think is important when looking at your religions legalistic commandments? Do you think it is most important to follow it to the letter, do you think that it depends on situation and context (i.e do certain ordinances and how they are carried out change over time?), and how important do you think the "spirit of the law" is? Especially in cases in which it is not explicit.

To give an example, during the time of the Prophet Muhammad he forbade others to wear robes and clothing past their ankles. This was because the nobility and wealthy of his time wore extravagant clothing that flowed behind them.

Personally I think it is more important to understand that it was outlawed, in that it is unbecoming of someone striving to be a good Muslim, as an ostentatious display of wealth as well as arrogance.

So when I look at this question at hand, I think it's much more important to take the apparent command that prohibits long flowing clothing and to adopt the mindset that such outwards displays of wealth are wrong. Whether it takes the form of a flowing robe or a gold rolex and more importantly your own mindset of humility.

So what do you think? Are there such commands in your religion where people disagree over the letter versus spirit view? What do you personally think of these instances? Is it a larger problem than just a specific instance?

 

[Pegg]

Thats a good example and I see it the same way. A law is usually given to deal with a specific issue. But there is a principle behind the law which is usually overlooked.

And that principle is what is most important. The bible also teaches us not to make our clothing the focal point similar to your example. And i agree, the principle is not to display your wealth, or as the bible puts it, not to make "a showy display of ones means of life"

There are other laws in the bible which people take too literally because they hold to the 'letter of the law' rather then see the wider principle behind it.
You must keep the Sabbath, do no work on the sabbath' is one such law.
People tend to see this as a rule to obey...so they do no work on the sabbath. But the principle behind it is to spend the day rejoicing in God and worshiping God. It doesnt mean you literally can't go to work, or can't mend your broken chair, or visit a doctor.

When people only see the law, they only apply it to that one particular circumstance.... but if they see the spirit behind the law, they can apply it in all areas of life.

 

[Bismillah]

Thats a good example and I see it the same way. A law is usually given to deal with a specific issue. But there is a principle behind the law which is usually overlooked.

And that principle is what is most important. The bible also teaches us not to make our clothing the focal point similar to your example. And i agree, the principle is not to display your wealth, or as the bible puts it, not to make "a showy display of ones means of life"

There are other laws in the bible which people take too literally because they hold to the 'letter of the law' rather then see the wider principle behind it.
You must keep the Sabbath, do no work on the sabbath' is one such law.
People tend to see this as a rule to obey...so they do no work on the sabbath. But the principle behind it is to spend the day rejoicing in God and worshiping God. It doesnt mean you literally can't go to work, or can't mend your broken chair, or visit a doctor.

When people only see the law, they only apply it to that one particular circumstance.... but if they see the spirit behind the law, they can apply it in all areas of life.

Interesting, some additional questions if you don't mind.

Are there any commands in your religion whose principle is less obvious? One which you either choose to obey or not?

If so would you consider this to be an instance where the principle is more important than the letter? And if this is further true then wouldn't that pose a problem in saying that the principle is more important than the letter after all the command is from God and what if our understanding of the principle is wrong? In the end is it then more important to have followed the letter instead of speaking for God?

Do Jehova Witnesses traditionally emphasize the spirit over the letter or is it approached from a case by case basis? Does that seem at times hypocritical to you?

I'll think of some further questions maybe tomorrow

 

[Pegg]

Interesting, some additional questions if you don't mind.

Are there any commands in your religion whose principle is less obvious? One which you either choose to obey or not?

Most of the christian scriptures are based around principles, so im finding it hard to find an example. There are some matters which the christian scriptures leave to a persons own conscience to decide. This is the case when there is no direct law. (there is mostly no direct laws in the christian scriptures)

A few examples I can think of is in the matter of dress and grooming. There is no law for christians stating what length of dress a woman should wear. There is a principle that a woman should dress 'modestly' but 'modest' is not defined, so its up to each women to decide herself what she views as modest.

Some women choose to wear longer dresses others wear dresses above the knee but not as high as a mini skirt might be.

Another 'grey' area is in the law about blood. The christian law clearly states 'abstain from blood'
We take this law quite literally where we wont eat food cooked with blood as an ingredient, nor will we allow ourselves to be transfused with blood for medical reasons. However, some medications are made with components of blood and some will accept the use of such medicines while others will not. It becomes a conscience matter and each one decides for himself how to view such medicine. If i feel its not right for me to take, then i shouldnt take it, but i wouldnt impose my view on another christian and expect them to make the same decision as me.

If so would you consider this to be an instance where the principle is more important than the letter? And if this is further true then wouldn't that pose a problem in saying that the principle is more important than the letter after all the command is from God and what if our understanding of the principle is wrong? In the end is it then more important to have followed the letter instead of speaking for God?

This is difficult to apply to christianity because as i mentioned, practically all christian laws are based on principles.
Actually, when Jesus was here in the first century, he taught that laws are not as important as principles, or the spirit behind a law. EG, Matthew 9:11*But on seeing this the Pharisees began to say to his disciples: “Why is it that YOUR teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners?” 12*Hearing [them], he said: “Persons in health do not need a physician, but the ailing do. 13*Go, then, and learn what this means, ‘I want mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.”

Here, the righteous pharisees (law teachers) thought that Jesus should not have been associating with known sinners and according to the law, they wer right. However, Jesus response shows that 'mercy' was more important then the law to keep away from sinners. Why? Because sinners need our help.

They also asked him if it was 'ok' for them to divorce their wives for all manner of reasons. Jesus clear response was No. It wasnt ok to divorce their wives even though the law said they could because God created man to 'stick to his wife' and they were to become 'one flesh'
So the principle of marriage is that a man and woman should become 'one' forever.

Jesus also healed people on the sabbath which was against the laws at that time. Jews were not permitted to do any form of work on a sabbath, and healing was considered 'work'.... so when Jesus healed people on a sabbath, he was accused of being a law breaker.

Do Jehova Witnesses traditionally emphasize the spirit over the letter or is it approached from a case by case basis? Does that seem at times hypocritical to you?

I'll think of some further questions maybe tomorrow

Seeing Christian laws are mostly principles, then we certainly strive to live by the principles and each will apply the principle to differing degrees.

But we also emphasise obedience to Gods laws where they are clearly stated laws. ie, you must not steal, lie, slander, get drunk, commit immorality etc etc...these are some of the laws for christians which we must all live by. In fact, you cant be a JW if you are not willing to live by such laws.