PERFECTIONISM:
because JESUS OF NAZARETH said "You, therefore, must be perfect, as
your heavenly Father is perfect," various CHRISTIAN groups have claimed that
perfection is an obligation and a real possibility in this life. Traditionally the ROMAN
CATHOLIC CHURCH held that perfection is perfect LOVE which is only for SAINTS. The
PROTESTANT REFORMERS denied even this, arguing that perfection is a goal which can never
be attained. John WESLEY, however, taught that in principle all Christians can become
perfect. Critics of perfectionism argue that the doctrine inevitably leads to LEGALISM and
a depressing preoccupation with self-improvement.
