Ron Sutton assaults mean religion in this impassioned analysis of legalism—oppressive religion he considers deceptive and dangerous. He has written this persuasive book to challenge legalistic leaders, and to help those imprisoned by their teachings.

In Why Love Hates Legalism, Sutton indicts modern purveyors of "mean religion" who distort the Gospel by confusing legalism with holiness, and burden their followers with rigid rules, doctrines, and unreasonable codes of dress and behavior. He contrasts a loving relationship with the living Christ to lifeless religion, and appeals to parents and Christian leaders to protect vulnerable children and youth from modern Pharisees and Judaizers, whose teachings misrepresent authentic Christianity.

"Legalism will tie you up and kill you. Jesus will turn you loose and give you life."