In legalistic religion, the individual is absorbed into the system and loses identity and self esteem. Legalism is the mortal enemy of healthy self esteem. Peace with God is a gift and not a work of law. Legalism denies the love and power of God in Jesus in the Gospels. Look what I have done.
Legalism emphasizes the externals and becomes preoccupied with trivia.
Legalism makes things other than God absolute. Legalism obscures a clear view of God. Legalism is insensitive to human need. Legalism develops into a religion of experts. Legalism creates judgment and divisions.