This article is not really a book review. While there are many helpful truths in the book, there are also several problems - one of which is his understanding of legalism. Because it is wrong and colors his thinking, it affects many of the other things on which he comments. Nevertheless, a basic idea of what legalism is can be found throughout the book.
Legalism is an attitude, a mentality based on pride.
The major problems with this definition are that it is both insufficient and imprecise. To make matters worse, they are a well-organized, intimidating body of people who stop at nothing to keep you and me from enjoying the freedom that is rightfully ours to claim. So Swindoll's working definition of legalism seems to center on lists. Let me give it to you straight. That is one of the ways Christians can live in harmony.