Theological Term of the Week

adiaphora
Actions or beliefs which are neither commanded nor forbidden in scripture, and thus left to the liberty of the conscience; issues of theology or morals to which scripture does not speak definitively.

• From scripture:

Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.  But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Corinthians 8:8-9 ESV)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. [18] Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. [19] So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:17-19 ESV) 

• From Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 20:

II. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his Word, or beside it in matters of faith on worship.

Learn more:

1. Christian Apologetics and Research Ministries: What is adiaphora?
2. Justo L. Gonzalez: Essential Theological Terms - adiaphora
3. Donald McKim: Dictionary of Theology - adiaphora

Filed under Ecclesiology

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Clicking on the Theological Term graphic at the top of this post will take you to a list of all the previous theological terms in alphabetical order.