The intricate tapestry of Christian history, much like the ornate stained glass windows of an ancient cathedral, refracts the light of faith into a spectrum of hues. Reds, blues, and golds paint a vibrant picture of the sacred space, each color representing a distinct perspective on the practices and beliefs held within. Just as these varied hues illuminate the same sanctuary, Christians throughout history have often viewed certain aspects of their shared faith through differing lenses, while still gathering under the same vaulted roof.
The Lutheran tradition, in its wisdom, gifted the church with the profound concept of adiaphora. A Greek term, adiaphora refers to those matters of indifference “which God neither bids nor forbids.” This concept, often overlooked in contemporary discourse, may well hold the key to mending some of our most entrenched divisions, all while safeguarding the essential convictions that bind us together. As Reformed believers striving to navigate the complexities of disagreement with both grace and unwavering truth, we would be wise to rediscover and apply this ancient wisdom to the challenges of our modern age.
Adiaphora speaks directly to the heart of Christian liberty. It acknowledges that not every action, custom, or preference carries the weight of divine mandate. There are areas of life – how we dress, what we eat, specific cultural practices – where Scripture offers no direct pronouncements. These are the realms of Christian freedom, where believers are at liberty to exercise their God-given judgment, informed by conscience and guided by Scripture’s broader principles.
This freedom, however, is not a license for unrestrained individualism. It is a freedom exercised within the bounds of love, humility, and concern for the edification of the body of Christ.
We see this in Romans where Paul instructs Christians, “One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him” (Romans 14:2-3). Instead of picking a side, Paul defers to the faith-informed consciences of believers when it comes to their diets.
The rediscovery of adiaphora during the Reformation was a watershed moment. It helped to dismantle the legalistic burdens that had accumulated over time, obscuring the true grace of the gospel. By recognizing the distinction between essential doctrines and “matters of indifference,” the Reformers helped to liberate consciences and refocus attention on the core truths of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, on account of Christ alone.
This liberation, however, was not without its challenges. The temptation to equate personal preference with divine command is ever present. One person’s matter of indifference may be another’s deeply held conviction. Navigating these complexities requires discernment, charity, and a willingness to engage in thoughtful dialogue.
In our own time, the concept of adiaphora remains remarkably relevant. As Christians, we are called to engage with a world of diverse cultures and ever-evolving social norms. Discerning which practices are truly essential to the faith and which are matters of cultural adaptation is a crucial task.
Too often, we see divisions arise over issues of secondary importance, fracturing the unity of the church and hindering our witness to the world. These divisions can involve what books to read, medical choices to make, media to consume, end times theology to embrace, candidates to vote for, and more. A renewed appreciation for adiaphora can help us to prioritize the weightier matters of faith, hope, and love, while extending grace and understanding in areas of legitimate disagreement.
Furthermore, the principle of Christian liberty inherent in adiaphora reminds us that our identity is not bound up in adherence to specific cultural norms or preferences. Our identity is found in Christ alone. This understanding frees us from the pressure to conform to every passing trend or expectation, allowing us to stand firm in our convictions while remaining open to engaging with those who hold different views. It fosters a spirit of humility, recognizing that our understanding of Scripture and its application to our lives may be incomplete.
The doctrine of adiaphora, rooted in the wisdom of church history and the principles of Christian liberty, offers a valuable framework for navigating the complexities of our time. By discerning between the essential and the indifferent, we can foster greater unity within the church, engage more effectively with the world, and live out our faith with both conviction and grace. Just as the diverse colors of stained glass contribute to the beauty of the cathedral, so too can a diversity of perspectives on matters of indifference enrich the tapestry of Christian life as we all gather in the one sanctuary of faith.
Brian Gross is a ruling elder at Cross Creek Church in Birmingham, Alabama.