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

Do you have a term you’d like to see featured here as a Theological Term of the Week? If you email it to me, I’ll seriously consider using it, giving you credit for the suggestion and linking back to your blog when I do.

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.

A Catechism for Girls and Boys

Part III: Questions about Salvation

106. Q. How can you receive the Holy Spirit?
         A. God has told us that we must pray to him for the Holy Spirit; but the evidence of His presence is seen most clearly in our trusting and loving the Lord Jesus Christ. 

(Click through to read scriptural proof.)

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Sunday Hymn: Jesus, Joy of the Highest Heaven

Jesus, joy of the highest heaven,

Born as a little baby

Under a wondrous star.

Like us, crying He takes His first breath

Held by His mother, helpless

Close to her beating heart.

Jesus, laid in a lowly manger,

Facing a world of dangers,

Come to turn me a stranger

Into a child of God.

Jesus, King of the highest heaven

Learning to take His first steps,

That He might bring us life.

Like us, knowing our smiles and sorrows,

He showed the way to follow,

A way that is true and right.

Jesus, take away every darkness,

Steady my simple footsteps

That I might in your goodness

Live as a child of God.

—Keith Getty and Kristyn Getty

Other hymns, worship songs, sermons etc. posted today:

• O Wisdom, Spreading Mightily at Conjubilant with Song
• Of the Father’s Love Begotten at Gospel Grace
• O Let Your Soul Now Be Filled With Gladness at By Grace Alone
• Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming at The Happy Wonderer
• O Holy Night at Hopeful Morning
• Alter and Manger at Tried With Fire 
• Lord’s Day 51, 2012 at The Thirsty Theologian
• Your Weekly Dose of Spurgeon at Pyromaniacs: Time Married to Eternity
• Third Sunday in Advent at The Upward Call
• Praying Isaiah 9:6-7 at Daily On My Way to Heaven

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.