Does Adiaphora Mean That Anything Goes?

A common mistake in Christian discussions about adiaphora is to assume that “neither commanded nor forbidden” means “anything goes.”

Let me explain: the word adiaphora comes from the Greek and means “indifferent.” In other words, adiaphora often refers to ceremonies and ecclesiastical practices that are neither commanded nor forbidden in God’s Word but have been introduced into the church.

So, where is the problem?

The problem comes when something that is called “indifferent” is treated as though it is free from the discernment of Christian doctrine. For example, a church practice may not be commanded or forbidden in the Bible, but make no mistake, it does not exist in a theological vacuum. Adiaphora is not like police yellow tape saying to doctrine, “DO NOT CROSS!”

Mark this: once doctrinal discernment is pushed out of an adiaphora conversation, something else will take its place: personal preference, nostalgia, private agendas, pragmatism, or contemporary cultural assumptions (to name a few). Then without the wisdom of good doctrine, power steps in to enforce a preference, agenda, nostalgia, or a pragmatic and cultural assumption. Tragically, the question is no longer, “What best serves the Gospel?” Instead, the questions become: “Who has the most influence?” “Who complains the loudest?” or “Who is most determined to get his way?” and “Who has the votes?” In this way, preference supplies the content, and power supplies the enforcement.

But just because something is neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture does not mean it is beyond doctrinal discernment or Christian wisdom. Adiaphora is not simply up for grabs to the highest bidder, the majority vote, or the loudest voice. You see, the church has had ways of evaluating and governing adiaphora according to at least four questions:

1. Does the adiaphora promote and support the Gospel, or does it distract from it? Is the adiaphora Evangelical in its nature or is it something else? 

2. Does the adipahora respect the historic Christian Church and the practices received across the millennia? Does it give a tip of the hat to the ancient fathers of the church (i.e., the Nicene Faith). 

3. Is it appropriate to the context, and does it serve the actual real needs of the church for clarity, good order, and the edification of the congregation?

4. Are those involved handling the matter collegially—with kindness, grace, and a willingness to seek peace?

In summary, adiaphora does not concede to an antinomian spirit - it is not ruled by preference and power. Rather, adiaphora is governed by the Gospel, informed by sound doctrine, exercised with collegiality, respectful of the historic Church, and directed toward the edification of Christ’s Church.