Adiaphora

Adiaphora

“Adiaphora” is a fascinating word to think about. It’s Greek (αδιαφορα), and the form above is plural. The website GotQuestions.org defines it this way:

Adiaphora, the concept of “things indifferent,” offers Christians a means of navigating non-salvational differences within the body of Christ, especially in matters that are neither strictly commanded nor forbidden by Scripture. Rooted in both biblical principles and historical application, adiaphora encourages believers to focus on core doctrines while allowing freedom in non-salvational matters.

Interestingly, this particular word does not appear in the Greek New Testament, but the concept certainly does. Consider Romans 14:1:

NASB: “Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to have quarrels over opinions.”
NKJV: “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.”

Those “doubtful things” are adiaphora.

They are not unimportant—but they are matters about which sincere Christians may disagree. Some hold strong convictions on one side; others, equally sincere, on the opposite. Yet these are not tests of faith. In our polarized age, we often struggle to handle disagreement graciously, but not every issue is ultimate.

Adiaphora in the NT came to include circumcision. As Paul’s pattern with Titus and Timothy shows, you could do it, or not. Today, we might think of subjects such as where to send your children to school, or the efficacy or ethics of vaccines, or the appropriate use—or avoidance—of certain technologies.

Scripture does not speak directly to these issues. We may differ, and still remain one united fellowship of believers, in full agreement with the truths Scripture clearly teaches.

In the early church, a sect called the Gnostics claimed to possess “secret knowledge.” Variations may still appear today with those who claim insight others supposedly lack. Yet the truth is, we all know far less than we imagine. Our knowledge is partial, and humility requires that we acknowledge it. We should certainly learn from one another, but always, like the disciples, we are called to “watch and pray.”

When the Bible speaks, we have God’s revealed truth—what He wants us to know, with certainty. Yet even then, our understanding is not exhaustive. God reveals what is necessary for faith and godliness, not everything there is to know. Therefore, wisdom and grace demand that we admit the limits of our understanding.

A quote often attributed to Richard Baxter, the English pastor who lived in the 1600’s in England and author of The Reformed Pastor, captures the point well: 

“Unity in things necessary; liberty in things unnecessary; and charity in all.”