Luther and Zwingli - Adiaphora in the Reformation

Today Chris introduces the subject of "Adiaphora"--a term which means "things indifferent". He notes that it is a fine term, so long as you use it correctly. He addresses its use by the Cynics, and then Glenn discusses briefly how it was used by some of the Reformers in a very narrow sense.

The trouble with it according to the gang is it has become a catchall for anyone who wants to shut down discussion on the meaning of certain things--reducing them to matters of taste. It is a favorite category for the Utilitarians in the church who wish to dismiss the promotion of Beauty entirely, and even narrow the application of Truth and Goodness to a very small set of concerns.

If, as Abraham Kuyper said, ‘There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!’--then how can we say something is indifferent? Everything matters to the Christian because everything belongs to Christ.