Analysis Of The Liturgy And Adiaphora Of The LuTheran Church

Analysis Of The Liturgy And Adiaphora Of The LuTheran Church

The issue of adiaphora together with Christian freedom is a double-edged sword and so beginning with scripture this paper will attempt to reach a balanced understanding, and that is the simple fact that man is not capable of understanding that which is eternal. This controversy over the adiaphoria, specifically matters that are "indifferent," that is, are not commanded or forbidden by God, can be traced back to congregations of the New Testament. St. Paul deals with the matter of meat offered to idols and other foods in Romans 8 and in I Corinthians 14.   St. Paul writes to the Romans about God’s grace. He emphasizes the subjectivity of physical death, or the consequences of sin, but gives hope, because although we suffer death according to the physical sense Christ has resurrected and now your spirit is alive because of his righteousness (Romans 8:10). St. Paul wrote to the church of Corinth on matters of the superiority of prophecy over tongues. This mystery of in such direct communication with God that one’s spirit utters in tongues. Paul warns Corinth, and all Christians, about the importance of speaking to God in tongues and not man. There are many continual warnings of the need for an interpreter in order for the worship to be edifying to the church. Paul writes about the importance of spiritual gifts and especially that of prophecy (1 Cor.14:1-10). Now the concept of physical death and spiritual life coinciding is not an easily accepted notion, without faith that is. Similarly, the spiritual gift of prophecy through speaking in tongues is difficult to grasp. The majesty of the LORD   is far beyond man’s skill of comprehension, and thankfully so.
If we are to reach some understanding of the relationship that exists between the liturgy and adiaphora of Lutheran worship, it is necessary to focus on Article ten of the Formula of Concord , the authoritative Lutheran statement of faith. The basic concern of Article ten is primarily with the doctrine of the church...