Adiaphorism in Music and Worship

Adiaphorism: n. tolerance of actions or beliefs not specifically prohibited in the Scriptures. Other forms include adiaphorist and adiaphoristic. The word comes from another English word, adiaphorous, an adjective with the broader meaning of "doing neither good nor harm, as a medicine." My Random House Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language does not list adiaphora, a form that I have heard and seen in use elsewhere.

What a marvelously useful word in thinking about worship and music! Adiaphorism would classify those specific practices in worship and music that are not prohibited scripturally; and there are many, including the following:

• Traditional hymnody, choruses, praise songs, rock, hip-hop, others
• Choir or praise team
• Organ, piano, keyboard, guitars, drums, bells, brass (One would have to decide whether the "Praise the Lord with trumpet, cymbals, harps, drums, song, dance, etc. . . ." refers to worship or general praise. Some denominations claim that use of ANY instruments in worship is scripturally forbidden, the opposite of adiaphorism.)
• Announcements: When? by whom? which ones? how long? or ever?
• Use of dance, drama, puppets, sermon video clips
• King James, NRSV, NIV, Eugene Peterson — Which version?
• Inclusive language
• Hymnals, song sheets, or projection
• To process or not to process
• Baptism by immersion, sprinkling, or pouring (For some, this is not adiaphorism — nor is infant baptism.)
• Standing for the gospel reading or the Great Thanksgiving
• Choir robes
• Pipe organ or electronic organ
• Tempo and volume of congregational singing
• Holy Communion: How often? intinction? kneeling at the rail? sitting in the pews? wine? grape juice? serving children? use of the liturgy or how much? altering the liturgy?

To say that an issue is adiaphoristic is not to imply that it is unimportant. On the contrary, churches have gained and lost members over these issues; staff members have lost their jobs; and offerings have been withheld. I would imagine even that wars have been fought over an adiaphorism.

So what's the point? It seems to me that most of what constitutes the church's worship is adiaphoristic. That means that we decide what to do in worship and how to do it on criteria other than Scripture. Some may hearken to the Wesley quadrilateral of Scripture, reason, tradition, and common sense. Others may appeal to generational tendencies. And there are cultural forces at work, along with identified wants and needs within a local congregation. There really are very few requirements for worship, but I'd like to know what you consider those to be.

• What should be present or done every time we gather for worship?
• Is there anything about United Methodist worship that is NOT adiaphoristic?
• Are there elements or practices of worship in your own congregation that are not adiaphoristic?
• What are the implications in your own local congregation for how you plan worship and what you include?