Calvin’s View of Christian Freedom

(3) The third subject is the adiaphora, or “things indifferent.” This is a crucial concern in the Reformation, one which was already addressed by Luther, but here made much tighter. Calvin’s pastoral concern emerges throughout. He does not want believers to be in doubt, but free of conscience (3.19.7). Here he elaborates on what he said in 3.10.1–4. He takes up one of the classic texts, Romans 14, and gives extensive comments. (He briefly refers to the other significant passage on the adiaphora, 1 Cor. 8–19, in 3.19.16.) He argues that not by daring all things, but by using them for the purpose given by God, we may truly be free in practicing things indifferent. In a way, therefore, nothing is quite indifferent, since every practice ought to be subject to God (3.19.8). Always seeking a balance, Calvin cautions against opulence in the name of freedom (3.19.9). Though we have never been forbidden to laugh, eat well, gain wealth, enjoy music, or drink wine, yet when desire gives way to gluttony, then we lose all sense of propriety in the exercise of freedom.

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