by J.D. Tant
For
hundreds of years, believers in the Bible have discussed the question
of “the silence of the Scriptures.” Does silence indicate a lack of
authority, and thus whatever is not specifically condemned is
permissible? Or does silence mean there is no authority for whatever
practice is under consideration, and therefore it is unscriptural?
These questions rose early in the church, as Tertullian (ca. 150-222) wrote of those who claimed that “the thing which is not forbidden is freely permitted.” Tertullian responded with, “I should rather say that what has not been freely allowed is forbidden.”
These questions rose early in the church, as Tertullian (ca. 150-222) wrote of those who claimed that “the thing which is not forbidden is freely permitted.” Tertullian responded with, “I should rather say that what has not been freely allowed is forbidden.”
