a Christian Protestant theological theory that certain rites and actions are matters of indifference in religion since not forbidden by the Scriptures
Derived forms
adiaphorist (ˌadiˈaphorist)
noun
adiaphoristic (ˌadiˌaphoˈristic)
adjective
Word origin
C19: see adiaphorous
adiaphorism in American English
(ˌædiˈæfəˌrɪzəm)
noun
tolerance of actions or beliefs not specifically prohibited in the Scriptures; indifferentism
Derived forms
adiaphorist
noun
adiaphoristic
adjective
Word origin
[1865–70; adiaphor(ous) + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1865–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: batting average, dunk, springboard, steamroller, tick-tack-toe-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)