Chapter XI: CONCERNING THINGS COMMANDED AND NOT COMMANDED

CONCERNING THINGS COMMANDED AND NOT COMMANDED

We confess that just as no one may require things which Christ has not commanded, so in the same way no one may forbid what He has not forbidden. For this reason we hold that the confessional, fasting during Lent, holy days and such things introduced by men are not commanded, and, on the other hand, that the marriage of priests is not forbidden. Still less may anyone permit what God has forbidden. This is the reason we reject the veneration and invoking of departed saints, the veneration and setting up of images, and such like. Moreover, no one may forbid what God has permitted. For this reason we do not think it is forbidden to enjoy food with thanksgiving.

Scripture: Matthew 17:5; Luke 9:35; Deuteronomy 18:18; Acts 7:37 · · Leviticus 18:2; Deuteronomy 10:17; 1 Timothy 1:4