How can the Silence of Scripture tell you whether something is permitted or prohibited?

Question

I see an awful lot of questions which ask for the Authority of Scripture for one practice or another that some Christians disagree with. The implication being that if they don't do it others shouldn't, or that things can only be done their way or those who do them are damned.

One such question is the exact day of Jesus' birth.
Another is whether it is permissible to drink coffee, smoke tobacco, wear perfume, whether men should wear neckties, can women sing in church choirs, what hymns are permissible, how should we worship and on what day of the week, how is the church governed, who can/can't be ministers, etc., etc. MOST OF THE THINGS WHiCH DIVIDE CHRISTIANS many which in Scripture don't amount to a hill of beans.

Answer 1

people seek to find some affirmation that what they are doing is correct, that their way is the 'right' way. they look for an authority to tell them so. scripture is THE authority for many.

is it faulty logic that says, 'if it is not prohibited, it must be permitted'? perhaps they only seek to find that they are vindicated, and will turn the other ear or pretend not to hear if their particular version of 'sin' turns out to be prohibited by scripture. yet aren't sins of omission are just as grave?

taken a step further, 'if god is with us, who can be against us?' or, as a foolish man said not so long ago, 'you're either with us, or you're against us'.

Answer 2

Each person is given the opportunity, by God, to choose whether or not he/she is a believer or a non-believer.

Their call. Pops

Answer 3

Sounds like the basis of most religions to me.

Answer 4

Like what exactly??? The Bible is quite clear on most things.

Answer 5

What exactly is scripture silent on?