Normative principle of worship

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The Normative Principle of Worship is a Christian theological principle that teaches that worship in the Church can include those elements that are not prohibited by Scripture. The most common traditions utilizing this are Anglican and Lutheran.

The opposing view is the Regulative Principle of Worship which teaches that with regard to worship "whatever is commanded in Scripture by command or example is required, and that whatever is not commanded is prohibited". This is most often seen in many Presbyterian and Reformed churches.

A new principle has been recently introduced into this discussion that seeks to strike a balance between the regulative and normative principles. Sometimes referred to as the "informed principle of worship", it teaches that what is commanded in Scripture regarding worship is required, what is prohibited in Scripture regarding worship is forbidden, what is not prohibited in Scripture regarding worship is permissible, but only if properly deduced from proper application of Scripture using good and necessary consequence.