Question 10 — Unbelief in General

In due sequence we must consider the contrary vices: first, unbelief, which is contrary to faith; second, blasphemy, which is opposed to confession of faith; third, ignorance and dullness of mind, which are contrary to knowledge and understanding.

As to the first, we must consider (1) unbelief in general; (2) heresy; (3) apostasy from the faith.

Under the first head there are twelve points of inquiry:

(1) Whether unbelief is a sin?

• (2) What is its subject?
• (3) Whether it is the greatest of sins?
• (4) Whether every action of unbelievers is a sin?
• (5) Of the species of unbelief;
• (6) Of their comparison, one with another;
• (7) Whether we ought to dispute about faith with unbelievers?
• (8) Whether they ought to be compelled to the faith?
• (9) Whether we ought to have communications with them?
• (10) Whether unbelievers can have authority over Christians?
• (11) Whether the rites of unbelievers should be tolerated?
• (12) Whether the children of unbelievers are to be baptized against their parents’ will?