The term "controversial" refers to subjects, actions, or teachings that provoke disagreement or debate, often due to differing interpretations or beliefs. Within the context of the Bible, several topics and passages have historically been considered controversial, leading to varied interpretations and discussions among scholars, theologians, and believers.

1. The Nature of God:

The nature and character of God have been subjects of theological debate. The Bible presents God as both loving and just, merciful and wrathful. For instance, Exodus 34:6-7 describes God as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth," yet also "by no means leave the guilty unpunished." This duality has led to discussions on how to reconcile God's love with His justice.

2. The Role of Women:

The role of women in the church and society is another controversial topic. Passages such as 1 Timothy 2:12 , "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet," have been interpreted in various ways. Some argue for a complementarian view, where men and women have distinct roles, while others advocate for egalitarianism, emphasizing equality in all aspects of church and family life.

3. Salvation and Works:

The relationship between faith, grace, and works in salvation has been a point of contention. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, yet James 2:26 asserts, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." The balance between faith and works continues to be debated.

4. End Times Prophecy:

Eschatology, or the study of end times, is rife with controversy. Interpretations of the Book of Revelation and other prophetic texts vary widely. Some hold to a premillennial view, expecting a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, while others interpret these prophecies symbolically or allegorically. Revelation 20:1-6 is central to these discussions, describing the binding of Satan and the reign of Christ.

5. The Doctrine of Election:

The doctrine of election, or predestination, is another contentious issue. Romans 8:29-30 speaks of those God "foreknew" and "predestined," leading to debates over free will versus divine sovereignty. Some adhere to a Calvinistic interpretation, emphasizing God's sovereign choice, while others advocate for Arminianism, highlighting human free will in accepting salvation.

6. Homosexuality and Sexual Ethics:

Biblical teachings on homosexuality and sexual ethics are highly controversial in contemporary society. Passages such as Leviticus 18:22 , "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination," and Romans 1:26-27 have been central to discussions on sexual morality. These verses are often cited in debates over the acceptance and role of LGBTQ individuals within the church.

7. The Authority of Scripture:

The authority and interpretation of Scripture itself can be controversial. 2 Timothy 3:16 declares, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The question of how to interpret Scripture—literally, contextually, or allegorically—affects many theological and ethical discussions.

These topics, among others, illustrate the complexity and depth of biblical interpretation and the diverse perspectives within Christianity. The ongoing dialogue reflects the dynamic nature of faith and the pursuit of understanding God's will as revealed in Scripture.(a.) Relating to, or consisting of, controversy; disputatious; polemical; as, controversial divinity.2213. zetema -- an inquiry
... Cognate: 2213 (a neuter noun) -- a question arising from a (). See 2211 ().
2213 ("a controversial question") focuses on at stake (the ). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2213.htm - 7k

2214. zetesis -- a search, questioning
... Word Origin from zeteo Definition a search, questioning NASB Word Usage controversial
questions (1), controversies (1), debate (2), discussion (1), how to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2214.htm - 7k

Probable Dates of his Works.
... It is probable that most of his Hymns that are definitely controversial belong,
like most of his controversial writings, to the years of his later life, at ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/x probable dates of his works.htm

Introduction
... These were indeed intended as controversial theses for theologians, but at the same
time it is well known that Luther was moved by his duty toward his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/introduction.htm

The Document and Its Value
... [3] The work Against Heresies is, of course, controversial from first to last: but
the present treatise is a sort of Vade mecum for an intelligent Christian ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/i the document and its.htm

Preface to the Homilies on the Gospel of St. John.
... Chrysostom comments upon Holy Scripture. They are far more controversial than is
usual with him, and the part devoted to moral exhortation is shorter. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/preface to the homilies on.htm

The Papal Bulls against the Jansenists, 1653 and 1713.
... in 44. Letters, sermons, ascetic treatises, controversial books against Jesuits
(Maimbourg, Annat), Protestants (Jurieu, Aubertin), and philosophers (Descartes ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 27 the papal bulls.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... Baxter's numerous controversial tracts have never been collected, and have gone,
with his medical prescriptions, to 'everlasting rest,' but his practical works ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

His Writings: their Characteristics.
... Of the innumerable writings"controversial, expository, hortatory, devotional"which
were for Ephraim the fulfilment of his dream in childhood, the fruit of ...
/.../viii his writings their characteristics.htm

New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake ...
... concern the Kingdom of God, but, although the prevailing characteristic is still
parenetic, [2787] or, rather, Evangelic, they have a controversial aspect also ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiii new teaching in.htm

Prefatory Notice
... Dr. Barrow said, "His practical writings were never mended, and his controversial
ones seldom confuted." With a view to his casuistical writings, the honorable ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the saints everlasting rest/prefatory notice.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
... Perhaps he has felt the sad influence of controversial battles, and the love and
richness of the old Gospel has somewhat faded out of his life, and conversation ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter vi the daily walk.htm

Controversial (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Relating to, or consisting of, controversy; disputatious;
polemical; as, controversial divinity. ...Controversial (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/controversial.htm - 6k

Controversies (6 Occurrences)

/c/controversies.htm - 8k

Epistles (2 Occurrences)
... Though its main features are didactic and controversial, the personal note is
frequently struck, and with much tenderness and depth of feeling. ...
/e/epistles.htm - 80k

Dispute (37 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) Verbal controversy; contest by opposing argument or expression of opposing
views or claims; controversial discussion; altercation; debate. ...
/d/dispute.htm - 17k

Controls (3 Occurrences)

/c/controls.htm - 7k

Christs (2 Occurrences)
... and his followers. Jewish literature in the 18th century is full of
controversial writing connected with Sabbatianism. As a special ...
/c/christs.htm - 14k

False.
... and his followers. Jewish literature in the 18th century is full of
controversial writing connected with Sabbatianism. As a special ...
/f/false..htm - 16k

Isaiah (64 Occurrences)
... Justin Martyr also (150 AD), in his controversial dialogue with the Jew Trypho,
reproaches the Jews with this accusation, "whom ye sawed asunder with a wooden ...
/i/isaiah.htm - 66k

Commentaries
... who wrote Expositions on the Old Testament and the New Testament and a separate
Exposition of the So of Solomon-learned, but ponderous and controversial; and Dr ...
/c/commentaries.htm - 57k

John (154 Occurrences)
... But nothing is offered by Weizsacker except the dictum that these are controversial
topics carried on in the school, and that they are anachronisms as they ...
/j/john.htm - 101k

Why is the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper such a controversial issue? | GotQuestions.org

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Controversial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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