I see two different types of controversies in the Bible:
- Passages that are controversial when you compare them to other passages in the Bible.
- Passages that are controversial when you compare them to today’s culture.
Unfortunately, many people don’t see the difference between these two types of controversial passages. With the first type of controversial passages, we might have opinions one way or another on how to interpret such passages (even strong opinions), but in the end, we must realize that these passages are interpreted several different ways by scholars who all appreciate the authority of Scripture. As a result, when we discuss such passages, we should make room for disagreements and maintain a “think and let think” attitude toward those who might disagree with us. Such verses deal with issues like:
- Calvinism vs. Arminianism
- Eschatology (pre/post/a-millennial, pre/post/mid-tribulation, etc.)
- Roles of men/women in ministry
- How charismatic gifts operate today
Often, people have strong opinions on these matters, which isn’t bad at all. However, we should all recognize that many strong, Bible-believing Christians may disagree with us. These disagreements shouldn’t prevent us from having fellowship with one another. Some people think it is best to avoid discussions/sermons on such issues because of the divisiveness it brings. Personally, I don’t shy away from controversy. I’d rather provide my audience with all the different viewpoints out there, and also give my own opinion in the matter. Then I leave it up to the audience to make up their own mind. I think this is better than avoiding these issues, because I think that does us a disfavor. Ignorance isn’t bliss. People have a right to delve deep into these issues if they so desire. However, I understand the idea to avoid such discussions, and I don’t think that’s a wrong strategy to have–I just personally don’t gravitate toward that method.
However, that second category of Bible passages which are controversial to today’s culture–we would be gravely mistaken if we treat them the same way as the first category of controversial passages. These passages aren’t controversial because other verses in the Bible question their validity–it is today’s fallen society that questions their validity. The following issues aren’t controversial within Scripture itself, but are extremely controversial in today’s society:
- God created everything.
- Human beings are fallen creatures, evil in the sight of God.
- Sexual relationships with one another outside of marriage is sin (adultery, pre-marital sex, homosexual sex, pronography, lust…)
- Heaven and hell exist and human beings will find their place in one or the other when our life on earth has ended
- Without faith in Christ, human beings remain headed for hell.
- It is possible to have a real relationship with our Creator.
- A real relationship with God is only possible when we are cleansed of sin.
- Only through Jesus’ death and resurrection can we be cleansed of sin.
I could go on. All of these are truths that the Bible clearly and uniformly spells out, but our culture finds disturbing. Unfortunately, many churches do as well. They treat these issues the same as the first type of controversial passages: 1) avoid talking about them or 2) embrace people’s rejection of these truths.
The Methodist Church has been heading down this road for quite some time now. As a result, it is often rightfully ridiculed for being passionless and purposeless. In its defense, there is a strong remnant of the Methodist Church that refuses to be this way. They still believe the Bible is God’s Word and that the Gospel as revealed to us in Scripture is true and of utmost importance. I have seen both sides. To the rest of Methodists, such a remnant of believers are extra-zealous or fundamentalists or just plain loopy. The latest example occurred a few days ago when I was videotaping a recent deposition. One of the attorneys was making small talk during a break and shared that her son is going to a Methodist camp this summer for a month. She then qualified by stating that although the camp had religious affiliation, “It’s not over the top, so that’s good. It’s more based on historical things.”
“How unfortunate,” I thought, “that this is all Methodists seem to ever offer.” Then, throughout the day, anytime she was frustrated about anything, this attorney would carelessly and repeatedly exclaim, “Jesus Christ!” It demonstrated to me how we as Christians must not shy away from the great truths of the Gospel and of Scripture, even though they are rejected by the world. If we continue to do this, we will make no impact on the people around us. This is easier said than done. I feel the animosity of the world toward the things of God. People don’t want to hear it. Yet somehow, their hearts must be changed and softened.