Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, controversies often arise from differing interpretations of Scripture, doctrinal disagreements, and the challenges of applying biblical principles to contemporary issues. The Bible itself addresses the nature of disputes and provides guidance on how believers should handle them.
Biblical References to Controversies1.
Old Testament Context: The Old Testament contains numerous instances of controversies, often involving disputes over religious practices, leadership, and adherence to God's laws. For example, in the book of Numbers, Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron represents a significant controversy over leadership and divine authority (Numbers 16). The prophets frequently addressed controversies between God and His people, calling them to repentance and faithfulness (e.g.,
Micah 6:1-2).
2.
New Testament Context: The New Testament also records various controversies, particularly those involving Jesus and the religious leaders of His time. The Pharisees and Sadducees often challenged Jesus on matters of the law, tradition, and His claims of divinity (e.g.,
Matthew 22:15-46). The early church faced controversies regarding the inclusion of Gentiles, as seen in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where the apostles and elders debated the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts.
Guidance on Handling Controversies1.
Pursuit of Peace and Unity: The Bible emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and unity among believers. In
Ephesians 4:3, Paul urges the church to be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Similarly,
Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone."
2.
Avoidance of Foolish Disputes: Scripture warns against engaging in fruitless arguments. In
2 Timothy 2:23-24, Paul instructs Timothy, "But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing."
3.
Seeking Wisdom and Discernment:
James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God when faced with controversies: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Discernment is crucial in navigating complex issues and ensuring that one's actions align with biblical truth.
4.
Restoration and Reconciliation: The goal of addressing controversies should be restoration and reconciliation.
Galatians 6:1 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness." The process of reconciliation is further outlined in
Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus provides a framework for resolving conflicts within the church.
Controversies in Church HistoryThroughout church history, controversies have shaped Christian doctrine and practice. The early church faced significant theological disputes, such as the Arian controversy over the nature of Christ, which was addressed at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. The Reformation in the 16th century was another period of intense controversy, leading to significant changes in church structure and theology.
Contemporary ControversiesToday, the church continues to encounter controversies related to moral, social, and theological issues. These include debates over biblical interpretation, the role of women in ministry, and ethical questions surrounding technology and bioethics. In navigating these challenges, believers are called to uphold biblical truth while demonstrating love and grace.
In summary, while controversies are an inevitable part of the Christian experience, the Bible provides clear principles for addressing them in a manner that honors God and promotes unity within the body of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Controversy.
Greek
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
...Library
The FinalControversies in Jerusalem
... Part II. The Ministry VI The FinalControversies in Jerusalem. 177. The
early Christians were greatly interested in the teachings...
The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn...
... CHAPTER XXXV. THE TWO SABBATH-CONTROVERSIES - THE PLUCKING OF THE EARS OF CORN BY
THE DISCIPLES, AND THE HEALING OF THE MAN WITH THE WITHERED HAND....
A Farther Notice of theControversies Raised in Egypt by Arius.
... Book III. Chapter IV."A Farther Notice of theControversies raised in
Egypt by Arius. In such occupations as these he employed...
A Decade ofControversies and Schisms.
... CHAPTER XVII. A DECADE OFCONTROVERSIES AND SCHISMS. DURING the period from
1835 to 1845 the spirit of schism seemed to be in the air....
HowControversies Originated at Alexandria through Matters...
... Book II. Chapter LXI."HowControversies originated at Alexandria through
Matters relating to Arius. In this manner the emperor...
That He Also Adjusted theControversies which had Arisen in Africa...
... Book II. Chapter LXVI."That he also adjusted theControversies which had
arisen in Africa. "Finding, then, that the whole of Africa...
So, Then, after ManyControversies among Them, which are not...
... Book II. Chapter XLVII. So, then, after manycontroversies among them, which
are not worthy of mention? So, then, after manycontroversies...
TheologicalControversies and Studies
... CHAPTER VI THEOLOGICALCONTROVERSIES AND STUDIES. (a) Baianism. Schwane,
/Dogmengeschichte der neuren zeit/, 1890. Turmel, /Histoire...
The Third Day in Passion-Week - the LastControversies and...
... THE THIRD DAY IN PASSION-WEEK - THE LASTCONTROVERSIES AND DISCOURSES - THE SADDUCEES
AND THE RESURRECTION - THE SCRIBE AND THE GREAT COMMANDMENT - QUESTION TO...
Antecedents of Permanent Christian Colonization --The...
... CHAPTER IV. ANTECEDENTS OF PERMANENT CHRISTIAN COLONIZATION"THE
DISINTEGRATION OF CHRISTENDOM"CONTROVERSIES"PERSECUTIONS....
Thesaurus
Controversies (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Controversies (6 Occurrences). Acts 26:3 especially because
you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews.
...Controversy (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up with pride and has no true knowledge, but is crazy
over discussions andcontroversies about words which give rise to envy...
Discussions (11 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up with pride and has no true knowledge, but is
crazy over discussions andcontroversies about words which give rise to envy...
Controversial (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up with pride and has no true knowledge, but is crazy
over discussions andcontroversies about words which give rise to envy...
Apostles'
... After the middle of the century, the confession rose to new importance as the result
of the Gnosticcontroversies, and assumed more of the character of a...
Creed
... After the middle of the century, the confession rose to new importance as the result
of the Gnosticcontroversies, and assumed more of the character of a...
Quarrels (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up with pride and has no true knowledge, but is crazy
over discussions andcontroversies about words which give rise to envy...
Quarrelling (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up with pride and has no true knowledge, but is
crazy over discussions andcontroversies about words which give rise to envy...
Virginity (12 Occurrences)
... wrong place. Thecontroversies regarding Isaiah 7:14 are endless, but
Septuagint took `almah as meaning "virgin" (parthenos). But...
Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)
... Son of Ishmael (2 Chronicles 19:11); "ruler of the house of Judah in all the king's
(Jehoshaphat's) matters," ie judge in civil cases, the "controversies" of 2...
Resources
What were the Lateran Councils? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some reasons for the animosity between Christians and Muslims? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Knights of Columbus? | GotQuestions.orgControversies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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