What is the Christian view on gay marriage? Are spiritual gifts biblical? Can Christians drink alcohol? These are some of the topics that often cause heated controversy within the church today. Christians take very different opinions on these issues and both sides refer to Scripture to support their views. Discernment is certainly necessary, even among a group of believers in today's culture. Whatever your views on each of these topics, hopefully reading this list of the areas where the church often experiences division will encourage us as Christ-followers to strive for unity within our own churches and even across denominations, because although there is much division and controversy among the broader church, there are also core doctrines that unite us.

1. GAY MARRIAGE
Gay marriage and whether it should be allowed in the church is certainly at the top of the list of modern-day controversial subjects. One need not search current headlines for long to find evidence of this controversy.

This issue has caused division among many denominations. The Presbyterian Church (USA) supports it, while the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and others do not support it, for example.

But perhaps nowhere is the controversy surrounding this issue more prevalent than in the Anglican Church. In recent years (and even months), the Anglican Church has softened its stance toward gay marriage and gay priests, but there is still much oppostion. Some have called on the church to be more welcoming of LGBT individuals, some go so far as supporting gay clergy and granting them the rights to perform same-sex marriages, while others remain firmly committed to the traditional definition of marriage. The United Methodist Church is experiencing controversy over this issue. You can read more about it here.

2. ABORTION
At first, one might think this subject is not so controversial within the church as it is between those in the church and those without. However, as a recent Pew Research Center study shows, those who claim to be religious yet don't associate themselves with a particular denomination actually are mostly in favor of abortion, with only 17 percent opposing it.

Still, a majority of Christians are pro-life, but the subject remains a controversial one within the church, especially when it comes to the argument that pro-life should mean more than simply "pro-birth."

3. WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
The issue of women teaching/preaching in church can quickly become heated. Again, more conservative denominations tend to be against women in leadership roles, while more liberal denominations tend to accept it.
Recently, there has been a particular crisis on this issue with the rise of Christian women bloggers. The online presence and followers these women have is substantial and has caused some within Christianity to question their authority, even though they are not preaching/teaching in a traditional church setting.

4. TYPE OF WORSHIP MUSIC
Contemporary or traditional? Hymns or modern worship songs? This is definitely an issue that tends to spark debate within many churches. It's often even a deciding factor when someone chooses a church to belong to. This issue also tends to divide believers between older and younger generations.

Even certain instruments can be controversial. A drum set might not be considered acceptable in some churches, while another church may have an entire praise band with a full range of instruments.

Some churches have attempted to resolve the controversy by using both traditional and contemporary songs intermixed during their worship services or even providing two different services--one more traditional and one more modern.

5. SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Although spiritual gifts are mentioned several times in the New Testament, different church denominations have different interpretations of what it truly means to have and use a spiritual gift.

The spiritual gift of speaking in tongues tends to be the most controversial of any spiritual gift. While Pentecostals fully affirm this spiritual gift, other denominations have gone so far as so say that speaking in tongues is offending the Holy Spirit.

Other Christians embrace spiritual gifts and even encourage congregants or church staffers to take spiritual gift tests to see where they are best equiped to serve.

6. BAPTISM
Although practically all churches practice baptism, baptism rituals in different denominations not only vary in practice but in theology. There has been a heated debate within the church for centuries on whether the Bible promotes infant or only believer baptism.

More liturgical churches even tend to give the impression that baptism is essential for salvation, while others don't seem to put a lot of weight on it. Some churches also baptize infants, but see it not as evidence of salvation, but rather as a commitment by the child's family and church body to bring up the child in the fear of the Lord. In this way, an infant baptism is more like a dedication of the child.

Still other churches only baptize those who are old enough to make a profession of faith of their own free will.

Chrisitans also have opinions on how and where baptisms should take place--by sprinkling of water, by pouring water on someone, or by full immersion.

7. POLITICS FROM THE PULPIT
Should ministers talk about politics or endorse a specific political party or view from the pulpit?

Churchgoers have very different views on the subject, but the controversy isn't confined to the church. Several months ago, President Trump signed an executive order ceasing enforcement of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibited a church, as a nonprofit entity, from endorsing and promoting a particular political party or candidate. Many championed the executive order, saying that it gave churches more religious freedom, but others maintained that siding with a certain political party is not something a church should be doing.

8. ALCOHOL
Can Christians drink alcohol? This question opens up all kinds of debate within the church. Many churchgoers believe Christians should completely stay away from alcohol, bars, and anything that has to do with drinking since the Bible condemns drunkenness and instructs Christ-followers to be sober-minded.

Other churchgoers, however, believe that consuming alcohol in moderation is not a sin. These Christians often argue their point from 1 Corinthians 8 in which the Apostle Paul says to "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Many take this to mean, by the context surrounding it, that drinking alcohol is permitted, but Christians should be careful not to cause someone who is prone to alcohol abuse or someone who believes it is a sin, to stumble in his/her faith by seeing another Christian drinking.

A church's views on alcohol can even be seen sometimes in the worship service; some churches use grape juice for Communion, while others use wine.

https://590amtheword.com/articles/church/pastors-or-leadership/here-are-8-of-the-most-controversial-issues-in-the-church-today

That abortion is really an issue. We know God doesn't approve it but what does one do when the pregnancy is a threat to the carrier's life or it's a product of incest/bestiality or violation/rape that comes with psychic trauma at the site of the child.

I know a church(name withheld) that says wearing tight(female underwear in place of pant) is a sin. That anything that looks like knicker or trouser whether in or out is sinful for a woman to wear.

Another issue is sex. Dag heaward-mills(a popular Ghanian pastor) said in one of his books that it's not sinful for couples to engage in orall sex. But many other pastors condemn it

Another issue is divorce. A particular popular church in Nigeria with its head pastor now a divorcee is said to have the highest record of divorce within its members among xtain organizations in Nigeria. In d Western world, it's even a normal routine among xtains. Which does one believe?

2 Peter 2:1
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction."


Matthew 24:11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

Matthew 24:5 - For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (I am a man of God); and shall deceive many.

None of these issues would be controversial if we actually read and understand the bible.

Let me address the issues one by one.

GAY MARRIAGE : God punish LGBT people. You're not welcome in the church because the church is the body of christ. Dirt and uncleanness is unwelcome. Period.

ABORTION : Should be allowed ONLY IF THE BABY IS DEFORMED OR POSE THREAT TO THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER.

WOMEN ON THE PULPIT: Nonsense. Why didn't Jesus appoint a woman to be among the disciples. This is why I love catholic church. Women should not be on the pulpit. I'll never worship in such church.

POLITICS ON THE PULPIT : The world has changed. It's important for churches and Christians to be involved in politics and leadership so that they can make positive impact. Look at the mess Nigeria is today. It's because the church is actively involved and abeg don't call osinbajo here. It's better to have a Muslim there than to have osinbajo there.

True True

Tithing?

U didn't mention tithe & u are saying 8 most bla bla bla?

Just be truthful to your self

we don here.

Tithes will definitely be omitted

Tithing this should be your number one. But at the end the people will know that it was just a system to control them for selfish reasons. True practice of Christianity has no versions.

Oluromantic:
That abortion is really an issue. We know God doesn't approve it but what does one do when the pregnancy is a threat to the carriers life or it's a product of incest/bestiality or violation/rape that comes with psychic trauma at the site of the child.

I know a church(name withheld) that says wearing tight(female underwear in place of pant) is a sin. That anything that looks like knicker or trouser whether in or out is sinful for a woman to wear.

Another issue is sex. Dag heaward-mills(a pastor) said in one of his books that it's not sinful for couples to engage in orall sex. But many other pastors condemn it

Another issue is divorce. A particular popular church in Nigeria with its head pastor now a divorcee is said to have the highest record of divorce within its members among xtain organizations in Nigeria. In d Western world, it's even a normal routine even among xtains. Which does one believe?

Your bible answers all these questions but since you choose to believe men instead of reading your bible you’ll be forming confused.

The Bible clearly said divorce is not allowed unless in the case of Adultery,

God destroyed a city cos of Sodomy

Some of these issues can’t be debated cos they were unambiguously sorted in the Bible.

Fortissimo502:
None of these issues would be controversial if we actually read and understand the bible.

Easier said than done.. Reading and interpretation are different please and some Bible Versions are very open to various interpretation

the first thing that flashed my mind is Tithing!!

The solution is simple.




Just follow what the scripture say and act according to it.





Stop preaching from things one FICTITIOUS SPIRIT tells you.




In addition, allow men to marry more than one wife as no man can ever be satisfied with only one woman (konji no go fit allow) Pastor or ordinary person will always fall if they see boobs, straight legs, fine face better than that of mama Tope at home. Women are like clothes, men need to update according to what is in vogue

kokaneprodigy:

Your bible answers all these questions but since you choose to believe men instead of reading your bible you’ll be forming confused.

The Bible clearly said divorce is not allowed unless in the case of Adultery,

God destroyed a city cos of Sodomy

Some of these issues can’t be debated cos they were unambiguously sorted in the Bible.

What about those that are ambiguous?

mrZENographer:
2 Peter 2:1
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction."


Matthew 24:11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

Matthew 24:5 - For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (I am a man of God); and shall deceive many.

this your comment gave the op all the answers he need

I tend to disagree.

1. Money
2. Money
3. Money
4. Money
5. Money
6. Money
7. Money
8. Money.

Can you interpret that aspect of divorce clearly?

kokaneprodigy:

Your bible answers all these questions but since you choose to believe men instead of reading your bible you’ll be forming confused.

The Bible clearly said divorce is not allowed unless in the case of Adultery,

God destroyed a city cos of Sodomy

Some of these issues can’t be debated cos they were unambiguously sorted in the Bible.

kokaneprodigy:

Your bible answers all these questions but since you choose to believe men instead of reading your bible you’ll be forming confused.

The Bible clearly said divorce is not allowed unless in the case of Adultery,

God destroyed a city cos of Sodomy

Some of these issues can’t be debated cos they were unambiguously sorted in the Bible.

The Bible clearly said divorce is not allowed unless in the case of Adultery,



So even if my husband beats me, drinks and smokes.. I should still be with him

You're worry, it's money, money and more money

Space

mrZENographer:
2 Peter 2:1-"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction."

Matthew 24:11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

Matthew 24:5 - For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (I am a man of God); and shall deceive many.

Supported bro.Happy Sunday morning to us all.

Fortissimo502:
None of these issues would be controversial if we actually read and understand the bible.

GOD BLESS YOU

YOU'VE SAID THE TRUTH, PEOPLE NO LONGER HAVE TIME FOR PERSONAL STUDY...

MODERN CHRISTIANS ARE SO LAZY THAT THEY WILL EVEN PAY PEOPLE TO PRAY AND FAST FOR THEM