₦airaland Forum

These are none issues...

The major concern is the prayerlessness in the present day church.

That to me is the BIG issue.

The above listed issues cant be contemplated in a fire brand praying church.

When the wisdom of men, is placed ahead of seeking God's face and working in the spirit,

These issues come as the result

IsraelOA:
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

You forgot to add scamming

ABCthings:
Which Anglican Church support gay?
The Church of Nigeria is violently against it.
Gay is sin no arguments about that.

vehemently

We all know that God strongly condemns Gay marriage and Abortion.
Any preaching endorsing and validating the two is from the pit of hell.

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.

Just to add.....

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in latter time some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Doesn't the Bible keep warning of false prophets?...and Christians should be able to discern? ... to spot the wolves in sheep's clothing? E.g... why must there be a controversy in whether a woman should be a Pastor?... when the Bible clearly states a woman should not? Why must there be controversy on gay marriage?...or gay pastors?...when the Bible condemns that lifestyle?... and warns us about its rise as a sign of the end times?
We need to discern.... by asking ourselves... is my church really following God?...or Man?

napoleon77:
Tithing?

tithing is compulsory and should be given with a free mind to God without expecting something in return because He will surely compensate u

Mudassir2016:
Alhamdulillah, being a Muslim
Have no controversy with all these

Keep quiet there. Who allowed you in a Christian thread when Christians are not allowed on Islamic thread on Nairaland?

My friend, be enlightened today that there are more controversies in Islam than in Christianity, fundamentally and otherwise.

1. Who wrote the quoran? Mohammed, Allah or other scholars?
2. Who is the true successor of Mohammed and what is his sect?
3. Should a nonmuslim be killed because he refused to believe in Islam?
4. ...........

Let me leave you for now. Just answer the above and you will see that there are more FUNDAMENTAL controversies in Islam than in Christianity. Thank you.

No controversy for the true sons and daughters of God....

- No abortions

- No Gayism

- Baptism is important , is by immersion and not for infants.

IsraelOA:
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

Divorce and remarriage...

TechCapon:


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.

You were making sense until you mentioned Osinbajo.

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

Wrong!!!... Scriptures are easy to comprehend and interpret.

Deliberate misinterpretation of scriptures for material and unworthy gains is the basis for differentiating a true Shepherd from a hireling.

chijokz:
vehemently

Thanks, I was looking for the word. It skipped my brain.

TechCapon:


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.

All people are welcome to the church. Gay or whatever. It is the experience of the holy spirit that transforms a person into a new creation.

See how you're talking about filth as if you're sinless. �

Mrbenny001:
Thou shall not kill

but a soldier dat kills during war or a lawyer dat sentence a criminal to death by hanging did not commit sin Koh, hypocrite everywhere in Nigeria without logical thinking.....

.

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.

Who determine who's a false prophet? Every denomination claims to be in the right path, at the same time accusing the others of heresy.

genii96:
What kind of differences exactly?

if you are deeper life, catholic, redeem, Christ embassy etc name them all...you will see obvious doctrinal differences and all is bible based

KIDfurniture:
Just be truthful to your self

Abi... If u can read Bible read and understand as u can, practice what u and u alone know is what u believe... After all Christianity is an individual race.
Nobody holy pass.

ndcide:
These are none issues...

The major concern is the prayerlessness in the present day church.

That to me is the BIG issue.

The above listed issues cant be contemplated in a fire brand praying church.

When the wisdom of men, is placed ahead of seeking God's face and working in the spirit,

These issues come as the result

Dear Prayer Warrior,

God permits various things to happen regardless of how prayerful you are, there are things that won't fix up themselves even if you pray ceaselessly without taking step to fix them...

No man ever prayed like Jesus, yet he had among his folks a coveteous apostle (Judas), so I don't understand what you mean by they are non issue...

Pray for 24 hours and live without the knowledge of the scriptures and see how useless your life would be...

If U have not mentioned TITHING AND WOMEN ON TROUSERS(DRESS CODE IN CHURCH), Then d list is not complete.

Mrbenny001:
Thou shall not kill

It did not say feotus, does that also mean don't kill animals ?

thundafire:
tithing is compulsory and should be given with a free mind to God without expecting something in return because He will surely compensate u

Tithing is not compulsory. The instructions going by the new testament is giving not tithing. Nobody should be coerced to give. Anything contrary is the dictate of man.

IsraelOA:
Dear Prayer Warrior,

God permits various things to happen regardless of how prayerful you are, there are things that won't fix up themselves even if you pray ceaselessly without taking step to fix them...

No man ever prayed like Jesus, yet he had among his folks a coveteous apostle (Judas), so I don't understand what you mean by they are non issue...

Pray for 24 hours and live without the knowledge of the scriptures and see how useless your life would be...

The scriptures which you want to use in validating the level of spiritual hollowness and prayerlessness, says men ought always to pray and not to faint.

It says, pray without ceasing

It says the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous, avails much.

Anyone who claims to be all about the word and it doesn't translate to power within / without and an effective prayer life, is a lot theolgist.

The devil knows the word also and uses it.

The kingdom of God is not in words but in power. The church is as strong as it's word and prayer alter. I mean both!

Where is the present day church lagging?

_Correct understanding of the word of God due to perversion, and worldliness.

_ The prayer alter.

Thanks and God bless you.

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.

Studying well will also show God didn't destroy Sodom and gomar

HarryDuce:
Tithing is not compulsory. The instructions going by the new testament is giving not tithing. Nobody should be coerced to give. Anything contrary is the dictate of man.

so u will know it's upto u to give with a free mind or not

Christians are lazy to read the word.


Jesus himself came down from heaven just to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and had to first stop by because Abraham was a Friend of God.

LGBT practices were all in Sodom and Gomorrah and Fire and sulpur ended it.


Music is so so controversial because of influence. The influence arguments have made many denominations to rather be conservative than liberal. But the scriptures also settles that. In many instances that i quoted how music should be based on scripture, I've been tagged boring and ancient by fellow Christians that didnt even know that place was in the Bible they dont open.


Divorce is Scriptural too

Alcohol is about Limits... Christians en masse prefer to abstain than allow this cos of abuse is inevitable. The scriptures have justified it too. But drunkards will never inherit God's kingdom. Seems Heaven dont freak people today. All still boils down to Endtime Spirits.


Baptism has its root word in immersion. That alone can counter baby baptism.

Scripture also says its not before or after Holy Ghost baptism. It can come before or after. So it needs not be overflogged.

Rather its is strictly for believers and not that one priests do for babies. Thats not baptism. Simple.


Speaking in tongues, everyone needs to just restore factory settings for it.


Just sit down one day and drop all you were made to believe and study and search the scriptures... Youll be a good and fast learner about it.


First its a human language, then tongue of angels. Rarely is the first seen cos of the abuse rate and fakeness and highhandedness of some Pentecostal freaks.



Women on pulpit is clear from scriptural view. However the same Paul had very efficient women that helped his ministry but never from the pulpit. Women should be wiser and listen. Not being on the pulpit doesn't diminish them.....

But many still are skeptical about following scriptures again..... A sign of last days spirits at work again..... Deceieving spirits.



Politics.... I leave this out.


Happy Sunday

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.

You're right when you appropriately back up your view. Kindly explain with bible references the answer to each highlighted points in the post.

I know the answer to some though, I just threw it open for discussion but I believe your proof will help me with answers to the ones I don't know.

Racoon:
Supported bro.Happy Sunday morning to us all.

Thank you brother. Happy Sunday to you too!

Ramos16:
When did God tell you abortion is a sin

Don't mind my view jare. Everyone with his/her own belief. Hold on to your belief and keep the abortion game rolling. Good luck!

mu2sa2:
Who determine who's a false prophet? Every denomination claims to be in the right path, at the same time accusing the others of heresy.

This is how to not get decieved.

2 Peter 2:17
"You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. ---> 18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

How do you grow in Knowledge?

2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness;

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that ......

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."

How can this mean one should drink moderately? Christianity, the more you look, the less you see. So many contradictions - I'm confused.

TechCapon:


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.

You should just kukuma be the assistant op na... Very much on point sir.