Controversial – (Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition)
| 1. causing argument: provoking strong disagreement or disapproval, e.g. in public debate |
The word comes from late Latin controversialis. This word ultimately comes from two words meaning “turned against, disputed” and “to turn.” Even at its root, controversial deals with something that is disputed.
There are many controversial issues in the world today – abortion, homosexuality, cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and creation/evolution are a few examples. All of these issues draw very heated arguments from people on both sides of the issue(s).
These issues help demonstrate the very essence of being controversial – strong disagreement. The other aspect of controversial, strong disapproval also follows along the same lines. One party may strongly agree with an idea, but another may be completely opposed to that idea.
We ought to examine issues that are controversial from a Biblical perspective. Even though society at-large may dispute something, Christians should have clear opinions on the matters. Abortion, homosexuality, cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and creation/evolution all can be addressed from a distinctly Christian perspective.
If someone says that an issue is controversial, a Christian should be able to respond to that issue from Scripture. If a Christian doesn’t know what the Bible says about that issue, he or she should search the Scriptures.
Acts 17:11 – “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” (NASB)
Many issues should not be controversial for Christians. There are many issues that the Bible speaks on which are cut and dry. In those things, at least, Christians should find nothing controversial.
