The Answers to Controversies in the Bible section addresses disputed passages, difficult questions, and commonly debated issues that arise from the reading and interpretation of Scripture. It is designed as a reference resource for ministers, teachers, and students who encounter challenges related to doctrine, ethics, history, or apparent tensions within the biblical text.
This section does not treat controversy as a flaw in Scripture, but as an opportunity for careful study. Many biblical controversies emerge from misunderstandings of context, language, audience, or literary form. Others arise from imposing modern assumptions onto ancient texts. The purpose here is to slow interpretation, examine Scripture responsibly, and respond with clarity rather than reaction.
Within this section, you will find discussions that engage difficult topics with respect for biblical authority and theological coherence. Entries seek to explain what the text says, why it says it, and how it fits within the broader witness of Scripture. Where scholarly disagreement exists, the goal is not to multiply speculation, but to present reasoned, biblically grounded explanations that help readers evaluate claims thoughtfully.
Use this section as a study aid for sermon preparation, apologetics, discipleship, and pastoral counseling. It is intended to equip those who teach and lead to address challenging questions with confidence, humility, and faithfulness to the Word of God. Controversy handled carelessly divides. Controversy handled carefully strengthens understanding and trust in Scripture.
By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder 1. The Biblical Footprint of Mary Mary’s presence in the Bible is statistically minimal but thematically significant. When measured across all 66 books, her name appears in just 7 times, representing about 10.6% of the biblical canon (i.e. the Gospels). Her …
Teaching about sin and repentance is an essential aspect of Christian ministry, central to the gospel message and crucial for spiritual growth and transformation. This topic, while challenging, is fundamental to understanding the Christian faith, the nature of God, and our relationship with Him. This …
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1Th 5:21). By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder Preface (My Encounter) I speak from a deeply personal experience in this article. Throughout my life, I have seen people who seemed “demonized”, bound by things that ran deeper than …
Tattoos in the Bible Leviticus 19:28 (ESV) says: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” This verse is often referenced in debates about whether Christians should get tattoos. Understanding this command involves analyzing …
By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder One of the most probing questions of this age is whether or not God is still using “sign gifts” to confirm the Gospel and communicate with his church. This topic goes to the very core of all evangelical denominations forcing them …
By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder The Protestant perspective on praying to saints is rooted in Scripture. Evangelical Christians emphasize the great access we have in communication with God through Jesus Christ, as opposed to seeking intercession from saints who were also sinners, and though alive spiritually, …
Answers to Controversies There are several phrases commonly thought to be from the Bible but aren’t explicitly found in its verses. Here are a few examples: 1. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” 2. “This too shall pass.” 3. “God helps those who help themselves.” 4. “Money …
By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder Recently I was speaking with a fellow minister -a friend of mine. He said that a Christian Physical Therapist told someone who is likely to die sometime in the new future that “the Bible says that it is a sin to …
Answers to Controversies By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder There is one Bible and Christians are supposed to be one Body, unified in Christ. Yet, there are a multitude of sects and denominations in Christianity. The Introduction: Often I find that people have different ideas …
Answers to Controversies by Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder One of the biggest topics of debate among Baptist churches today is over the roles of women in ministry. The divisional question is this: “Can women be Biblically Ordained?” First, let me begin with a little background …