Controversial Topics

Post by **_TK** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:43 am

I would appreciate your input on what you feel are some of the main controversial topics among evangelical christians. I am thinking about teaching a class in my church in a couple of months. Here are some that I thought of really quick. for background, my church is officially "non-charismatic" but there are quite a few that lean that way in our congregation. mind you that I can't go super deep with this- for example i couldnt teach on all the various eschatological views, or the finer points of calvinism vs. arminianism- my main goal would be to introduce folks to the various sides of the disputed issues:

1) eternal security
2) baptism of the HS (a second work?)
3) tongues
4) physical healing (provided for in the atonement?)
5) Hell (three views)

any others?

TK

Post by **_Seth** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:36 am

Creation/Evolution/Age of the Earth is a big one. I tend to get freaked-out looks when I mention I don't lean toward the 144 hours view.

If you want to just get clean kicked out of your church, go for Marriage/Divorce/Remarriage, or Christian Family Planning. But wear a riot uniform.

Post by **_TK** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:05 pm

yeah seth, i kind of wanted to lean away from getting run out of my church, and those topics certainly hit home with a lot of people! the ones i mentioned might cause enough controversy!

there already is a class taught about evolution/creation- but from a young earth standpoint. i would have to provide the case for the other side- but i kind of wanted to stay away from that topic.

TK

Post by **_Rae** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:15 pm

TK,

I would think that the different eschatological views and the different points of calvinism/arminianism would be A LOT less controversial than the other topics you are thinking about.

I guess it just depends on the organization you're a part of.

Post by **_TK** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:07 pm

well, our church is arminian, so calvinism isnt a major problem.

eschatology would be interesting, but there is so much to it, and i dont understand all the different views well enough to present them adequately. i'm no longer dispensational, but i cant say what i am!

TK

Post by **_SoaringEagle** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:35 pm

1. Eternal Security
2. Cessational view of the sign gifts
3. Unconditional Election
4. Baptism of the Spirit evidenced by Tongues
5. Baptism for the dead. <---LOL, Just Kidding.

On a side note, if I let it get out among by brothers and sisters I gather with at my church that I didn't believe in tithing, I'd be kicked out. Seriously. I have heard statements on it such as "If you don't tithe, your not behind the pastor or his vision" "those who believe the tithe is not for today are theological dead-heads" "If you don't tithe, you are cursed with a curse and God couldn't bless you if He wanted too" <--that one was last night. I happened to laugh at loud when he said it because I was reading Gal. 3 when he said it.

Post by **__id_2574** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:02 pm

Hi TK,

Interesting topics! Just a quick question ... what is the main purpose of your teaching? What is it - in the end - that you want to accomplish as a result of your teaching times in the Sunday School class?

By His Grace,

Gregg

Post by **_Paidion** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:15 pm

The various views as to the "intermediate state" could be pretty interesting.

If you want to really get things going, dare to question the Trinity.

Post by **_Rae** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:10 pm

Gregg,

I know the question was addressed to TK, but this is why I see it as profitable. I would think that it would be helpful to help people to "think outside the box" that they currently think in. It could help Christians to be more accepting of other Christians who hold different viewpoints than their own on some non-essential issues.

-Rachel

Post by **_Mort_Coyle** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:19 pm

Hi TK,

If memory serves, you belong to an Evangelical Quaker church? How about a discussion of whether or not George Fox was a "charismatic"? There seems to be evidence that he was.

Other "fun" topics:

Biblically speaking, what is church supposed to look like?
Biblical models of church leadership
Authority in the church (who has it and over whom?)
Tithing
Financial priorities within the church (for example, % allocated to buildings & salaries vs. the poor)
The role of women (generally not such a big deal in Quaker circles)
Gay Christians
Escatology
Atonement theories
Israel/Zionism
Arminianism/Calvinism/Universalism
Eschatology
Must a Christian be a Republican?

That should be enough to cause a riot among the Brethren.