Nobody agrees on the whole Bible. There’s always some verse or some theological point to argue over. Some verses, however, lend themselves to a bit more controversy than others. Many of these verses have caused denominational splits, even! Here are 15 of the most controversial bible verses that we still debate today.
1. “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as you obey Christ…” Ephesians 6:5
Sooooo…is this the Bible saying slavery is okay? Unfortunately, a small sect of ignorant folk would still say yes. But in the spirit of optimism, I’d like to say that this passage is the least debated on the list. Controversial? Definitely. But thankfully, most people will acknowledge the cultural context/historical bias and move on, in no way thinking God permits people to own people.
2. “Permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.” 1 Timothy 2:12
Recently, this has been a HOT topic. In the Southern Baptist Convention, churches with women on staff as pastors have been disfellowshipped. Churches all over the world for much of modern church history have been debating this topic, and it’s a major denominational definer. For example, while women are restricted from pastoral roles in the SBC, they are welcomed in the United Methodist Church.
3. “If a man meets a virgin who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her, and they are caught in the act, the man who lay with her shall give fifty shekels of silver to the young woman’s father, and she shall become his wife. Because he violated her he shall not be permitted to divorce her as long as he lives.” Deuteronomy 22:28-29
Oof. This is a tough one. What in the world is God saying here? Does this verse prohibit divorce? Does it discourage the punishment of rapists? People could go back and forth over this one for ages. My opinion? Remember that period in history. Being married to a rapist isn’t ideal, absolutely not. But being a violated or divorced woman in that time period was almost definitely worse. This command, while definitely tainted by a brutal period of history, actually was the course of action that (technically, in theory) most protected women at that time.
4. “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death; their blood is upon them.” Leviticus 20:13
Not to keep putting the United Methodist Church in the spotlight, but they’ve made big waves debating this verse to the point where the church split over it! In denominations like the UMC, the episcopal church, and the universalist church, it is believed that this verse (and verses similar) are very culturally specific, and often refer to abusive/prostitution-based relations.
5. “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.” Mark 12:19
In some cultures, this is still the practice. And, in some cultures, this un-ideal custom still is the most protective for a woman (which says a lot). But, thankfully, in the Western world, most of us no longer reduce a woman to her ability to carry on a family name. And in today’s world, there are many resources (though not enough, arguably), available to widows and single moms.
6. “Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.” Proverbs 22:15
This is the most common verse used to justify spanking. Abusive mentalities aside, most Christian parents who spank their children genuinely believe that they are following God’s will and doing what’s best for their children. However, modern gentle/respectful parenting advocates argue that this verse isn’t talking about spanking at all. Instead, they say, the aforementioned “rod” is a metaphorical shepherd’s rod, which is used to guide and protect, but never to hit.
7. “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.” Leviticus 19:27
This verse is actually funny, in a way. For so many years, and even to most of the “boomer” generation, a respectable man is polished-looking—well-trimmed beard (or clean-shaven) and short hair. Remember the fuss about man buns? Well, judging from this…God might have been more on board with the man buns than with the crew cuts!
8. “‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28
For most people, this is the verse someone quoted to talk them out of a tattoo. However, many scholars now argue that this verse is about avoiding mourning like the pagans of that time would have. Though the Israelites at that time had no concept of eternal life, God was beginning to show them that death was not something to fear, but the beginning of eternal life with Him!
9. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:21-23
Unfortunately, this verse has been used as the basis of female persecution for centuries. Women have been dismissed, belittled, and actively harmed by this verse. However, the very next verse tells the husband to lay his life down for the wife as Christ did for the church. So now, more progressive scholars argue that this passage is part of a larger discussion about mutual submission and overall selflessness that should be present in all our relationships.
10. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10
So, does this mean you shouldn’t make a lot of money? Should money play no part in your career goals? This is typically a verse used by economic progressives. But this isn’t necessarily saying that if you’re a neurosurgeon, making a neurosurgeon’s salary, you’re evil. The world needs neurosurgeons! Rather, it’s way more about what you do with your money. Are you buying another vintage sports car, or are you helping those around you in need? In the Christian faith, the traditional belief is that all our blessings are from God, and it’s up to us to use those blessings to bless others.
11. “For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.” 1 Corinthians 11:6
Many churches still debate this today! I personally know women who cover their heads in worship. However, is it a requirement? Most people say no, now. Also? Should a woman have to have long hair? Some people, like the Mennonites and Pentecostals, say yes. Most, however, chalk this command up to respect for a certain culture. Not to worry—that cute little pixie cut isn’t sending you to hell!
12. “To the woman he said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children…’” Genesis 3:16
This verse has been used to treat women’s bodies, and birth itself, as a curse and a punishment. In reality, though, according to most Christians now, this was just a result of sin coming into the world. Sin tainted everything. Even the beautiful gift of childbirth. But now Jesus has covered and defeated sin! So yes, God is totally cool with you taking that epidural.
13. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Even non-Christians have seen this verse…likely at a sporting event. Probably on Tim Tebow’s face. This is used as a motivation to get out there, hustle, and win! No hate to Tim or any other high school athlete who sharpie-markered this onto their cleats, but that’s not exactly what this verse means. Rather, this verse is talking about enduring trials. About trusting in the Lord through hard circumstances. The author, Paul, actually wrote this verse from a Roman prison!
14. “…and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:50
This is the “fire and brimstone” preacher’s favorite passage! I’ve never heard a sermon on hell that didn’t include this verse. However, a growing number of people are moving away from the belief in a literal hell. In light of that, some people believe this referred to the burning pile of bodies after Rome brutally destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD.
15. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6
If any verse makes Christianity controversial, this is the one. (Gotta save the best for last, right?) This verse implies that it’s not about doing good things, or just “being a good person.” According to this verse, the only way to reach heaven and God is through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This verse says, basically, Jesus is it. He’s the only way, He is the truth, and He is life itself. Definitely controversial.
