Contradictions in the Bible

[rrobs]

A common conception of the Bible is that it contradicts itself. It sure does look that way. I can't argue that. And yet it claims to be the truth,

John 17:17,

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
​

Well, there is something in the Bible that doesn't even need "interpretation." It's a pretty straight forward declaration. While belief in the statement is optional, it would nonetheless be hard to make it say anything other than that God's word, the Bible, is truth. But how can it be truth if it is full of contradictions?

A more fundamental question though might be, is it really full of contradictions, or do many jump to conclusions before doing any exhaustive study for themselves? I find that question particularly relative considering how many already know it is contradictory without having considered alternatives.

What alternatives?

• To whom is God speaking in any part of the Bible? We commonly say one thing to one person or group, and something totally different to another.
• To what time period do the two "contradictions" belong? It's nothing new; times change. We all know that in our daily life. Well, God can do that also.
• What is the context? You tell your kids not to shout in the restaurant, and then tell them shouting is OK when walking in the forest.
  
• Are we sure two different accounts are talking about the same event? There are times when recognizing that what seems to be the same event are actually two, albeit similar, events. Lot's of similar events in the Bible.
  
• Are we sure the Bible version we use is true to the original Hebrew and Greek texts? It wouldn't be unusual for a scribe to make an honest mistake. It might just be possible that the scribe interjected their own "view" on doctrinal matters. I know of one "contradiction" that vanishes when a comma is removed. The original texts had no punctuation at all. The comma was added by some scribe and is therefore devoid of any diving authority.

There are other considerations, but I've found that those 5 clear up 99% of the apparent contradictions in the Bible. So now I have no trouble seeing that God's word is truth. It just takes a little bit of "getting under the hood" to see how the engine runs.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

A common conception of the Bible is that it contradicts itself. It sure does look that way. I can't argue that. And yet it claims to be the truth,

John 17:17,

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
​

Well, there is something in the Bible that doesn't even need "interpretation." It's a pretty straight forward declaration. While belief in the statement is optional, it would nonetheless be hard to make it say anything other than that God's word, the Bible, is truth. But how can it be truth if it is full of contradictions?

A more fundamental question though might be, is it really full of contradictions, or do many jump to conclusions before doing any exhaustive study for themselves? I find that question particularly relative considering how many already know it is contradictory without having considered alternatives.

What alternatives?

• To whom is God speaking in any part of the Bible? We commonly say one thing to one person or group, and something totally different to another.
• To what time period do the two "contradictions" belong? It's nothing new; times change. We all know that in our daily life. Well, God can do that also.
• What is the context? You tell your kids not to shout in the restaurant, and then tell them shouting is OK when walking in the forest.
  
• Are we sure two different accounts are talking about the same event? There are times when recognizing that what seems to be the same event are actually two, albeit similar, events. Lot's of similar events in the Bible.
  
• Are we sure the Bible version we use is true to the original Hebrew and Greek texts? It wouldn't be unusual for a scribe to make an honest mistake. It might just be possible that the scribe interjected their own "view" on doctrinal matters. I know of one "contradiction" that vanishes when a comma is removed. The original texts had no punctuation at all. The comma was added by some scribe and is therefore devoid of any diving authority.

There are other considerations, but I've found that those 5 clear up 99% of the apparent contradictions in the Bible. So now I have no trouble seeing that God's word is truth. It just takes a little bit of "getting under the hood" to see how the engine runs.

The biggest contradiction I know is:

How do you stay in good favor with god who -asked- you a yes/no question, you pick no, and he says it's your fault you rejected, then become bad in his favor for choosing the wrong answer to his yes/no question?

All religious books have some sort of contradiction. I don't know of any religion that says their books are literally right. They don't seem to care about the accuracy of dots and commas.

 

[rrobs]

The biggest contradiction I know is:

How do you stay in good favor with god who -asked- you a yes/no question, you pick no, and he says it's your fault you rejected, then become bad in his favor for choosing the wrong answer to his yes/no question?

All religious books have some sort of contradiction. I don't know of any religion that says their books are literally right. They don't seem to care about the accuracy of dots and commas.

Do you think it possible that one or more of the things I mentioned might not clear up the problem? Have you tried to apply them to the verses you mentioned? I'll bet that would help.

 

[susanblange]

You have to separate the OT from the NT. The NT is full of contradictions, but the OT is not. The NT is the doctrine of Satan. Job 31:35. Jesus is his counterfeit messiah. Jesus is the modern day idol of Israel. He has been kicked out of Heaven and reincarnated. He is the leader of the "sons of darkness" and this time he will die by bursting into flames, along with all of his followers. Ezekiel 28:18-19, Zechariah 14:12.

 

[rrobs]

You have to separate the OT from the NT. The NT is full of contradictions, but the OT is not. The NT is the doctrine of Satan. Job 31:35. Jesus is his counterfeit messiah. Jesus is the modern day idol of Israel. He has been kicked out of Heaven and reincarnated. He is the leader of the "sons of darkness" and this time he will die by bursting into flames, along with all of his followers. Ezekiel 28:18-19, Zechariah 14:12.

That is pretty much what the Scribes and Pharisees thought about Jesus. They were convinced they were God's champions in killing him.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Do you think it possible that one or more of the things I mentioned might not clear up the problem? Have you tried to apply them to the verses you mentioned? I'll bet that would help.

Honestly, I just feel it's the religion. I can't change it.

Another way to say it is why is rejection a consequence to rejection and not a choice?

I'm not Christian so when I read scriptures unless it's blunt, I won't get it unless I speak to someone who believes it.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

A common conception of the Bible is that it contradicts itself. It sure does look that way. I can't argue that. And yet it claims to be the truth,

John 17:17,

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
​

Well, there is something in the Bible that doesn't even need "interpretation." It's a pretty straight forward declaration. While belief in the statement is optional, it would nonetheless be hard to make it say anything other than that God's word, the Bible, is truth. But how can it be truth if it is full of contradictions?

A more fundamental question though might be, is it really full of contradictions, or do many jump to conclusions before doing any exhaustive study for themselves? I find that question particularly relative considering how many already know it is contradictory without having considered alternatives.

What alternatives?

• To whom is God speaking in any part of the Bible? We commonly say one thing to one person or group, and something totally different to another.
• To what time period do the two "contradictions" belong? It's nothing new; times change. We all know that in our daily life. Well, God can do that also.
• What is the context? You tell your kids not to shout in the restaurant, and then tell them shouting is OK when walking in the forest.
  
• Are we sure two different accounts are talking about the same event? There are times when recognizing that what seems to be the same event are actually two, albeit similar, events. Lot's of similar events in the Bible.
  
• Are we sure the Bible version we use is true to the original Hebrew and Greek texts? It wouldn't be unusual for a scribe to make an honest mistake. It might just be possible that the scribe interjected their own "view" on doctrinal matters. I know of one "contradiction" that vanishes when a comma is removed. The original texts had no punctuation at all. The comma was added by some scribe and is therefore devoid of any diving authority.

There are other considerations, but I've found that those 5 clear up 99% of the apparent contradictions in the Bible. So now I have no trouble seeing that God's word is truth. It just takes a little bit of "getting under the hood" to see how the engine runs.

Nonsense.

 

[Twilight Hue]

A common conception of the Bible is that it contradicts itself. It sure does look that way. I can't argue that. And yet it claims to be the truth,

John 17:17,

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
​

Well, there is something in the Bible that doesn't even need "interpretation." It's a pretty straight forward declaration. While belief in the statement is optional, it would nonetheless be hard to make it say anything other than that God's word, the Bible, is truth. But how can it be truth if it is full of contradictions?

A more fundamental question though might be, is it really full of contradictions, or do many jump to conclusions before doing any exhaustive study for themselves? I find that question particularly relative considering how many already know it is contradictory without having considered alternatives.

What alternatives?

• To whom is God speaking in any part of the Bible? We commonly say one thing to one person or group, and something totally different to another.
• To what time period do the two "contradictions" belong? It's nothing new; times change. We all know that in our daily life. Well, God can do that also.
• What is the context? You tell your kids not to shout in the restaurant, and then tell them shouting is OK when walking in the forest.
  
• Are we sure two different accounts are talking about the same event? There are times when recognizing that what seems to be the same event are actually two, albeit similar, events. Lot's of similar events in the Bible.
  
• Are we sure the Bible version we use is true to the original Hebrew and Greek texts? It wouldn't be unusual for a scribe to make an honest mistake. It might just be possible that the scribe interjected their own "view" on doctrinal matters. I know of one "contradiction" that vanishes when a comma is removed. The original texts had no punctuation at all. The comma was added by some scribe and is therefore devoid of any diving authority.

There are other considerations, but I've found that those 5 clear up 99% of the apparent contradictions in the Bible. So now I have no trouble seeing that God's word is truth. It just takes a little bit of "getting under the hood" to see how the engine runs.

The biggest contradiction is there is no actual God around. Just a bunch of people with an old book.

 

[Phaedrus]

Bible Inconsistencies - Bible Contradictions

 

[Good-Ole-Rebel]

This is so funny.

God gives 'apparent contradictions' to those who are looking for contradictions.

They are not looking for God. They are looking for any reason not to follow God. And so God gives it to them.

God gives them the lie. (2 Thess. 2:11). "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie."

Would God do that? You bet He would.

Good-Ole-Rebel

 

[whirlingmerc]

A common conception of the Bible is that it contradicts itself. It sure does look that way. I can't argue that. And yet it claims to be the truth,

John 17:17,

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
​

Well, there is something in the Bible that doesn't even need "interpretation." It's a pretty straight forward declaration. While belief in the statement is optional, it would nonetheless be hard to make it say anything other than that God's word, the Bible, is truth. But how can it be truth if it is full of contradictions?

A more fundamental question though might be, is it really full of contradictions, or do many jump to conclusions before doing any exhaustive study for themselves? I find that question particularly relative considering how many already know it is contradictory without having considered alternatives.

What alternatives?

• To whom is God speaking in any part of the Bible? We commonly say one thing to one person or group, and something totally different to another.
• To what time period do the two "contradictions" belong? It's nothing new; times change. We all know that in our daily life. Well, God can do that also.
• What is the context? You tell your kids not to shout in the restaurant, and then tell them shouting is OK when walking in the forest.
  
• Are we sure two different accounts are talking about the same event? There are times when recognizing that what seems to be the same event are actually two, albeit similar, events. Lot's of similar events in the Bible.
  
• Are we sure the Bible version we use is true to the original Hebrew and Greek texts? It wouldn't be unusual for a scribe to make an honest mistake. It might just be possible that the scribe interjected their own "view" on doctrinal matters. I know of one "contradiction" that vanishes when a comma is removed. The original texts had no punctuation at all. The comma was added by some scribe and is therefore devoid of any diving authority.

There are other considerations, but I've found that those 5 clear up 99% of the apparent contradictions in the Bible. So now I have no trouble seeing that God's word is truth. It just takes a little bit of "getting under the hood" to see how the engine runs.

The Bible is inspired, true and in fact infallible in the original texts. We have a pretty good idea what the originals were given the many copies and fragments and the range of things passed down.

Contradictions? No. Much ink has been spilled on this and there are arguably none.

 

[Thief]

A common conception of the Bible is that it contradicts itself. It sure does look that way. I can't argue that. And yet it claims to be the truth,

John 17:17,

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
​

Well, there is something in the Bible that doesn't even need "interpretation." It's a pretty straight forward declaration. While belief in the statement is optional, it would nonetheless be hard to make it say anything other than that God's word, the Bible, is truth. But how can it be truth if it is full of contradictions?

A more fundamental question though might be, is it really full of contradictions, or do many jump to conclusions before doing any exhaustive study for themselves? I find that question particularly relative considering how many already know it is contradictory without having considered alternatives.

What alternatives?

• To whom is God speaking in any part of the Bible? We commonly say one thing to one person or group, and something totally different to another.
• To what time period do the two "contradictions" belong? It's nothing new; times change. We all know that in our daily life. Well, God can do that also.
• What is the context? You tell your kids not to shout in the restaurant, and then tell them shouting is OK when walking in the forest.
  
• Are we sure two different accounts are talking about the same event? There are times when recognizing that what seems to be the same event are actually two, albeit similar, events. Lot's of similar events in the Bible.
  
• Are we sure the Bible version we use is true to the original Hebrew and Greek texts? It wouldn't be unusual for a scribe to make an honest mistake. It might just be possible that the scribe interjected their own "view" on doctrinal matters. I know of one "contradiction" that vanishes when a comma is removed. The original texts had no punctuation at all. The comma was added by some scribe and is therefore devoid of any diving authority.

There are other considerations, but I've found that those 5 clear up 99% of the apparent contradictions in the Bible. So now I have no trouble seeing that God's word is truth. It just takes a little bit of "getting under the hood" to see how the engine runs.

contradiction....in word only?

many believe the Carpenter to have been a pacifist
but then …with the next spoken …..word
hail Him with praise for having swept the Temple floor
with a whip

 

[Brickjectivity]

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears." (NIV 1 Corinthians 13:8)

Evidence from the NIV NT that it is not the whole word of God, because if it were then Corinthians would not be declaring it as incomplete would it?

 

[rrobs]

Nonsense.

Any specifics? Which of the 5 points I brought up amounts to nonsense and why? I was hoping for more of a discussion.

 

[rrobs]

contradiction....in word only?

many believe the Carpenter to have been a pacifist
but then …with the next spoken …..word
hail Him with praise for having swept the Temple floor
with a whip

Check your premise. Does what people believe determine truth?

 

[rrobs]

All that blabbing and asserting and not 1 citation to backup those assertions.

What a waste of time.

Which of the 5 points I mentioned amount to blabbering and why? They all seem to me to be pretty basic principles of communication.

 

[Thief]

Check your premise. Does what people believe determine truth?

nay.....

you can pronounce belief.....but that doesn't make it true

which is likely the reason.....Man does not have the power of creation

 

[rrobs]

The Bible is inspired, true and in fact infallible in the original texts. We have a pretty good idea what the originals were given the many copies and fragments and the range of things passed down.

Contradictions? No. Much ink has been spilled on this and there are arguably none.

True enough! All "contradictions" are a result of failing to rightly divide the word of truth. I wonder how many critics are even aware of 2 Timothy 2:15? I'm thinking somewhere near none.

 

[rrobs]

nay.....

you can pronounce belief.....but that doesn't make it true

which is likely the reason.....Man does not have the power of creation

True. The Bible does not say pronouncements are the standard for belief. I covered that standard in the OP. But, like I said, belief is optional.

I'm getting many critical answers, but so far none have addressed specifics. Just broad unsubstantiated pronouncements. Maybe you can tell my why any of the 5 principles I mentioned might not help clear up apparent contradictions?

 

[Thief]

True. The Bible does not say pronouncements are the standard for belief. I covered that standard in the OP. But, like I said, belief is optional.

I'm getting many critical answers, but so far none have addressed specifics. Just broad unsubstantiated pronouncements. Maybe you can tell my why any of the 5 principles I mentioned might not help clear up apparent contradictions?

so your op is an attempt to become the pivot point of truth?

and …...no

not buying it