why does the bible have so many contradictions?

Question

im asking because i want to know why christian defend the bible when it has so many contradictions...... (no offence to christians)

Answer 1

Because it was written by many different people, and it is just a book.

Answer 2

Well, first of all, you are reading a translation and translations are always open to interpretation (hence the different versions of the bible). The Jews believe the entire book has always been open to interpretion. It would have to be, in order to remain fresh and relevant. Life is, after all, very different now than 5000 years ago.

As to direct contradictions, again, who is doing the interpretation is one issue to contend with, but I think it is important to recognize that the bible is a compilation of fact, fable and parable. It is NOT all FACT, even those many Christians would like to believe it is so.

It doesn't have to be fact, to be an extremely useful guide on how to live a good life, or even to be a road towards salvation (for those that feel the need to be saved).

It is the Christian need to have it be read as indisputable fact that creates most of the arguments and issues - for example, the assumption that God created the world in 6 days is interpreted by some to mean that evolution must be false because that took thousands of years. (the stupidity of fighting a theory that is mostly proven FACT with a faith-based, and thus unprovable belief is a joke in and of itself).

But it even states in the old testament that God's day is NOT equal to man's day, and thus evolution could well have occured within the scope of "God's 6 days."

If you can understand that small difference in interpretation, then there is no contradiction.

Note there is valid interpretations of the bible that claim NO prohibition against homosexuality, and that in fact there are references that do not condemn such acts, and yet all Judeo-Christian religions claim it is a sin. None will accept that their opinion is just that, an opinion and interpretation and not necessarily fact.

Anyway, that's why biblical scholars exist. The only difference is that some actually study and seek to understand via interpretation, others just memorize and quote and assume that whatever interpretation they have been presented must be the only truth.

Sad isn't it? People die over this stuff!

Answer 3

The Bible is made of several books that are compiled into one. Each book has a different author and it was written over a period of thousands of years.

Furthermore, only a few of many books that made the claim of being the "word of God" made it to the Bible, and that decision was majorly made by the last Roman Emperor, Constantine.

For this reason I have stopped believing in the Bible as "the word of God" and only choose parts of it (mostly the gospels of Jesus) to be a guide to live by, simply like any other book. But I don't think that it is the word of God or that the people who wrote it was inspired by God in any way.

Now, with that said, I do believe in God and I do have a personal relationship. But I have it on my own terms, not because of anything the Bible says.

Basically all I need to do is to follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way I want to be treated. I can never go wrong if I do that. The rest of it is superfluous.

Answer 4

The Bible does not contradict itself. Wrong interpretation makes it seem it does.
Also, in some versions, wording in some verses has been changed to fit popular belief. We know that for two reasons.
One, available are the older scrolls and writings that versions of the Bible can be compared to.
Two, the Bible usually contradict the verses that has been changed to fit popular belief.
That is why the trinity is a contradictory doctrine. Some verses was changed to suit the doctrine.
That explains cross worship also. CRUX wasn't in the Bible prior to the 3rd century.

Well I hope some of this is useful

Answer 5

wrong Dizyman!

Christ never came to take away the old laws written by the prophets. He came to fulfill them and be our example.

Do you guys even read the Bible? The literal Jews no longer have God's favor. It says so in the book of Daniel. A certain amount of time was decided on them as a nation.

Even the disciples of Christ went to the Gentiles with God's word because the Jews thought they were God's only people. Heck! The Jews gave up Christ to the Romans!

I hate when people ignore the facts. Making their analysis and beliefs all screwed up.

Answer 6

the bible is the word of God. Like so many other things it must be studied to be clearly understood. If you could be a little more specific with your question (as to what you think is a contradiction) perhaps I could help.

Answer 7

Simple.

It was written by people. That's a biggie. People write and think what they want to believe, not neccessarily what is "fact".

Also, it was based on stories told over generations. It's like the Grapevine (Or Telephone, to some) Game we all played in grade school- the true message gets distorted over retelling, until it's usually completely different.

Answer 8

Kennedy Assination Report
911 Report
Bible
Koran

What do they have in common?

1. Contradictions
2.. Unanswered questions
3. Written by only men

Answer 9

No offense taken-
It does not contradict itself at all.
The old Testament points to the New and the New explains the old.
Through the whole Old Testament, God shows love and mercy to Israel and indeed anyone who would believe in Him. And in the New Testament, Jesus shows the completion of God's love, through His sacrifice for you and for me.

Answer 10

No need to apologize; a good christian should be opened to debating biblical issues. he or she should expect that to help spread the gospel. Otherwise, they are acting out of self-preservation, thinking that God's wrath would extend to them.

PS. I think Imagineworld has it right