Why does the evangelical church say there are no contradictions in the Bible?

Question

when they are plainly there for anyone to see?

Answer 1

because they themselves are walking contradictions

Answer 2

We often get questions along the lines of “Explain how these verses do not contradict!” or “Look, here is an error in the Bible!” Admittedly, some of the things people bring up are difficult to answer. However, there are viable and intellectually plausible answers to every supposed Bible contradiction and error. There are books and websites available that list “all the errors in the Bible.” Most people simply get their ammunition from these places – they do not find supposed errors on their own. There are also books and websites available that refute each and every last one of these supposed errors. The saddest thing is that most people who attack the Bible are not truly interested in an answer – all they want to do is attack. Many "Bible attackers" are even aware of the answers, but they continue to use the same old shallow attacks again and again.



If you read the Bible, at face value, without a preconceived bias for finding errors – you will find it to be a coherent, consistent, and relatively easy-to-understand book. Yes, there are difficult passages. Yes, there are verses that appear to contradict each other. We must remember that the Bible was written by approximately 40 different authors over a period of around 1500 years. Each writer wrote from a different perspective, to a different audience, for a different purpose. We should expect some differences! However, a difference is not a contradiction or an error. It is only an error if there is absolutely no conceivable manner in which the verses or passages can be reconciled. Even if we do not have the answer right now, that does not mean the answer does not exist. Many have found a supposed error in the Bible in relation to history or geography only to find out that the Bible is correct once further archaeological evidence is discovered.



So, what are we to do when someone approaches us with an alleged Bible error? (1) Prayerfully study the problem and see if there is a simple solution. 2) Do some research using some of the fine Bible commentaries, "Bible defense" books, and Biblical research websites that are available. (3) Ask the helpful servants at www.gotquestions.org or your pastor to see if they can find a solution. (4) If there is still no clear answer after steps (1), (2), and (3) are followed - trust God that His Word is truth and that there is a solution that just simply has not been realized yet (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17).

Answer 3

Evangelicals state that the contradictions do not effect theology at all. They are minute differences most of which can be attributed to the interpretation from Greek/Aramic to English. A Greek word could be translated different ways but the original meaning stayed the same- just different translations that changed it. Some of the so called inaccuracies later proved to be accurate (A town was said to be by a city but the town was actually 100 miles away- archeology later found a town of a similar name -one letter difference- next to the city it was supposed to be by). Not one of the contradicitons effect theological meaning though. There is also an understanding that the coming of Jesus made the old laws null so you dont get contradictions there.

You may want to check out the book The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. A former investigative journalist (and athiest) he used his skills to prove that Jesus as Christ was a fraud. He addresses the contradictions issues as well as others.

Answer 4

So what if there are contradictions in the Bible?
Does that prove that it is all wrong?

Explain this: It prophesies that the Jewish people will return to their homeland from every part of the earth and God would reestablish them as a nation in the last days.
Look at what happened in 1948 as the nation of Israel was established over 1800 years after being ran out of their country. Look at how they miraculously won the wars that followed.
How 6 million people survive with over 1 billion muslims surrounding them intent on "driving them into the sea".

The prophecies also tell the nations that will attack Israel. They all happen to currently be Muslim and allies of Muslims.
The chances of accurately predicting that 1600 years ahead of time are zero, considering that many of these nations at that time were neutral or even allies of Israel.

There are hundreds of other prophecies.
Read Psalm 22 for starters.

Answer 5

I understand what you are saying but I think it is a matter of interpretation. The concepts put forth in the Bible as a whole are not contradictory although an occasional verse will seem to contradict the general concept. Chauk it up to a poorly written statement by a relatively uneducated human being. It's kind of like hearing one person's take on a certain event in history and then hearing from someone else who saw things as meaning something else. Happens all the time. It is a human trait. God did not write the Bible. He inspired it to be written.

Answer 6

Are you omnipotent, omniscience, omnipresent, immutable or sovereign. Does anyone you know have complete knowledge of everything. My point is God is all of these things, and we are not; therefore, the things that seem like a contradictions to us finite beings are not in truth contradictions for the eternal God. God says there are no contradictions in the Bible. You say there are contradictions and others say there are Black and White contradictions; so, who do I believe you or God?

I would love to debate any of you folks on these supposed contradictions in the Bible. Before you decide to take me up on my offer, I also read the websites with these contradictions and they either show a misunderstanding of basic theology or are biased by reading a specific verse out of context.
You can never prove there is no God; just as I can never prove to you that God exists.
Don't attempt to come out like you have some special insight that's going to show there are contradictions in God's word. Men and woman who are much smarter then you have attempted to challenges God's word and have failed. So give it a rest.

Answer 7

Because they believe everything in the Bible is True!!!!

But this is What they need to Do!!!

Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, gives thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit others (everyone).

2. Respect. Respect means "To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy". Showing respect is a basic law of life.

3. Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, that error will become apparent to everyone in its own time.

4. Be truthful at all times, and under all conditions.

5. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give of your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.

6. The hurt of one is the hurt of all; the honor of one is the honor of all.

7. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.

8. All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator they must all be respected.

9. To serve others, to be of some use to family, community, nation, and the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget you’re most important talks. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

10. Observe moderation and balance in all things.

11. Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction.

12. Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds of wise Elders and friends








Wahoo!!!

Answer 8

People say a lot of things. You can choose not to listen. I can see contradictions in the Bible, and if someone wants to argue me on the point, they're there in black and white.

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Answer 9

While it is true that there are no self-contained contradictions in the OT (ie there are apparent contradictions that can be resolved)...there are many contradictions between the OT and the NT and even with the NT itself.

Answer 10

Because they feel that their religion is the ultimate truth and that any contradictions belittles that truth. Ut goes hand in hand with biblical literalism (God said it, I believe it, that settles it!).
But there are tons of contradictions and most critically thinking people realize this when they read the book. Of course, most fundementalists don't read their holy book either.

Answer 11

There are no contradictions in the bible what so ever