The Bible's Internal Contradictions - How many can you provide?

Question

I saw an answer today that said this "the bible has too many errors (hundreds, as well as internal contradictions) to be taken as an authority on anything."

I would like some proof of the "as well as internal contradictions". I'm not saying it isn't true and I'm not asking for a yes or no answer to it being true of false. I would just like examples to discuss with friends.

I'm a bisexual Christian, and I've been trying to prove a point that the Bible is a book about God, not a book about human sexual orientation. You can see an example of my point here:
http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible-gay-christian

I don't plan to change my beliefs because of any answers, I would just like to make a point that the meaning of the Bible has changed throughout time and what's right and what's wrong changes with scientific truth.

Please give as many examples of "internal contradictions" of the Bible, including where they can be found and quotes if possible. Most is best...

Please stop sending me hate mail.
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I'm a Christian and I'm bisexual. I was a Christian before I had my bisexual feelings. I'm not going to change my religion just because I learned more about myself.

However, before sending me an e-mail, I ask that you read the article I've linked to. Many of the views outlined in it are the same as or very similar to my views.

After reading it, then will I read your insults, which actually I don't mind because you are entitled to you opinion. However, just try to see everything from my perspective...

Answer 1

See references. (I'm the author of the quote that you noted.) The Burr book lists over a hundred. For factual errors, see: David Mills, Atheist Universe, or Dawkins, The God Delusion, or Harris, The End of Faith.

Answer 2

Michael, a lot of people will give you links that lead you to only mainly false contradictions. As I have said, and have never been countered on this, The Bible Never Contradicts Itself Theologically.

As you said, the Bible is about God. And the Bible never contradicts itself concerning WHO that God is. So be careful when you read these lists of supposed "contradictions" and consider the context. There are a few limited examples where the Bible will contradict itself in terms of numbers. Like it says so and so reigned for so long and in a different book it will say that the same person reigned for a different amount of time.

God communicates through culture. And culture does change with time and God can reveal more and more TRUTH as culture is able to express these Truths with their langague and cultural intellectual and societal categories.

However, "what's right and what's wrong" does not change with scientific truth. God is holy, and has expectations for his Holy people. Those expectations remain the same no matter what Science has to say. If you would like to discuss this more feel free to EMAIL me.

***UPDATE***
You are also correct by the way to say that the Bible is not about sexual orientation. However, I firmly believe the Bible does give firm and clear teachings on sexual orientation. I recongize we disagree on this subject. But I hope you know if you decide to CONTACT me I will always be polite, patient, and open-minded. In fact I am currently readying the link you posted.

Answer 3

This is off topic, but I wanted to comment on something you said...

"I would just like to make a point that the meaning of the Bible has changed throughout time and what's right and what's wrong changes with scientific truth."

Actually, the meaning hasn't changed at all! People's interpretations have.
We have to be careful with translation and history, which is why it is extremely important, when interpreting the Bible, to understand the language, translation, and history of the time period.

Some small things, for example:
1. Jesus says that it is easier for a camel to pass through an eye of a needle than a rich man to get into heaven. Well... it is impossible for a camel to fit through a sewing needle, so, does this mean it is impossible for a rich man to get into heaven? BUT, a sewing needle is not what Jesus refers to.
When entering a city during those times, they were enclosed by walls, and there were small passages called "the eye of the needle" that travelers could pass through, one person at a time. It was just barely big enough for a camel to fit through - hence Jesus' quote.

2. Jesus refers to his "brothers." So, does this mean that Mary and Joseph had other kids. No. During those times, in Jesus's language, they only had ONE word for brother, cousin, or relative that wasn't older (like an aunt, parent, etc) They also referred to really close friends as "brothers."

These are just two small isolated cases in the Bible where people get confused. Again, it is VERY important to understand the history and language of the times. Eitherwise, you get people today taking small passages and interpreting them as they see fit. So, just to reiterate, the meaning has not changed... it cannot "change." People's understanding of the meaning can.

Answer 4

The genealogy of Jesus, faith vs. works, how many angels met Mary at the tomb, the method of Judas' suicide, "an eye for an eye" vs. "term the other cheek", etc. etc.

However, focusing on these "contradictions" distracts from the true nature of the Bible as a record of God's dealing with man.

Answer 5

Marry became into no longer a decendant of David. Joseph became into. yet in diverse places Jesus is asserted to be the decedant of David (this is totally sparkling in Romans a million:3). that's, of direction, area of the Messianic prophecy he became into to fulfill, notwithstanding it additionally skill he became into the actual son of Joseph. There are a mountain of others, in case you're yet prepared to work out.

Answer 6

If you believe in bi'sexual and Christian, you are easily misled.
You partake in homosexuality, people who do this commit an abomination before the Lord and WILL NOT inherit the kingdom of God.
Romans 1:18-32 said that will be enticed to believe the lie.
If you cannot accept God's Word as a basis to live a holy life, then you are deceived.
The Bible hasn't changed, man's interpretation of it has. Most will change it to fit their lifestyle, as you have. "I, the Lord God, DO NOT CHANGE." If He hasn't changed, neither should we, placed before a holy God.
You have no fear of the Lord. If you did, you would repent.

Answer 7

Homosexuality is the Result of Sin.
If you call yourself a Christian, then Read the Bible yourself.

Answer 8

You sound very unstable and easily led astray....apparently wrestling the Scriptures to your own destruction.

"... They that are unlearned and unstable do wrestle, as they do other Scriptures, to their own destruction". (II Peter 3:16)

" Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, NOR HOMOSEXUALS.....shall inherit the kingdom of God" ...... And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God". (I Corin. 6:9-11)

Answer 9

There are hundreds of examples of internal inconsistencies and contradictions. Please see the reference site.

Answer 10

384 to be exact

http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/by_name.html

here they all are have fun !!