Do I have to reject the Bible if I see a contradiction in it?

Question

..or can I excuse the error because it was written by humans (however inspired)? It doesn't look infallible to me.

I really want to believe but these things make it hard.

Answer 1

It IS infallible. The contradiction you see or hear about from sceptics is ignorance of the true message of the Word. It may seem like a contradiction, but it's because you don't quite understand that part of it. Ask the question here and ask a preacher who knows the entire Bible. Sometimes when we just read a small part of the Bible, it doesn't make sense until we read other books of the Bible to realize what the meaning of this message is. Hope this helps. Make sure you don't look for contradictions to try to discredit the Word of God that some do. Pray to the Lord for understanding before you read.

Answer 2

I would really investigate the apparent contradiction. There are definitely difficulties in the Bible, but just because we cannot make sense of them right away does not mean that there is not a reason why that thing was said that way.

As a Christian, it challenges me to look deeper into the text to find what the truth is. I do not want to believe anything that is not true. I personally have not found any contradictions in the Bible. I would challenge anyone who reads it to look at commentaries (Matthew Henry is an excellent source).

To answer your question, Paul makes the claim in 2 Timothy 3:16 , "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." The light of that, I would say that if there is a contradiction that you would have to reject that the Bible is true. On that same note, I would challenge you to find a contradiction. I do not think you will find one that couldn't be explained.

Answer 3

The bible is contradiction free! Here's is an example of a contradiction 1+1=3 also 1+1=2.

Godbless

Answer 4

Zeek,

With all due respect (cause I've been there and these questions are really gut-wrenching, I know), have you thought you might be asking the wrong questions? Rather than wondering if you should reject the bible, why don't you look at "WHY" you really want to believe? What is it about it that makes it so appealing?

"Just a few" contradictions ain't no big thing. You can use the "written by humans" thing and be done with it. But problems get bigger when you start to examine the bigger picture. Does it make sense on the whole? Concepts like original sin, god having to have a human sacrifice in the form of his son, a hell concept...those things.

I know it feels scary to give it up, but I promise, it ain't an empty void on the other side. And it's a suck thing to base your life on a book you know just isn't the real deal.

Answer 5

First of all, read the entire Bible, do not just pick verses. About contradiction- I can explain why some differences can be seen in the 4 gospels especially how they describe Jesus. Each of these men, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John knew Jesus - however each one of them explain things just a little differently. For example if you and I knew someone, and were asked to tell about that person= both of us would be explaining the same person, however probably we would each mention different things about that person and in a different way. Some people say why is God wrathful in the OT and loving in the NT? If you really read that whole OT you would see over and over how God was merciful. Every time the Israelites turned away from the Lord when they returned to Him with their whole heart He forgave. In the NT God sent His Son to die for the whole world, and this is how He showed He loves the whole world- however He is still a just God- There has to be payment for sin- and because He knew that we could never pay the price He sent His Son= but those who do not accept Him, they are condemned. Ask God to reveal His truth to you and He will.

Answer 6

First of all, its not possible to read the Bible without studying it with a qualified teacher. The apparent contradictions are just misunderstandings on the readers part. The study of the Bible is a lifelong endeavor, with tremendous rewards and benefits. My advise is to seek a free Bible study with Jehovah's Witnesses who are more than happy to provide materials, time and encouragement. May your journey in seeking the truth be blessed by your creator Jehovah God.

Answer 7

Remember that the bible is made of several different books written by several different humans through the lord's guidence and teachings. The books are ment to simply keep you thinking about God and his teachings, to question is natural and feeds into your wanting to understand more about the bible and God in general. You do not have to reject something based on what you disagree with, but should instead continue on your search for a clearer understanding of the words of God.

Answer 8

The bible has been translated and edited by men many times.
Don't blame God for sins of man. Wicked men used it to control many people.

There was a great apostasy.

The gospel has been restored.

Remember the bible is a compilation of different books, letters etc. written to different people in different times.

If you you really do want to believe, Ask God with sincere desire to know and an honest willingness to act on the answer you get.

Read the Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father New men would change things in the bible. So he restored the fulness of the gospel again in the latter days.

People will do anything they can to make you not believe. You can know for yourself without listening to their so-called logic.If you you really do want to believe, Ask God with sincere desire to know and an honest willingness to act on the answer you get.
I have done this and I KNOW for myself of the truthfulness of the Bible. Study the whole of both books than pray and make a decision.

Answer 9

You should talk to preacher for help with this. Someone who is trained in theology, not someone who claims to have understood it just by reading it.

The Bible is a written form of oral history. The ancient Israelites passed down their history orally until it was written down centuries later. So it is understandable there are contradictions.

For example, Moses is accredited for writing Exodus and Deuteronomy. But in Deuteronomy, it tells of Moses' death. So if he wrote the Book, how could he since he died before it was finished.

Answer 10

The Bible is full of contradictions, starting with Genesis. There are 2 different Creation accounts: The first starts at Gen 1:1 and the second starts at Gen 2:4. I am a Christian who recognises that the Bible, while being divinely inspired, is NOT the error-free word of God.