Are contradictory passages in the bible really proof of it’s errancy, or can these be harmonized?

Question

Many says that this and that biblical passage(s) are contradictory. Is there a way or rule to interpret or reconcile these alleged contradictions. Can you give examples?

Or, how do you know the correctness of Biblical interpretations. There are so many of them?

Answer 1

Answer: Since the Bible has one author, God, but many human writers we should expect what seem to be contradictions. A sincere student of the Bible—not your off the meds critique—should study the background of these passages and the intention of the author and writers.

Here is a simple illustration.

Statement (S) 1: Mike is fat

S 2: Mike is thin

( One should not immediately conclude that these are contradictories. One should search for other statements regarding Mike)

S3: Mike’s legs are thin because he got sick of polio

Conclusion: Therefore, Mike is a fat guy with thin legs.

Here is Biblical case:
John 10:30 The father and I are one
John 14:28. The father is greater than I

John 17:22. I gave them the glory you gave me so that they may be one just as you and I are one.

Conclusion: Therefore, Jesus and God, his Father, are one in works or objectives—just as the disciples are one with them in works and objectives. ( Read John 10:37,38 after he said those controversial words: I and the father are one. 1Cor 3:8,9 will also confirm correctness of this interpretation

Answer 2

Yes, there are many contradictions in the Bible. For the most part that would be because so many people have tampered with the Bible's contents. High political people through out history have changed some of what the Bible had in it. Also, the Old and New Testaments are drastically different because God changed the way that He dealt with humans. He went from condeming and damning us all the time to showing love even when we did the unthinkable. Changing your attitude will make anyone seem like a hypocrite. God Bless.

Answer 3

Christians who have tried to harmonize have actually left the faith, cos, you are basically cheating yourself if you try to harmonize.
Faith or Belief, in anything for the matter, should not be in a Compromising Situation. Error, is an error, as simple as that. No point trying to argue by saying, this is a trivial issue, the intepretation is wrong, this is the Lord speaking and the other a man speaking.......
Dont you think all are lame excuses. Lame excuses Should NOT be Allowed in Belief or Faith, it just shows the weakness.

Answer 4

There are no contradictions, but you do have to do your homework because it is not like reading any other book.
One gospel tell of Jesus & the diciples walking into Jerico, while another gospel tell us Jesus & gang were walking out. Which was it?
Both are right. The original Jerico was larger that the rebuilt city & some Jews considered the old boundry to be the Jerico line, while others considered the new, smaller city to be the boundry.

Answer 5

What is wrong with you? You are supposed to view evidence of contradiction within the bible as PROOF that the bible is correct. Get with the program.

Answer 6

It is all inaccurate information. The bible itself is an interpretation of what some one heard or say they have seen. The bible was written by man, it is now interpreted by man therefore it cannot be truly accurate. Follow your heart, you don't need a book to be a good person.

Answer 7

Implying an assumption doesn't work. Examples of biblical contradictions required, or go home...or where ever it is that you hang-out.

Answer 8

Hello, Borat:

I have always believed that it takes a Masters Degree in theology to make the Bible say what it really doesn't.

We failing humans tend to apply scripture to our current beliefs, and we read scripture while "wearing grandpa's glasses."

To properly understand God's truths, you must never trust in man (Psalms 118:8) But trust in God--He has made every provision for the "meek to inherit the earth."

Go to Him in prayer, he promises in James 1:5: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

And for the unbeliever, God makes one more try in a hidden Bible code. It proves Jesus is the promised Savior, identifies Antichrist, and reveals the timing of the great conlict between good and evil--yes, all of God's creation will be peaceful again.

Blessings and peace, One-Way

Answer 9

There are no contradictions in the Bible only contradictory interpretations.

Answer 10

here is some interesting stuff..

1) Jonah- got thrown off a boat into the ocean, swallowed by a whale , thrown up by a whale, was sitting resting under a vine that grew up to provide shade for him after that and God made the vine die ...it says Jonah said he was mad enough to die at all that God did to him..(Jonah 4:6-8)
2) God let Jeremiah be put into a cystern (Jer 38)
3) God let Daniel be put in the lion's den
4) God lett Shadrack, Meshak and Abendego be put into the firey furnace.
5)God told Ezekiel to cook his food over a human excrement fire, and when Ezekiel complained that he didn't deserve to be treated that way, God told him that he could cook his food over cow manure then (Ez.4:12-15)
6)God let the Devil pick on Job.
7)God let Peter be crucified upside down.
8)God let Paul be jailed and stoned.
9)God let John the Baptist be beheaded.
10)God let Isaiah be cut in two (Hebrews 11:37)
11)God let Zechariah be stoned.(Matt. 23:35)
12)God let Jesus be crucified.

And yet evangelical preachers today say if you follow God (and give them your money) that God will make you rich? What picture changed here?