Topic: IS THE BIBLE CONTRACTING?
EMIT's photo
Wed 09/03/08 12:53 PM
Edited by EMIT on Wed 09/03/08 12:58 PM
NOTE: IM SORRY FOR THE MISPRONOUNCIATION OF (CONTRADICTING)



Millions of people today have been asking this one question.
Some have gone from saying it and start believing it, but what do u have to say, what were you told and do you believe that The bible Is Contradicting?


2Timothy 3:16-16

Why You Can Trust the Bible?
Some people say the Bible is unreliable, and their views have gained wide acceptance. Thus many today dismiss what the Bible says as untrustworthy.

On the other hand, what Jesus Christ said in prayer to God promotes trust: "Your word is truth." And the Bible itself claims to be inspired by God.—John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16.

What do you think about this? Is there sound basis for trusting the Bible? Or is there really evidence that the Bible is unreliable, that it contradicts itself and is inconsistent?

Does It Contradict Itself?
While some may claim the Bible contradicts itself, has anyone ever shown you an actual example? We have never seen one that could withstand scrutiny. True, there may appear to be discrepancies in certain Bible accounts. But the problem usually is lack of knowledge regarding details and circumstances of the times.

For example, some persons will draw attention to what they consider a discrepancy in the Bible, asking: 'Where did Cain get his wife?' The assumption is that Cain and Abel were the only children of Adam and Eve. But the assumption is based on a misunderstanding of what the Bible says. The Bible explains that Adam "became father to sons and daughters." (Genesis 5:4) Thus Cain married one of his sisters or possibly a niece.

Often critics are just looking for contradictions and so may declare: 'The Bible writer Matthew says that an army officer came to ask Jesus a favor, while Luke says that representatives were sent to ask. Which one is correct?' (Matthew 8:5, 6; Luke 7:2, 3) But is this really a contradiction?

When the activity or work of people is credited to the one who is actually responsible for it, a reasonable person does not claim a discrepancy. For example, do you consider a report to be in error that says a mayor built a road even though the actual building of the road was done by his engineers and laborers? Of course not! Similarly, it is not inconsistent for Matthew to say that the army officer made a request of Jesus but, as Luke writes, that such a request was made through certain representatives.

History and Science
The historical accuracy of the Bible was once widely doubted. Critics, for example, questioned the existence of such Bible characters as King Sargon of Assyria, Belshazzar of Babylon, and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. But recent discoveries have verified one Bible account after another. Thus historian Moshe Pearlman wrote: "Suddenly, sceptics who had doubted the authenticity even of the historical parts of the Old Testament began to revise their views."

If we are to trust the Bible, it must also be accurate in matters of science. Is it? Not long ago scientists, in contradiction of the Bible, asserted that the universe had no beginning. However, astronomer Robert Jastrow recently pointed to newer information that refutes this, explaining: "Now we see how the astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world. The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis are the same."—Genesis 1:1.

Men have also changed their views relative to the shape of the earth. "Voyages of discovery," explains The World Book Encyclopedia, "showed that the world was round, not flat as most people had believed." But the Bible was correct all along! More than 2,000 years before those voyages, the Bible said at Isaiah 40:22: "There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth," or as other translations say, "the globe of the earth" (Douay), "the round earth." (Moffatt)

Thus the more humans learn, the greater the evidence is that the Bible can be trusted. A former director of the British Museum, Sir Frederic Kenyon, wrote: "The results already achieved confirm what faith would suggest, that the Bible can do nothing but gain from an increase of knowledge."

This is a very wie topic, so i will just stop here for now, if you have any views or questions, please feel freeeeeeeeee!!!!


TOPAZ1123's photo
Wed 09/03/08 01:22 PM
i dont at all think that the bible contradicts its self. no two scenarios in the bible are exactly the same in circumstance.

SkyHook5652's photo
Wed 09/03/08 01:41 PM
Edited by SkyHook5652 on Wed 09/03/08 01:45 PM
Example: Genesis 2:17 "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, for in that day thou shalt surely die."

However, when Adam ate of the tree, he did not die "in that day", but lived for something on the order of a century after that.

So there is no doubt that there are intrinsic contradictions when the words are taken literally.

However, I don't believe ANYONE takes the view of an absolute, cover-to-cover, word-for-word, literal acceptance of the text of the bible.

But since one cannot take all the words in their literal meanings, some of them must be interpreted figuratively.

So whether or not any two passages in the bible are contradictory depends entirely upon the interpretation(s) to which you subscribe.

EMIT's photo
Wed 09/03/08 02:21 PM
Genesis: 2:17
Is not contradicting, it is just easily understood by many people.
If you read verse 3, it says that God said; "It is not for the man to continue by himself"

Now if he had killed killed them at the time of eating of the three, would he not be an injustice God?
We would not be here today, he gave mankind a chance to repent.

Here is how they die... In Gensis 3:19, Jehovah says to them; "In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you returned to the ground"

THIS question is far from academic. How so? Because Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God affected all future generations right down to our time. The Bible states: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) But how did the simple act of taking and eating fruit from a tree result in such tragic consequences?

When God created Adam and Eve, he settled them in a beautiful garden that was filled with edible vegetation and fruit-bearing trees. Only one tree was out of bounds—“the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.” Being free moral agents, Adam and Eve could choose to obey God or disobey him. Adam was warned, however, that “in the day you eat from [the tree of knowledge] you will positively die.”—Genesis 1:29; 2:17.

A Fitting Restriction
This one restriction caused no hardship; Adam and Eve could eat from all the other trees in the garden. (Genesis 2:16) Moreover, the prohibition attributed nothing improper to the couple, nor did it rob them of dignity. Had God forbidden such vile things as bestiality or murder, some could claim that perfect humans had certain base inclinations that needed to be restrained. Eating, however, was natural and proper.

God told Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.” (Genesis 1:28) Certainly, he would not command them to break his law and then sentence them to death for doing so! (1 John 4:8) Eve partook of the fruit before Adam and later gave some to her husband. (Genesis 3:6)

So, it was grace on Jehovah's part that we are here today and to learn one lesson from our forthparents...

When we commit a serious sin, forgive is now an option, adam and eve were not given second chanes, they were given time to produce other humans they could come and make their own choices, he didn't want all of mankind to suffer through one man'a sin.

We now have the opportunity what adam and eve didn't get... we are learning from thier decision to be honest hearted, loyal and determingly hold on to the commandments of our creator, JEHOVAH GOD


Abracadabra's photo
Wed 09/03/08 02:21 PM
"Now we see how the astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world. The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis are the same."


I personally feel that a person needs to be seriously delusional to believe a statement like quoted above. That statement is utterly absurd IMHO. In order to believe such a thing one must truly pick and choose from both science and the Bible to even remotely come up with such a conclusion.


I don't feel any need to even bother turning to scientific evidence to see that the Bible is grossly self-contradicting. No outside referrences are even needed. Just look at the story itself.

The story claims that an all-powerful God is at war with a fallen angel. That's a contradiction right there. If God is all-powerful then he can't be a 'war' with anyone, at best he just be playing 'games' with them.

This reduces the biblical God to a God who plays games, at best!

There are actually a myriad of contradictions in the bible. I could write a book on the contraditions in the Bible and that book itself would be as big as the Bible!

Another very profound contradition is the Flood and the Crucifixion.

The Biblical God is said to be unchanging (which he must be if he is to be trustworthy).

At the time of the Flood he dealt with mankind's disobedience by destorying humanity save for a few poeple.

At a later time he sends his only begotten son as a sacrificial lamb to pay for the sins of man. If that's not a God who changes his fundamental essence of how he behaves I don't know what is.

The philosophy taught by Jesus himself is a direct contradition to the teachings of the Old Testament.

The God of Abraham had people stoning sinners to death, and condoned revenge, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth".

When Jesus came on the scene people were still stoning sinners to death just as the God of Abraham had instructed them to do. But Jesus denounced that practice. He also denounced the seeking of revenge, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth", in favor of forgiveness "Turn the other cheek".

The persona of Jesus is a blatant contradiction to the persona of the God of Abraham. And again it flies in the face of a God who is supposed to be unchanging.

I could go on and on and on pointing out a myriad of self-contraditions without ever referrencing anything outside of the Bible itself. It is totally self-contraditing.

If you want to move beyond that and look outside of the Bible to what the actual universe is telling us we see that we evolved from lower life forms which also seems to be in contradiction to what the Bible suggests.

We already know there there is much more to this universe than just "heaven and Earth". The Earth is merely one world in a humongus universe and it's clearly not the central focus of creation as the Bible appears to suggest.

I see absolutely no more reason to believe in the Bible than I see to believe in Greek Mythology.

In fact, contradictions aside, there are even other reasons for not believing that the Bible is the word of any supreme being.

The idea of giving Blood sacrifices to appease Gods has always been a superstition of man. It's been in used by many cultures in their mythologies that are totally unrealted to the Bible.

The idea that the real creator of this universe would just by pure coincidence just happen to lust for blood sacrifices to be appeased by is nothing short of outrageous.

A God who can supposedly do anything, EXCEPT forgive disobedience unless a blood sacrifice has been made in his name?

And that idea of a blood sacrifice is the very foundation and meaning of the crucifixion. The blood of Jesus can wash away your sins? ohwell

In all honesty I don't see how anyone can seriously believe that the Bible is anything other than just the pure superstitious mythology created by men.

The supposed "wisdom" of the God depicted in the Bible does not even come close to the wisdom that we'd expect to see from an all-wise surpreme being. The "wisdom" in the Bible fits in perfectly with what we'd expect from superstitious ancient cultures.

To me there's no question whatsoever that the Bible has nothing to do with the creator of this universe. It most certainly is not the 'word of God' IMHO.

To believe that it is, is utter foolishness, IMHO.

I make no apologies for how I feel. From my point of view this is as clear as crystal. I sincerely wish humanity would move beyond these ancient superstitions.

The religion doesn't breed brother love anyway, all it does is divide mankind into two camps "believers versus non-believers". It pits man against man, nation against nation.

It serves no good.

Also, it is utterly ludicrous to believe that any bible is the preserved word of God.

The Bible came from Mediterranean folklore. It was the roots of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three of these religions are based on the same fundamental folklore. If there is any truth to them at all it must be in their combined doctrines, and most certainly not just in one of them.

I personally see no reason to believe that the foundational seeds of any of these religions has merit.

They are one huge religion that fell into many parts, Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, and the many differing denominations of Protestanism.

This is all one huge, confused, and ambigious mythology that seriously has nothing at all to do with the creator of this universe.

There's no doubt in my mind whatsoever that these stories are nothing more than manmade mythology. No different from Greek mythology and having no more merit.












SkyHook5652's photo
Wed 09/03/08 02:42 PM
Edited by SkyHook5652 on Wed 09/03/08 02:43 PM

Genesis: 2:17
Is not contradicting, it is just easily understood by many people.
If you read verse 3, it says that God said; "It is not for the man to continue by himself"

Now if he had killed killed them at the time of eating of the three, would he not be an injustice God?
We would not be here today, he gave mankind a chance to repent.

Here is how they die... In Gensis 3:19, Jehovah says to them; "In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you returned to the ground"

THIS question is far from academic. How so? Because Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God affected all future generations right down to our time. The Bible states: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) But how did the simple act of taking and eating fruit from a tree result in such tragic consequences?

When God created Adam and Eve, he settled them in a beautiful garden that was filled with edible vegetation and fruit-bearing trees. Only one tree was out of bounds—“the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.” Being free moral agents, Adam and Eve could choose to obey God or disobey him. Adam was warned, however, that “in the day you eat from [the tree of knowledge] you will positively die.”—Genesis 1:29; 2:17.

A Fitting Restriction
This one restriction caused no hardship; Adam and Eve could eat from all the other trees in the garden. (Genesis 2:16) Moreover, the prohibition attributed nothing improper to the couple, nor did it rob them of dignity. Had God forbidden such vile things as bestiality or murder, some could claim that perfect humans had certain base inclinations that needed to be restrained. Eating, however, was natural and proper.

God told Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.” (Genesis 1:28) Certainly, he would not command them to break his law and then sentence them to death for doing so! (1 John 4:8) Eve partook of the fruit before Adam and later gave some to her husband. (Genesis 3:6)

So, it was grace on Jehovah's part that we are here today and to learn one lesson from our forthparents...

When we commit a serious sin, forgive is now an option, adam and eve were not given second chanes, they were given time to produce other humans they could come and make their own choices, he didn't want all of mankind to suffer through one man'a sin.

We now have the opportunity what adam and eve didn't get... we are learning from thier decision to be honest hearted, loyal and determingly hold on to the commandments of our creator, JEHOVAH GOD

(First off. let me make sure of something. Your first sentence states"...it is just easily understood by many people". I assume you meant "MISunderstood", so I will continue based on that assumption.)

All that really says to me is that you agree with my view that the bible should not be interpreted literally.

The literal interpretation of Gen 2:17 is "Adam would die in the day that he ate of the fruit."

Any other interpretation is some sort of figurative or metaphoric interpretaion. The most popular disputes I've heard are over the interpretation of the words "day" and "die".

EMIT's photo
Wed 09/03/08 02:46 PM
Again, you are one person who raised many points, but the one i'm responding to, i the concern toward Jehovah been at war the a fallen angel.

Jehovah is definately not playing a game, he refused to put an end to Satan many reasons comcerning us as humans, i will start off by quoting from the bible.


PART 1...................................
Has Evil Won?

THE idea of a cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil has prompted endless speculation by writers and philosophers throughout history. There is a book, however, that contains the accurate history of the battle between God and the Devil. That book is the Bible. It sheds light on the issues involved in this conflict and provides the means of determining who has really won.

Soon after the creation of the first man and woman, an unseen spirit creature, Satan the Devil, challenged God's rulership. How? By subtly suggesting that God withheld good things from his creation and that humans would fare better independent of him.—Genesis 3:1-5; Revelation 12:9.

Later, in the days of the patriarch Job, Satan raised another issue. Seeking to break Job's integrity to God, Satan said: "Skin in behalf of skin, and everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul." (Job 2:4) What a sweeping claim that was! By using the general term "a man" instead of the name Job, Satan brought into the arena of doubt the integrity of every human. He, in effect, asserted: 'A man will do anything to save his life. Give me a chance, and I can turn anyone away from God.'

The victory in the battle between God and the Devil is determined by the answering of two questions: Is man successfully able to rule himself? Has the Devil managed to turn everyone away from the true God?


EMIT's photo
Wed 09/03/08 02:48 PM
PART 2............................................

Can Satan Turn Everyone Away From God?

Has Satan been successful in his claim that he can turn everyone away from God? In chapter 11 of the Bible book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul names a number of faithful men and women of pre-Christian times. Then he declares: "The time will fail me if I go on to relate about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David as well as Samuel and the other prophets." (Hebrews 11:32) Paul simply refers to these loyal servants of God as a 'great cloud of witnesses.' (Hebrews 12:1) The Greek word used here for "cloud" means, not a detached, sharply outlined cloud with definite size and shape, but a huge formless cloud mass. This is appropriate because the faithful servants of God in the past have been so numerous that they are like a huge cloud mass. Yes, down through the centuries, unnumbered multitudes of people have exercised their free will and chosen to give their allegiance to Jehovah God.—Joshua 24:15.

What do we find in our time? The number of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide has increased to over six million despite the terrible persecution and opposition they experienced during the 20th century. An additional nine million or so associate with them, and many of these are taking decisive steps to enter into a close personal relationship with God.

The ultimate answer to Satan's claim that he can turn humans away from Jehovah came from God's own Son, Jesus Christ. Not even excruciating pain on a torture stake broke his integrity. As Jesus took his last breath, he cried out: "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit."—Luke 23:46.

Satan uses everything in his power—from temptations to outright persecution—to try to keep humans under his control. Using "the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life" to tempt people, he seeks either to keep or to entice them away from Jehovah. (1 John 2:16) Satan has also 'blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ might not shine through.' (2 Corinthians 4:4) And Satan does not hesitate to resort to threats and to exploit fear of men to accomplish his aim.—Acts 5:40.

Those on God's side, however, are not overcome by the Devil. They have come to know Jehovah God and 'to love him with their whole heart and with their whole soul and with their whole mind.' (Matthew 22:37) Yes, the unwavering loyalty of Jesus Christ and of countless humans adds up to a colossal defeat for Satan the Devil.


Abracadabra's photo
Wed 09/03/08 03:09 PM
Can Satan Turn Everyone Away From God?


As far as I'm concerned the idea that our creator is in competition for the souls that it creates with some stupid fallen angel is utter nonsense.

If God could 'lose' souls to a devil then God himself would be a loser.

If a fallen angel was the reason that God had to have his own Son nailed to a pole, then God has already lost to the devil by appeasing him with the sacrifice of his own Son.

Moreover, if God and the devil are in competition for souls, it would certainly appear that the devil had won at the time of the Flood. God clearly lost all but a handful of souls.

Such a picture of a God is a picture of a God who loses far more than it wins.

In fact, the Bible itself proclaims that the vast majority will not make it to heaven. The gate is narrow and only few will make it.

Therefore the Biblical God is a profound loser, loosing the vast majoryity of souls to the devil. Clearly the devil is the clear victor in this scenario.

These are all just more contraditions of the idea that God is all-powerful or all-wise, etc.

The very idea of a Satan who is competing for souls from God (and WINNING!) is utterly absurd and nonsensical.



Redykeulous's photo
Wed 09/03/08 04:41 PM
Has Satan been successful in his claim that he can turn everyone away from God?


Well, I guess we'll never know, because god, apparently, would rather destroy all of humanity save one family, rather than to find out.

So now we know, exactly where we, as humans rate next to a disobedient fallen angel. The angel is kept alive, obviously it provides much more amusement than the human creature.

But I noticed Abra has already brought up this contradiction.

Redykeulous's photo
Wed 09/03/08 04:48 PM
Hi Emit, Welcome to the religious world of Mingle2.

You will find no lack of religious abuse here, ohwell and you will often fell this way: frustrated

but if you stick around long enough, you're worst enemy won't be: pitchfork it's more likely to be:
rofl
and
:banana:

I will say that the occasional offtopic
often ends up being the most fun.

Have a good time and if you ever fail to have the right words, just have a good time, as long as you don't personally abuse anyone, it's a pretty forgiving crowd.

As for Abra - there's not another like him is any world, and we're all pretty proud to be here in this world with him.
Enjoy our company.

EMIT's photo
Wed 09/03/08 07:09 PM
No, satan has not been successful.
This is not a matter of wether God wins or not, it's a matter of, Are we proving Satan the lier he is when he said that mankind remain fathful to God because of benefits.

Let's read the story at Job 1:7-12

I Jehovad had done away with Satan, would be able to make a difference now?
Would be showing justice because of his vast power to do anything? NO!!

Jehovah said that he is giving us ample time to repent of our sins, turn away fromm bad, and she the Devil the lier that he is today (2 Peter 3:9)

Jehovah has promised mankind the beauties and glories of this planet... we will gain it in due time.. we need to be like our creator who is patient and slow respecting his promise to mankind.

All of us may not prove to Satan that he was wrong to say that we worship Jehovah for benefits, however, non of us will be able to do away with Satan to time indefinate.

Abracadabra's photo
Wed 09/03/08 07:31 PM

No, satan has not been successful.
This is not a matter of wether God wins or not, it's a matter of, Are we proving Satan the lier he is when he said that mankind remain fathful to God because of benefits.


Well that's silly.

If Satan siad that mankind would only remain faithful to God because of benefits he's absolutely correct.

Why would you worship any God if you didn't think it was to your benefit?

If you aren't worried about your own benefit then why not worship Satan?

Surely you must believe that there is some benefit in worshiping God over Satan!

If you didn't believe this then why would you choose one over the other?

It's a silly question.

If you're trying to prove that Satan was a liar when he said that men will worship whatever benefits them, then you're in deep manure because that, my friend is the absolute truth!

Everyone who worships God does so because they believe that God will protect them and offer them a place in his heaven.

If God had nothing to offer you why would you bother worshiping it?

Nobody does anything that isn't in their benefit. To pretend that you are somehow worshiping God when there's nothing in it for you is utterly silly.

You're either lusting for eternal life, or you're in fear of eternal damnation!

If you didn't care one way or the other then you'd just become an Atheist.

You'll never convince me that you worship God thinking that there is nothing in it for you.

EMIT's photo
Thu 09/04/08 08:32 AM
Mr. im sorry for been rude to you but forgive.
I know that you're reaoning on an ignorant terminology.

It's obvious that if we worship the true GOD then, will get benefits, this is natural as GOD told our fortparents they have possesion of the earth, to the it belonged, which means that we too will have benefitted from that promise.

IF YOU GO TO WORSHIP SATAN, WHAT BENEFITS WILL YOU EVER ACHIEVE THAT WILL BRING LASTING PEACE AND PERFECTION? 1 John 1:16,17 Rev. 21:9

Satan's desires for mankind are all uposit righteousness, you tell me this, ahich would you rather do?

People will servive this spiritual warfare which we can't see but feel, Rev. 7:9,10,14

Abracadabra's photo
Thu 09/04/08 09:22 AM
I think you misunderstand where I'm coming from.

I don't even believe in Satan. It's an oxymoron that the creator of this universe would be at odds with a demonic fallen angel.

If you believe that the creator of this universe is that incompetent that's your choice.

I perfer to believe that God is far above that.

If I had to choose a picture that represents what God is most likely like, I would have to choose Pantheism by far.

Pantheism is the ulimate perfect description of a God.

In fact, if you believe that God can be perfect then Pantheism is for you!

All other ideas of God are terribly flawed.

Just keep in mind, that whatever picture you decide to choose for God, that's what you are telling God he or she must be like!

You have chosen that God should be a creator who can't even keep a demonic angel under control.

You don't need to choose such a lame picture for God. There are much better pictures available. Pictures of a truly wonderful God who has genuine unconditional love to offer, and isn't being threaten by some stupid fallen angel.

That choice is yours. You choose how you want to think of God. And you make that choice entirely based on faith.

Do you really want to have faith in the idea that mankind fell from grace from his creator?

Why would you want to believe such a thing on pure faith?

I'd rather believe that we are all in good standing with God and that God loves us all, and there is not stupid demonic fallen angel competing for our souls.

It's all a matter of faith brother.

You can believe that God is all-good and all-powerful, like me.

Or you can believe that God is at war with a fallen angel and has lost control of his creation.

That's entirely up to you. It's all a matter of faith. :wink:

EMIT's photo
Thu 09/04/08 09:34 AM
Hey, thanks for the explanation, i understand what you are saying now.

Sorry for the mis-understanding.