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In his book, Jesus, Interrupted, Bart Ehrman, a foremost professor of the New Testament, reveals some of the most important contradictions in the Bible. Ehrman tells us, providing concrete facts, that the Bible contains many irreconcilable contradictions that only a dogmatic mind can dispute.
I had thought that the Bible was a flawless, divinely inspired book before I stumbled upon Ehrman's work but my assumptions were wrong. In short, the Bible contains several contradictions, some being outrightly indefensible.
However, this does not erode the fact that the Bible contains real life lessons that are capable of transforming and shaping a man's life. In this essay, I will point out five of the most notable contradictions in the bible. It is not my intention to invoke atheism but to open the minds of Christians who have been enslaved by religion. So, here are some of the most important contradictions in the Bible.
1. At What Hour Did Jesus Die, Sixth or Third?
It depends on what gospel you read.
And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. —Mark 15:25
…about the sixth hour…they cried out…crucify him….Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. —John 19:14-16
2. Saved by Faith or By Works?
It depends on the book of the New Testament you read.
For by grace are ye saved through faith…not of works. —Ephesians 2:8,9
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. —James 2:24
3. How Old was Johoiachin When He Began to Reign?
Again, this depends on what Old Testament scripture you read.
Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. —2 Kings 24:8
Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem.—2 Chronicles 36:9
4. How Did Judas Die?
Well, this again depends on the book of the New Testament you read.
And [Judas] cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. —Matthew 27:5
Now [Judas] purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. —Acts 1:18
5. At What Time of the Day Did Mary Visit Jesus' Tomb, Morning or Night?
Interesting, the answer to the above question depends on what scripture you read.
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. —Mark 16:2
The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. —John 20:1
Conclusion
The Bible, like several religious books, have its contradictions and shortcomings because they were written by inspired men whose human errors coloured its contents. This should not be an excuse to become an atheist. Instead, you should scrutinize religious doctrines before you adopt them, so that you're not enslaved in the name of religion.
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Every religion is based on stories and narratives which were not real. This is also true for Christianity.
That's quite true, friend. The stories are just to instruct.
Time keeping then wasn't like it is now. Even so, it doesn't matter which hour Jesus died at. It's like a news story. The bottom line is that Jesus died on the cross and rose again on the third day.
James says that you're saved by faith alone but not by faith that is alone. No contradiction. Just an explanation.
Judas hung himself. His body decayed. It fell and burst open. End of story.
When did Mary visit the tomb? The time difference is probably only a few minutes. Either way, it's irrelevant. Mary visited the tomb and found it empty because Jesus rose from the dead.
You're wrong. He's the same age in both passages.
(2 Kings 24:8 NIV) Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother's name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan; she was from Jerusalem.
(2 Chronicles 36:9 NIV) Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD.
You spelled his name wrong previously.
I've seen this cut and paste job before. I'm not impressed. You obviously are looking for lame excuses to not believe.
The word of God was never referring to the words in the Bible. Funny how if you don't know the ancient mystery's, astrology, numerology, history, culture and tradition how you think about what is in the Bible.
One thing is for sure. I have yet to find a Principal taught in the Bible that is wrong. This does not however refute the claim of contradictions. In my view the contradictions come about because of the difference in thinking. In our study of the world the ancients wanted to know how everything is connected. In our modern view we only are concerned with the parts. Thus the confusion is one built into the difference in focus.
Nice post!
Everything that you write has also analyzed and caused some concern, but what is relevant is the existence of Christ and the truth of his life, works, death and resurrection.
Que lo crucificaran a a hora tercera no significa que
muriera hasta la hora sexta.
Una persona justificada no significa que sea salva.
Son dos personas diferentes con el mismo nombre.
Se ahorcó y al caer de cabeza se reventó.
En los dos pasajes se refire claramente a la madrugada.
No es complicado entender la palabra, sólo que debe ser revelada por el Espíritu Santo, no como si leyeramos El quijote.
I buy things that others offer on Ebay. The sellers deliver the items I buy to their shipper several days before I get them. Pilate delivered Christ to be crucified. It takes time to get a guy out of court to a squad of soldiers prepared with, both, orders to crucify, and, a cross.
How long does it take to get a man executed in America after he's condemned? The condemned spends decades in prison waiting execution.
It is dark very early in the morning.