Does the Bible Contradict Itself?

[spockrates]

I think so, but please explain your meaning.

Surely you don't think you are the first to show up here with this particular tactic.

No matter how many contradictions are shown they always produce some ludicrous "explanation," and pronounce themselves satisfied with it.

I will give you one example.

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Mag

-- Mathew 2

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

--Luke 2

Herod the Great died in 4 BC. Publius Sulpicius Quirinius was named governor of Syria in 6 AD.

There is a minimum 10 year gap between these two events.

Now, both may be ( my personal view) but one must be, wrong.

Not sure I understand. Augustus lived until 19 August, AD 14, so Herod was alive during the Emperor's census.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus

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Some members have already posted contraditions, adress them!

So many posts; so little time! It would be wise to briefly answer as many as I can, but focus on one, for now. Don't you think? Let's see where Annik's recommendation takes us.

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I'm wondering whether there are any biblical passages that contradict one another. Please provide two contradictory passages for discussion and explain why they result in a contradiction. Thanks.

Heres two propositions throughout the Bible in numerous passages that contradict:
1. God is omnipotent, all-powerful and all knowing.
2. We have freewill.

If God has knowledge of events past, future and present then that means there is a single, unchanging path we all travel. Every choice we make is preordained to occur as is the outcome which means it isn't really a choice. We're just following the script of a massive machination.
Ergo, either God is not omnipotent or there is no free-will.
If free-will is implemented then that makes our future unwritten and therefore unpredictable to God, rendering omnipotence meaningless.
If God is omnipotent then that negates freewill, rendering freewill meaningless.
Explain.

Examples:
"And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)

"For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, "My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,"
calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it."
(Isaiah 46.9-11)

Calvinists and other proponents of Reformed Theology address the apparent contradiction by saying our choices (both for good, or evil) are chosen by God. No free will, no seeming contradictions.

How would you respond to their answer?

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Thanks Mystic. Not sure about the first three. The last two sound like these words of Christ:

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

(Matthew 10:39)


http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?sea...on=NIV1984

Believers are promised salvation. Disobedient/desires of the life of this world from believers are promised damnation.

How can they be promised both salvation and damnation?

This problem also occurs in Quran.

Not sure what texts to which you are referring. From what I understand of scripture, believing is not enough. A believer must also continue to repent of the thoughts, words and deeds her own conscience tells her are wrong.

and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

(Luke 24:47)