A Real and Significant Biblical Contradiction?

[spockrates]

Sure, so long as we are imagining scenarios, and we are willing to keep imagining scenarios until we get the answer we want, anything becomes possible. Anything is possible, of course, because we have set no limits on what we are willing to imagine, and possibility is a much more elastic term in our imaginations than it is anywhere else.

Yes, thanks for playing along!

Does this surprise you in any way? How else would this pan out? The contradiction in text remains. But the text isn't what matters (as you have so effectively demonstrated in these threads).

Frankly, yes. I am surprised, having never been put in this situation. At the moment, I see no way to deny the contradiction. But Jesus said Christians like me are to be gentle as doves, but wise as snakes. Let's see if there is any way this serpent can wiggle free! Shall we? If I fail, I suppose you'll at least enjoy watching me squirm!