Contradictions in Scripture

Published: March 4, 2020, 8 a.m.

I just heard a story. One day a philosophy professor said to his class, “Everyone knows the Bible is full of contradictions.” One senior student calmly raised her hand. She was a believer. She respectfully said, “I just finished reading the whole Bible and I didn’t see any contradictions. Sure, there were things I didn’t fully understand. But, I will keep reading.  I pray that God will help me understand those points in time.” The professor made no comment.  You know why?  He had never read the entire Bible himself.   When people ask you about Bible contradictions, ask for specific examples. If your friend cannot think of one, encourage him to start reading the Bible, starting with the book of John. Then, follow up with him later. If your friend does think of one, sit down with him and study the passage. When you look at the passage as a whole, instead of a single verse or two, context usually clarifies confusion.   Understanding the literary style of the passage may also help. Some passages are parables, others are works of poetry and songs. Still others read like a historical drama, while some are eye-witness accounts. Encourage your friend to keep reading, and keep talking about areas of confusion to pastors or other biblical scholars. Proverbs 2:6 says, “The Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” That’s a promise.   This is Luis Palau.