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[nobleprolet]

How do you handle it if you encounter contradictions in the bible? For example, how could there be a day or night without a sun already being created? Or, where did Cain find a wife when a literal reading of the bible suggests there was only Adam, Eve, and Cain himself alive at that point

Comments

[ysgawen]

The Bible is full of contradictions. Recognising the fact doesn't make you an atheist, it just means you're reading it with your brain switched on, which is the best way.

The Bible was written by people and people make mistakes, however divinely inspired they may be. I find the errors rather touching. It's nice to know that God has always found a use for very fallible people.

[hyacinth]

...well, I don't take the Bible as 100% infallible literal truth and I'm still a Christian, so I dunno.

[nakedmen]

Contradictions only bother us when they exist in our mind. We see two sides to something when actually there are more, it is infinitely complex. It's best to say "this is not certain." When we believe something to be definitely true we attach to that belief in an almost egotistical sort of way; the result is when the belief is challenged we react with strong negativity. When something comes up which appears to contradict a belief we hold we should say "ah," and observe it, welcome it with open arms. Because the ultimate goal is the truth, and therefore if new facts bring the truth then they are our friends. There's no immediate need to prove anything right or wrong, it takes time and patience, and knowledge of uncertainty. Also, I agree with ysgawen, very true.

[lastiheard]

the bible is greater than i am. if there's something that doesn't make sense to me, the problem is me, not the bible. i just read and think and try to understand. if there are parts i don't understand they're something i'm still trying to understand not some problem or contradiction or something.

[gtrnvox]

If I find something that appears to be contradictory, I spend more time prayerfully studying it. I recognize that: (1) I can be a lazy reader; (2) I can bring a lot of presuppositions to a text; (3) translated texts obfuscate subtle details; (4) I may need to study cultural issues I don't deal with today to fully understand a text; (5) I suffer from the noetic effects of sin; (6) I have a finite mind. We have a lot to overcome when reading the Bible. However, in my own experience, no prima facie contradictions have survived prayerful, in-depth examination.

For example, how could there be a day or night without a sun already being created?

I used to wonder this; after looking at the Hebrew of creation days one and four, I now believe the sun was created on the first day. I try to remain teachable, so my mind may be changed once again if presented a better explanation.

Or, where did Cain find a wife when a literal reading of the bible suggests there was only Adam, Eve, and Cain himself alive at that point.I think you're confusing

[pastorlenny]

IAWTC

[magicalweasal]

can you explain what that means? That's a net saying I'm not familiar with.
I Are Weasel The Cool is all my mind comes up with.

[amergina]

I Agree With This Comment