The Bible Contradicts Itself.

JV-Stalin (PRO)
Argument 1: Contradiction between Jesus' birth

The Problem

“The Gospel of Luke claims (2.1-2) that Jesus was born during a census that we know from the historian Josephus took place after Herod the Great died, and after his successor, Archelaus, was deposed. But Matthew claims (2.1-3) that Jesus was born when Herod the Great was still alive--possibly two years before he died (2:7-16). Other elements of their stories also contradict each other. Since Josephus precisely dates the census to 6 A.D. and Herod's death to 4 B.C., and the sequence is indisputable, Luke and Matthew contradict each other.” - Richard Carrier [1]

Many have tried to refute this contradiction, yet none have succeed. Some have tried to claim that Quirinius was governor twice. In Roman history there's no evidence that someone ever governed a province twice. Further evidence show there was no possible way for him to be governor twice, since we know who was governor between 12-3 B.C. Richard Carrier refutes every apologist answer to this contraction in source [1].

“...this becomes an irreconcilable contradiction after an examination of all the relevant facts.” - Richard Carrier

Argument 2: God's morality vs God's morality

The bible contradicts itself on morality. God in some verses seems to be sensible, loving, kind, and merciful. While others claim just the opposite.

James 5:11
"For the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy."

1 John 4:16
"God is love. "

Lamentations 3:33
"For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. "

Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17
"Thou shalt not kill."

Exodus 23:7
"The innocent and righteous slay thou not."

Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20
"Do not kill."

Matthew 19:18
"Thou shalt do no murder."

However this is completely contradicted by 1 Samuel 15:3.

15:3
"Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass."

I do admit, it is reasonable sometimes to kill grown men and women who know better. But children? Infants!? This is a horrible, sick, and vicious immoral act that the most loving, maximally good being commanded. The children have committed no crime and they could have been helped by "God's people" instead of killed.

The character of God described in the bible contradicts itself.

Thanks

[1] http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/richard_carrier/quirinius.html

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2013-11-22 17:13:09

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