Why does the bible passages conflict sometimes? (punishment, Torah, gospel)

[linwood]

The Bible conflicts sometimes because it is not a book.
It`s many many books written by different authors over the span of thousands of years who never planned on their collected works be published as one.

Is it any wonder it gives conflicting messages?

[s2a]

Originally Posted by GodLovesUs

Can anyone tell me why there are passages that conflict in the Bible?
Example:

One verse says "An eye for an eye"

One verse would say Love one another as you love yourself


Any other conflicting verses are welcome. Thanks for your opinions

God Bless

Hello GodLovesUs,

(A belated) welcome to REF.

Apparent or perceived biblical conflicts/contradictions in accountings/teachings are nearly as old as Chrisitianity itself. To deal with (and in attempts to explain/resolve) such questions, some prominent Christians through history have offered their interpretations/explanations of these contradictions/conflicts, and are colloquially known as "apologists". The study or "theological branch" of such endeavors is called "Apologetics".

A brief introduction and overview of the history of Apologetics (and notable apologists) can be read in the Wikipedia entry here.

There are numerous sites on the web that list biblical conflicts/contradictions. A simple Google search will provide many such resources (some with apologist "answers", some with lent refutations of apologist "answers").

If you like, here's one comphrehensive list of the most notable conflicts/contradictions from an "infidel's" perspective:
http://www.infidels.org/library/mode...adictions.html

Another comprehensive listing of most of the same, with provided Christian apologist explanations:
http://www.bringyou.to/apologetics/bible.htm

Good luck with those, and again, welcome.

[jeffrey]

Christ taught love and was trying to tell people not to seek revenge. He goes on to say later in the passage that instead of love your neighbor, hate your enemy to love your neighbor AND your enemy. It's all about love. There is still not enough of it in this world.

[Terrywoodenpic]

God never contradicts himself.
Men's understanding of what he reads often leaves much to be desired.

Tho old testament is full of Jewish law, and this is not surprising, but it does not mean it is the word of God.
Both the Catholics and the Church of England Have many books on law, which once had full legal standing .
No one today would confuse these writings with either Gods laws ,or the word of God.

many denominations actually diminish the usefulness of the bible,
by taking passages out of context and ascribing them to the word of God.

To a Christian, Jesus Teachings give a clear picture on how we should conduct our lives.
Our national laws, reflect this to some extent, though imperfectly.

Jewish law never embraced Jesus's teachings and their law naturally did not reflect them.

Terry________________________
Blessed are those who bring peace, they shall be children of God

[sushannah]

Originally Posted by Terrywoodenpic

God never contradicts himself.
Men's understanding of what he reads often leaves much to be desired.

Tho old testament is full of Jewish law, and this is not surprising, but it does not mean it is the word of God.
Both the Catholics and the Church of England Have many books on law, which once had full legal standing .
No one today would confuse these writings with either Gods laws ,or the word of God.

many denominations actually diminish the usefulness of the bible,
by taking passages out of context and ascribing them to the word of God.

To a Christian, Jesus Teachings give a clear picture on how we should conduct our lives.
Our national laws, reflect this to some extent, though imperfectly.

[Jewish law never embraced Jesus's teachings and their law naturally did not reflect them.]

Terry________________________
Blessed are those who bring peace, they shall be children of God

Jewish law cannot embrace Jesus's teachings as it predates Jesus, and in fact Jesus lived by Jewish law and embraced it!

[nutshell]

Jewish Law is God's law, to which Christ fulfilled and added to by giving us the higher law.

[Bangbang]

Originally Posted by GodLovesUs

shouldn't we just forgive the offender and not retaliate or punish the offender?

I like that idea.............Bang plans next crime.

[jewscout]

Originally Posted by nutshell

Jewish Law is God's law, to which Christ fulfilled and added to by giving us the higher law.

i think, naturally, i'd have to disagree w/ you on that one

[sushannah]

Originally Posted by nutshell

Jewish Law is God's law, to which Christ fulfilled and added to by giving us the higher law.

First, if Jewish law is G-d's law, why do we need a higher law. G-d is the highest authority! Also, where does the notion come from that Jewish is somehow unfulfilling and needed to be fulfilled? Another misconception is that Jewish law is somehow a burden. Ask observant Jewish people what they think of the law. I can tell you it is not unfulfilling or a burden.

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by GodLovesUs

Can anyone tell me why there are passages that conflict in the Bible?

Careless editing.