Expert: Rick Jackson - 5/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Rick,
I consider myself to be on a long spiritual journey. I feel an incredible driving force within me to search for the truth about God, and I dedicate much time researching God as S/He is seen in all the world's religions. To further my learning, I recently took a bible study course in which we read the Bible and discussed our thoughts on the book. I have become greatly troubled by the number of contradictions that can be found within the Bible. I have noticed that the Catholic church only covers a limited number of biblical passages during mass, and I can't help but wonder if that is because the church has a hard time reconciling some of the contradictions that can be found. I guess my question is: how do I reconcile within myself all the contradictions I see? Jesus himself contradicts his own teachings from one scripture to the next, and I am having a difficult time trying to discern what his true message really was. I feel Jesus offers a lot of wisdom regarding the nature of God and the universe, and I want to try my best to find every bit of that wisdom. I love God very much, and I feel I owe it to him/her to spend my life trying to find his/her message in all people and all religions of the world (for it is my belief that God each religion a beautiful and unique piece to the Great Puzzle that is God). God bless you, and thank you for your time in answering my question. I really appreciate it.

ANSWER: Hi Emily.

Yes, Christians must accept that much of the bible is simply the author's explanation/description as he knew it.  Not unlike today; if you ask 5 witnesses to describe what they saw, you get some conflicting details.

The entire Bible is covered every 3 years in Catholic Churches, so no, there is no effort to skip difficult or seemingly contradictory passages.  

I think you exaggerate a bit to say "Jesus himself contradicts his own teachings from one scripture to the next"...that makes it sound as though it's "constant".

If you will name two pairs of contradictory passages that stand out to you, I will be happy to show you some explanations that have been offered.  

Peace and Blessings to you on your journey :)

Rick.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Rick,
Thank you for your reply. I am surprised that the entire Bible is covered over the course of three years during mass. I say this because I have never heard passages from the Book of Revelation. I also never heard the story of Elijah sending the she-bear to rip apart 40 children because they made fun of his baldness.

Here is an example of a contradiction I see:

Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.


versus

“Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by your name, and by your name cast out demons, and by your name do many mighty works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity” Matthew 7:21‑23

My question here would be:
are we saved by faith alone or are we also judged on our works? I have heard both while attending mass. How are we to know?

I hope this helped to clarify some things. Thank you again for your time and thoughtful response. God bless.

Emily

Answer
I don't see a contradiction here.  Admitedly, though, it's not simple.

Even Satan "believes".  And as we are told in James "Faith without works is dead".

Good Christians can recognize that our Scriptures have apparent contradictions and elsewhere are difficult to understand.  This is why Christ founded a Church.  

Remember that the Christians of the first 300 years did not have a "New Testament".  They relied on the teaching of those in charge.

This is not to detract from the value of Scripture at all, but to point out the difficulty, and even impossibility, of basing one's belief on Scripture alone.

Rick.