What to Make of Contradictions in the Bible

Karlo holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology from Catholic Distance University and the Augustine Institute, and is currently working on his masters in philosophy with Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He also worked for several years in an apprenticeship with nationally known author and theologian Fr. Robert J. Spitzer at the Magis Center of Reason and Faith.

Karlo is one of the most dynamic and gifted Catholic speakers on the circuit today, communicating with precision of thought, a genuine love for God, and an enthusiasm that inspires.

[winstonbarquez]

Generally, the Bible is substantially cohesive in its main doctrine on faith and morals, to include their gradual unveiling considering that God works within the limits of the human person and the confines of historical/cultural development. However, the details may have contradictions considering the multiplicity of witnesses and stories about the same event and the manner in which the editing of the narrative was undertaken. It appears that divine inspiration does not deal with the small details of an event, but with the bigger picture of what the event means. It deals with the event of the resurrection and what it means, for example, and not with who was with whom, in what place and at what time, which were generated by the versions and perceptions of the various witnesses and were edited and included in the draft depending on the purpose of the author. Besides, it was the way ancient authors of the Bible composed their narratives and it would be unfair for us to judge them on the bases of modern standards of journalism ethics and historical research.

[EmbraceTradition]

Karlo you are great to listen to, keep it up!

[johnslaughter]

I would liken that "holding place" to what we used to call Limbo. But, let's look at a couple other things. During the Transfiguration Jesus was talking to Moses and Elijah. Where was Elijah taken in the fiery chariot? Was he taken to Heaven or to this holding place? What about Moses? Therefore, where did the images of Moses and Elijah come from?

[aaronclark]

what about the "contradiction" of the story of the demons going into the pigs? 0ne man was possessed or two, depending on which gospel you read. what is the best way to reconcile that conundrum?

[petemolenda]

Why is it not possible that Jesus took the good thief to Heaven, that day, and then Jesus descended from Heaven to Sheol, to the dead and on the third day, Jesus rose again from the dead?

[michaellawlor]

Would all them in the holding place be baptized?

[tyn]

I like Carlos, but interpretations like this are what led me out of Calvinism. Still not a Catholic.

[cbooth]

The Bible does not contradict itself However, Catholic doctrines _do_ contradict. Consider what the Nicene and Athanasian Creeds say about God:

1a. The NICENE CREED says: "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty."

1b. The ATHANASIAN CREED says: "We worship one God in trinity."

2a . The NICENE CREED says: "We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ."

2b. The ATHANASIAN CREED says: "[The Father, Son, and holy spirit] are one Lord."

3a. The NICENE CREED says: "We believe in...the Father, the Almighty."

3b. The ATHANASIAN CREED says the Father, Son, and holy spirit "are one Almighty."

4a. The NICENE CREED says: "We believe in...Jesus Christ, the only Son of God."

4b. The ATHANASIAN CREED says: "[Jesus] is God."

5a. The NICENE CREED says--"[Jesus] suffered death and was buried."

5b. The ATHANASIAN CREED says: "[Jesus] is eternal." [Someone who is eternal can't suffer death and be buried.]

[killafacevalue]

Can you refer me any link, vatican approve online where i can read all seeming contradictions in Bible and explanations approve by Catholic Church?

I think all of us catholics need that, especially me going back to being Catholic after being a Born Again for sometime. Please need help. 🙏✝️💪