Essay:Refutation of Gotquestions.org: Biblical Contradictions

Recently I have come across a site called "Gotquestions.org" that appears to answer questions about the bible. They answered a question about Bible Contradictions, and naturally, it doesn't even come up with a strong argument.

Original Article

GotQuestions.org

RationalWiki

The Refutation

If we read the Bible at face value, without a preconceived bias for finding errors, we will find it to be a coherent, consistent, and relatively easy-to-understand book.

If this is true, I would love an explanation why every denomination is very selective of what to keep in context or what not to/interpret symbolically. I've seen you do this too.

We must remember that the Bible was written by approximately 40 different authors over a period of around 1500 years. Each writer wrote with a different style, from a different perspective, to a different audience, for a different purpose. We should expect some minor differences. However, a difference is not a contradiction. It is only an error if there is absolutely no conceivable way the verses or passages can be reconciled. Even if an answer is not available right now, that does not mean an answer does not exist. Many have found a supposed error in the Bible in relation to history or geography only to find out that the Bible is correct once further archaeological evidence is discovered.

So you're admitting there are errors? If the bible really was inerrant, then 40 different authors would not matter. There would still be more contradictions. I've seen their articles. They are very selective on what to keep in context, and when there are verses that contradict their views, like faith alone, they keep the verses that agree with them out of context, and the verses that don't in context. When you look at the verses they cherry pick, like other sites have, then the context is the opposite of their views. the fact that Christians have to be selective like this only supports the idea there are contradictions. I find it ironic that you're telling us that just because there is no answer available that doesn't mean there won't be in the future. You always claim that just because we can't figure out the origin of life that god did it. Like you said: just because there isn't an answer available, doesn't mean there won't be in the future. ;) Archeological evidence? BS. Lying for Jesus is very common on this site. First of all, archhaeology can't solve contradictions. If you found evidence that the contradictory story happened, then it would rule out the other side of the story. then there would be errors in the Bible! Second, Archaeology can't prove a religion is true, only that it existed. Third, Archaeological evidence for the bible is not nearly as Apologetics says. Quote Mining, Cherry Picking, and Bullshit is extremely common.

We often receive questions along the lines of “Explain how these verses do not contradict!” or “Look, here is an error in the Bible!” Admittedly, some of the things people bring up are difficult to answer. However, it is our contention that there are viable and intellectually plausible answers to every supposed Bible contradiction and error.

I explained this above: You solve them using selective context. Besides, contradictions are the least of the bible's problems. There are thing in the bible that make God look ruthless. but nope, Christians only care about the contradictions. I've learned that when two sites argue over how to be saved, both of them keep specific verses out of context. Person A takes supported verses out of context and takes unsupported verses in historical and literary context. Person B does the same thing, just with opposite verses. this shows that there ARE contradictions, it's just that context bias somehow makes it all better.

There are books and websites available that list “all the errors in the Bible.” Most people simply get their ammunition from these places; they do not find supposed errors on their own. There are also books and websites available that refute every one of these supposed errors.

And do a horrible Job at it. Atheists reading, I encourage you to look for two Christian sites with opposite views on whether faith or works get you saved. How do both of them deal with the contradiction? I'm guessing Context bias.

The saddest thing is that most people who attack the Bible are not truly interested in an answer. Many “Bible attackers” are even aware of these answers, but they continue to use the same old shallow attacks again and again.

This is bullshit. I've never seen an Atheist that ignores refutations. It's just that we all know how you're going to solve the contradictions. plenty of Atheists know the bible better than a lot of Christians. We just read everything in context.

So, what are we to do when someone approaches us with an alleged Bible error? 1) Prayerfully study the Scriptures and see if there is a simple solution. 2) Do some research using some of the fine Bible commentaries, “Bible defense” books, and biblical research websites. 3) Ask our pastors/church leaders to see if they can find a solution. 4) If there is still no clear answer after steps 1), 2), and 3) are followed, we trust God that His Word is truth and that there is a solution that just simply has not been realized yet

Step 1 is the best: It will show the viewers how inconsistent the bible is. Step 2: That won't convince theists, but It WILL probably strengthen your viewers faith. After all thats what it's for. not to prove us wrong, but to strengthen your current faith. Step 3: Yep. They will get a symbolic/metaphorical/Context biased answer. Pray? How about wait until christian Apologists come up with an answer they pulled directly out of their ass?