What do you think?
Rate this book
Keeping Faith in an Age of Reason: Refuting Alleged Bible Contradictions
Critics often claim that the Bible cannot be true because it has contradictions. Other critics hear this claim and repeat it. But few bother to check to see if it is really true. A popular list of 439 alleged Bible contradictions has been circulating on the Internet for years. Many critics refer to this list as the definitive proof that the Bible is flawed. But apparently none of them bothered to actually check. Interestingly, not one of these 439 claims is a genuine contradiction. This shows that critics generally do not perform careful scholarship.
254 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
80 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Jason Lisle
36 books120 followersDr. Jason Lisle is an astrophysicist who formerly worked for the creationist organization Answers in Genesis as both a speaker and researcher, but is now Director of Research at the Institute for Creation Research.
Dr. Lisle is a creationist who has a PhD in Astrophysics, which he obtained through the University of Colorado in Boulder. His postgraduate research concentrated on solar dynamics, utilizing NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to monitor the surface of the sun. His PhD dissertation "Probing the Dynamics of Solar Supergranulation and its Interaction with Magnetism." is available from the University of Colorado and he has also published numerous papers in scientific literature concerning convection cells in the sun.
Although some creationists claim, as in the film Expelled, that holding to creationist beliefs while pursing a degree at an accredited University will get you kicked out, Dr. Jason Lisle recieved his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University summa cum laude with a double-major in physics and astronomy and a minor in mathematics. For his thesis and dissertation, (Master's and Ph.D accordingly,) though members of his Peer-Review Panel might have been aware of his young Earth beliefs - their evaluation of his work was based on his actual research and not his personal beliefs.
Dr. Lisle is a creationist who has a PhD in Astrophysics, which he obtained through the University of Colorado in Boulder. His postgraduate research concentrated on solar dynamics, utilizing NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to monitor the surface of the sun. His PhD dissertation "Probing the Dynamics of Solar Supergranulation and its Interaction with Magnetism." is available from the University of Colorado and he has also published numerous papers in scientific literature concerning convection cells in the sun.
Although some creationists claim, as in the film Expelled, that holding to creationist beliefs while pursing a degree at an accredited University will get you kicked out, Dr. Jason Lisle recieved his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University summa cum laude with a double-major in physics and astronomy and a minor in mathematics. For his thesis and dissertation, (Master's and Ph.D accordingly,) though members of his Peer-Review Panel might have been aware of his young Earth beliefs - their evaluation of his work was based on his actual research and not his personal beliefs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 14, 2018
*This is a review copy from the publisher, New Leaf Publishing. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.*
Over 400 Contradictions? Critics claim fallacies exist in the Bible. Author Jason Lisle covers each of them in this book. Each “contradiction” is formed as a question. The author then gives an explanation of why the claim is untrue and gives the reader Bible passages for reference (and further research). By looking at each claim and then seeing in scripture why that claim is false, the reader can gain a better confidence in the Bible.
This book makes a great gateway to conversations with your friends and family on the reliability of God’s word. Read the question, then take time to talk about it and to think through it. This book will reinforce the authority of the Bible and encourage deeper thinking about the scriptures.
The chapter titles are:
1. Quantitative Differences
2. Names, Places, Genealogies
3. Timing of Events
4. Cause and Effect
5. Differences in Details
6. Yes or No?
Contradiction 95. Who was Moses’ father-in-law? Exodus 3:1, 4:18, 18:1, 5 says Jethro, but Judges 4:11 and Numbers 10:29 say Hobab, whereas Exodus 2:18–21 says Reuel.
Bifurcation fallacy. Moses’s father-in-law was called by two names: Hobab and Jethro (Exodus 3:1, 4:18, 18:1, 5–6; Judges 4:11; Numbers 10:29). The name “Jethro” means “excellency” and may have been a title rather than a proper name. The father of Hobab was Reuel (Numbers 10:29). Hence, since “father” and “daughter” can refer to more distant relations (grandfather / granddaughter), Reuel is rightly said to be the father of Moses’s wife Zipporah (Exodus 2:18–21). Perhaps the critic has forgotten that many important persons in Scripture went by two names, e.g., Woman/Eve, Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Jacob/Israel, Esau/Edom, Saul/Paul, Simon/Peter, etc. (See also #56.)
Quote:
“The Christian can rest assured that the Bible really is the Word of God. People have attempted to disprove, destroy, and discredit the text. But they only succeed in destroying their own position. The Word of the Lord endures forever (1 Peter 1:25)”
Buy:
Masterbooks
Amazon
CBD
https://www.masterbooks.com/r/4431/
Over 400 Contradictions? Critics claim fallacies exist in the Bible. Author Jason Lisle covers each of them in this book. Each “contradiction” is formed as a question. The author then gives an explanation of why the claim is untrue and gives the reader Bible passages for reference (and further research). By looking at each claim and then seeing in scripture why that claim is false, the reader can gain a better confidence in the Bible.
This book makes a great gateway to conversations with your friends and family on the reliability of God’s word. Read the question, then take time to talk about it and to think through it. This book will reinforce the authority of the Bible and encourage deeper thinking about the scriptures.
The chapter titles are:
1. Quantitative Differences
2. Names, Places, Genealogies
3. Timing of Events
4. Cause and Effect
5. Differences in Details
6. Yes or No?
Contradiction 95. Who was Moses’ father-in-law? Exodus 3:1, 4:18, 18:1, 5 says Jethro, but Judges 4:11 and Numbers 10:29 say Hobab, whereas Exodus 2:18–21 says Reuel.
Bifurcation fallacy. Moses’s father-in-law was called by two names: Hobab and Jethro (Exodus 3:1, 4:18, 18:1, 5–6; Judges 4:11; Numbers 10:29). The name “Jethro” means “excellency” and may have been a title rather than a proper name. The father of Hobab was Reuel (Numbers 10:29). Hence, since “father” and “daughter” can refer to more distant relations (grandfather / granddaughter), Reuel is rightly said to be the father of Moses’s wife Zipporah (Exodus 2:18–21). Perhaps the critic has forgotten that many important persons in Scripture went by two names, e.g., Woman/Eve, Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Jacob/Israel, Esau/Edom, Saul/Paul, Simon/Peter, etc. (See also #56.)
Quote:
“The Christian can rest assured that the Bible really is the Word of God. People have attempted to disprove, destroy, and discredit the text. But they only succeed in destroying their own position. The Word of the Lord endures forever (1 Peter 1:25)”
Buy:
Masterbooks
Amazon
CBD
https://www.masterbooks.com/r/4431/
November 1, 2023
Very helpful explanations of 420 alleged contradictions in the Bible. A great tool for Christians who are challenged by skeptics and critics, as well as Christians who wonder about these questions for themselves.
I would have preferred that the questions be organized differently (maybe in order of book of the Bible, when possible), but I think it just follows the order of the list of alleged contradictions. I wish Lisle had left out the condescending remarks and let the content stand for itself.
Notes
Names, Places, and Genealogies
75. Genealogy of Jesus in Matt 1:6-16 contradicts Luke 3:21-31
Jesus has a genealogy through each of His parents. Matt records genealogy through Jacob; Luke records genealogy through Eli.
76. Genealogy of Jesus in Matt 1:6-16 contradicts 1 Chron 3:10-16
Matt doesn't claim his genealogy is exhaustive. Greek "beget" can refer to a distance of more than 1 generation. Also, some names have more than 1 spelling (Ahaziah is also spelled Uzziah). Matt omits Amaziah, Azariah, Jehoiakim.
Differences in Details
202. Did Jesus, Mary, and Joseph go to Egypt or Nazareth?
Egypt 1st (Matt 2:14-15), then to Nazareth after Herod died (Matt 2:20-23; Luke 2:39).
204. How should we treat our enemies?
It depends on the context. We may defend ourselves with lethal force against an enemy who is potentially going to kill us (Ex 22:2-3). Certain crimes are to be punished by death, only by civil government (Ex 20:12; Rom 13:4). We may pray for justice in such cases (Ps 58:6-7; 109:6-14; Lam 1:21-22; 3:64-66).
221. Were the men or angels inside or outside the tomb when the women arrived?
Matt 28:2 doesn't say, but 28:5-8 strongly implies that he was in the tomb. This agrees with Luke 24:3-4 and John 20:11-12.
228. How did Judas die?
He committed suicide by hanging himself (Matt 27:5). Acts 1:18 doesn't contradict this, but gives additional details that after he hanged himself, his body fell and burst open.
248. Was the tomb opened or closed when the women arrived?
The gospels agree that the stone had been rolled away by the time the women reached the tomb. Matt 28:2 records the rolling away, but doesn't say that women had already arrived.
258. How much power did Jesus have? Mark 6:5 indicates it was limited.
Mark 6:5 means that it would've been inappropriate for Jesus to bless people who had such stubborn lack of faith (Mark 6:6) by working miracles, not that He lacked the ability.
269. Is all Scripture inspired by God? 1 Cor 7:12, 25 say no.
In 1 Cor 7:25, Paul explains that he isn't giving a command, but an opinion, written under divine inspiration. Just because it's not a command doesn't mean it's not a divinely inspired principle.
273. What did the sign on Jesus' cross say?
The gospels agree that the inscription indicated that Jesus was "the King of the Jews." There were 3 different inscriptions in 3 different languages (John 19:20), each worded slightly differently. Matthew, Luke, John each give one inscription. Mark gives part of the title.
275. Were the men or angels inside the tomb sitting or standing?
Mary Magdalene arrived ahead of the rest of the women, and initially saw only that the stone had been rolled away (John 20:1). When she later returned and looked in the tomb, she saw 2 angels sitting (John 20:11-12). When the rest of the women arrived they saw at least one of the angels sitting at the right (Mark 16:5). Mark doesn't tell the posture of the other angel. The words translated "stood" in Luke 24:3-4 don't necessarily refer to posture, but may be translated "suddenly appeared."
285. How did God address Jesus at His baptism?
The best English equivalent seems to be "You are my beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Matthew puts this in 3rd person, but the original doesn't contain quotation marks, so it's probably the meaning as John or others reported to Matthew, not a quote of what God said.
286. What did the soldiers give Jesus to drink?
Before crucifixion, they gave wine mixed with myrrh, which Jesus tasted, but refused to drink (Matt 27:34; Mark 15:23). Matt calls it "gall" rather than "myrrh," but "gall" is general term for anything bitter, including myrrh. Later, during crucifixion, they gave Him sour wine (Luke 23:36; John 19:29).
Yes or No?
312. Did Adam die on the day he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
The Bible doesn't say Adam would die instantly or on the day he ate the fruit. It says, "in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." The Hebrew phrase is most literally rendered "dying you shall die," meaning that death would become unavoidable on that day. A modern English paraphrase would be, "On the very day you eat of it, you will become mortal."
331. Did Moses see God face to face?
The expression "face to face" in these passages means "in person," showing that God talked to Moses directly, not through an angel or prophet (Num 12:5-8). God only revealed part of His glory to Moses (Ex 33:20-23).
332. Is it possible to fall from grace?
It's possible to fall from the doctrine of grace, back into believing in salvation by works (Gal 5:4) or some other unbiblical belief. But it's not possible for those who are genuinely saved to fall from God's eternal grace (Phil 1:6; John 10:28; Rom 8:38-39).
333. Is it okay to call your father (or anyone else) "father"? Matthew 23:9 says no.
Yes. In context (Matt 23:1-11), Jesus is telling His disciples to not be like scribes and Pharisees who give themselves titles of honor and act superior to others. Jesus means that there is no father over all believers except God, and that His people are spiritual brothers of each other.
337. Was Jesus the first to rise from the dead? Acts 26:23 says yes.
No, others were resurrected prior (1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:32-35; John 11:43-44). Jesus was "first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles" by His resurrection. He was also first to be resurrected immortal and glorified.
342. Do humans have free will?
Humans have volition and can make some choices without physical external compulsion (Deut 30:19; Josh 24:15). But humans don't have ability to repent and have saving faith in God without God's help (1 Cor 12:3; 2 Tim 1:9; 2:25; Acts 13:48; Rom 8:29-30; 9:11-22; Eph 1:4-5).
345. Does God love everyone?
No. There are some He hates because of their wickedness (Ps 5:5; 11:5; Prov 6:16, 19; Hos 9:15; Mal 1:3; Rom 9:13). John 3:16 says God loved the inhabitants of the world, but not every person in the world.
348. Is it okay for men to have long hair?
It isn't a sin for men to have long hair for purpose of fulfilling the Nazarite vow (Num 6:5; Judges 13:5; 1 Sam 1:11). 1 Cor 11:14 says long hair on a man is a dishonor or shame. The Nazarite vow probably included long hair because it was an outward sign of humbling oneself before God.
355. Are people punished for the sins of others?
When God punishes a person's sin, that punishment may extend to others (Gen 20:7, 18; Ex 34:7; Deut 23:2; 28:18; 1 Sam 3:12-13; 2 Sam 12:14; 1 Kings 11:11-12; 21:25, 29; 2 Kings 5:27; Jer 29:32; 32:18), even to their children, especially if the children willingly followed their parent's wickedness (Ex 20:5; Deut 5:9; Gen 9:21-25; Num 14:18; Isa 14:21; Jer 16:10-12). In our society, if a parent is jailed for a crime, their children suffer the loss of that parent. God only allows the civil government to punish the person who committed the crime, but He is under no such restriction because all life belongs to Him.
362. Did Jesus know everything?
Yes, with respect to His divine nature (John 16:30; 21:17; Col 2:2-3). No, with respect to His human nature during His earthly ministry (Mark 13:32; Luke 2:40, 52; Phil 2:5-8).
369. Is it wrong to lie?
Yes, in general (Lev 6:2-4; 19:11; Prov 12:22; 13:5; 24:28; Col 3:9; Eph 4:25; Rev 21:8, 27), and specifically in court (Ex 20:16; 23:1, 7; Deut 5:20; Luke 3:14). Intentional use of false or misleading information that is intended to dishonor God or harm innocent humans is sin. The ban on bearing false witness was qualified by "against your neighbor" (Ex 20:16). God gives exceptions where it is permissible to lie, such as to save someone's life (Josh 2:4-6; Jas 2:25; Ex 1:18-20). God can authorize a spirit to deceive the wicked (1 Kings 22:21-22). 2 Kings 8:10 doesn't contain a lie, because the king would have recovered from his sickness, if Hasael hadn't murdered him (2 Kings 8:7-15).
377. Is it okay to take oaths?
Yes, but not to break them. Matt 5:34-37 and James 5:12 teach not to make oaths that won't be kept.
381. Can women be church leaders?
Rom 16:1 commends a woman who is a servant in the church; the passage says nothing about church leadership. Neither do Acts 18:26 or Rom 16:7; they're talking about women acting as private church members. 1 Tim 2:11-12 may restrict the leadership roles available to women, but doesn't deny freedom to, for example, lead a Sunday school class for women.
383. Should we rejoice when we see our enemies suffer?
No. Proverbs often uses the term "enemy" to refer to someone who's hostile but not attempting murder (someone who's antagonistic but non-violent). The Bible forbids schadenfreude, but doesn't forbid rejoicing when God vanquishes the wicked in final judgment (Ps 58:10). This isn't rejoicing in their suffering, but in triumph of good.
385. Does God repent?
Not in sense of regretting an earlier injustice or changing plans for the future or making amends. But English translations use the word "repent" in sense of feeling anguish or sorrow (Gen 6:6; 1 Sam 15:11, 35; 2 Sam 24:16; 1 Chron 21:15), and changing a conditional plan in light of the conditions (Jer 26:13, 19; 42:10; Amos 7:2-6; Jonah 3:10).
389. Is it necessary to keep the Sabbath?
It's a commandment of God to set aside one day a week to rest in reverence to God (Ex 16:29; 20:8; 31:13-15; 34:21; 35:2; Lev 19:3; 30; 23:3; Num 15:30-36; Deut 5:12; Isa 56:2), and no verses contradict this. NT doesn't do away with Sabbath. Rom 14:5 and Col 2:16 refer to festivals and Sabbath patterns such as Sabbath year, not to weekly Sabbath day (word "day" isn't present in Col 2:16).
405. Did the women immediately tell the disciples after finding the empty tomb?
None of the passages say the women immediately told the disciples. They only state that the women did tell the disciples (Matt 28:8; Luke 24:9; Mark 16:10), but this wasn't necessarily immediate. Apparently they were initially afraid and needed some time to process (Mark 16:8). When their joy overcame their fear, they told the disciples.
420. Can only God work wonders?
2 Thess 2:9 teaches that the man of lawlessness performs "false wonders" (things that appear to be wonders but aren't). Ps 136:4 teaches that God alone performs true great wonders, which in context are His acts of creation.
Closing Remarks
Most common types of reasoning errors in list of 420 alleged contradictions
1. Failure to read the text carefully or in context.
2. Bifurcation fallacy (presenting 2 options as if they're the only 2, and incompatible, when a 3rd option exists).
3. Equivocation fallacy (conflating different meanings for a word that has more than 1 meaning).
4. Failure to distinguish different times (failing to recognize that things can be true at one time and false at another).
Premise 1 of Law of Non-Contradiction ("contradictions are always wrong") can only be defended if Bible is true. Without Bible, what reason do we have to believe that truth must always be self-consistent and non-contradictory? One can't appeal to personal experience or collective human experience, because neither are universal.
I would have preferred that the questions be organized differently (maybe in order of book of the Bible, when possible), but I think it just follows the order of the list of alleged contradictions. I wish Lisle had left out the condescending remarks and let the content stand for itself.
Notes
Names, Places, and Genealogies
75. Genealogy of Jesus in Matt 1:6-16 contradicts Luke 3:21-31
Jesus has a genealogy through each of His parents. Matt records genealogy through Jacob; Luke records genealogy through Eli.
76. Genealogy of Jesus in Matt 1:6-16 contradicts 1 Chron 3:10-16
Matt doesn't claim his genealogy is exhaustive. Greek "beget" can refer to a distance of more than 1 generation. Also, some names have more than 1 spelling (Ahaziah is also spelled Uzziah). Matt omits Amaziah, Azariah, Jehoiakim.
Differences in Details
202. Did Jesus, Mary, and Joseph go to Egypt or Nazareth?
Egypt 1st (Matt 2:14-15), then to Nazareth after Herod died (Matt 2:20-23; Luke 2:39).
204. How should we treat our enemies?
It depends on the context. We may defend ourselves with lethal force against an enemy who is potentially going to kill us (Ex 22:2-3). Certain crimes are to be punished by death, only by civil government (Ex 20:12; Rom 13:4). We may pray for justice in such cases (Ps 58:6-7; 109:6-14; Lam 1:21-22; 3:64-66).
221. Were the men or angels inside or outside the tomb when the women arrived?
Matt 28:2 doesn't say, but 28:5-8 strongly implies that he was in the tomb. This agrees with Luke 24:3-4 and John 20:11-12.
228. How did Judas die?
He committed suicide by hanging himself (Matt 27:5). Acts 1:18 doesn't contradict this, but gives additional details that after he hanged himself, his body fell and burst open.
248. Was the tomb opened or closed when the women arrived?
The gospels agree that the stone had been rolled away by the time the women reached the tomb. Matt 28:2 records the rolling away, but doesn't say that women had already arrived.
258. How much power did Jesus have? Mark 6:5 indicates it was limited.
Mark 6:5 means that it would've been inappropriate for Jesus to bless people who had such stubborn lack of faith (Mark 6:6) by working miracles, not that He lacked the ability.
269. Is all Scripture inspired by God? 1 Cor 7:12, 25 say no.
In 1 Cor 7:25, Paul explains that he isn't giving a command, but an opinion, written under divine inspiration. Just because it's not a command doesn't mean it's not a divinely inspired principle.
273. What did the sign on Jesus' cross say?
The gospels agree that the inscription indicated that Jesus was "the King of the Jews." There were 3 different inscriptions in 3 different languages (John 19:20), each worded slightly differently. Matthew, Luke, John each give one inscription. Mark gives part of the title.
275. Were the men or angels inside the tomb sitting or standing?
Mary Magdalene arrived ahead of the rest of the women, and initially saw only that the stone had been rolled away (John 20:1). When she later returned and looked in the tomb, she saw 2 angels sitting (John 20:11-12). When the rest of the women arrived they saw at least one of the angels sitting at the right (Mark 16:5). Mark doesn't tell the posture of the other angel. The words translated "stood" in Luke 24:3-4 don't necessarily refer to posture, but may be translated "suddenly appeared."
285. How did God address Jesus at His baptism?
The best English equivalent seems to be "You are my beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Matthew puts this in 3rd person, but the original doesn't contain quotation marks, so it's probably the meaning as John or others reported to Matthew, not a quote of what God said.
286. What did the soldiers give Jesus to drink?
Before crucifixion, they gave wine mixed with myrrh, which Jesus tasted, but refused to drink (Matt 27:34; Mark 15:23). Matt calls it "gall" rather than "myrrh," but "gall" is general term for anything bitter, including myrrh. Later, during crucifixion, they gave Him sour wine (Luke 23:36; John 19:29).
Yes or No?
312. Did Adam die on the day he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
The Bible doesn't say Adam would die instantly or on the day he ate the fruit. It says, "in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." The Hebrew phrase is most literally rendered "dying you shall die," meaning that death would become unavoidable on that day. A modern English paraphrase would be, "On the very day you eat of it, you will become mortal."
331. Did Moses see God face to face?
The expression "face to face" in these passages means "in person," showing that God talked to Moses directly, not through an angel or prophet (Num 12:5-8). God only revealed part of His glory to Moses (Ex 33:20-23).
332. Is it possible to fall from grace?
It's possible to fall from the doctrine of grace, back into believing in salvation by works (Gal 5:4) or some other unbiblical belief. But it's not possible for those who are genuinely saved to fall from God's eternal grace (Phil 1:6; John 10:28; Rom 8:38-39).
333. Is it okay to call your father (or anyone else) "father"? Matthew 23:9 says no.
Yes. In context (Matt 23:1-11), Jesus is telling His disciples to not be like scribes and Pharisees who give themselves titles of honor and act superior to others. Jesus means that there is no father over all believers except God, and that His people are spiritual brothers of each other.
337. Was Jesus the first to rise from the dead? Acts 26:23 says yes.
No, others were resurrected prior (1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:32-35; John 11:43-44). Jesus was "first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles" by His resurrection. He was also first to be resurrected immortal and glorified.
342. Do humans have free will?
Humans have volition and can make some choices without physical external compulsion (Deut 30:19; Josh 24:15). But humans don't have ability to repent and have saving faith in God without God's help (1 Cor 12:3; 2 Tim 1:9; 2:25; Acts 13:48; Rom 8:29-30; 9:11-22; Eph 1:4-5).
345. Does God love everyone?
No. There are some He hates because of their wickedness (Ps 5:5; 11:5; Prov 6:16, 19; Hos 9:15; Mal 1:3; Rom 9:13). John 3:16 says God loved the inhabitants of the world, but not every person in the world.
348. Is it okay for men to have long hair?
It isn't a sin for men to have long hair for purpose of fulfilling the Nazarite vow (Num 6:5; Judges 13:5; 1 Sam 1:11). 1 Cor 11:14 says long hair on a man is a dishonor or shame. The Nazarite vow probably included long hair because it was an outward sign of humbling oneself before God.
355. Are people punished for the sins of others?
When God punishes a person's sin, that punishment may extend to others (Gen 20:7, 18; Ex 34:7; Deut 23:2; 28:18; 1 Sam 3:12-13; 2 Sam 12:14; 1 Kings 11:11-12; 21:25, 29; 2 Kings 5:27; Jer 29:32; 32:18), even to their children, especially if the children willingly followed their parent's wickedness (Ex 20:5; Deut 5:9; Gen 9:21-25; Num 14:18; Isa 14:21; Jer 16:10-12). In our society, if a parent is jailed for a crime, their children suffer the loss of that parent. God only allows the civil government to punish the person who committed the crime, but He is under no such restriction because all life belongs to Him.
362. Did Jesus know everything?
Yes, with respect to His divine nature (John 16:30; 21:17; Col 2:2-3). No, with respect to His human nature during His earthly ministry (Mark 13:32; Luke 2:40, 52; Phil 2:5-8).
369. Is it wrong to lie?
Yes, in general (Lev 6:2-4; 19:11; Prov 12:22; 13:5; 24:28; Col 3:9; Eph 4:25; Rev 21:8, 27), and specifically in court (Ex 20:16; 23:1, 7; Deut 5:20; Luke 3:14). Intentional use of false or misleading information that is intended to dishonor God or harm innocent humans is sin. The ban on bearing false witness was qualified by "against your neighbor" (Ex 20:16). God gives exceptions where it is permissible to lie, such as to save someone's life (Josh 2:4-6; Jas 2:25; Ex 1:18-20). God can authorize a spirit to deceive the wicked (1 Kings 22:21-22). 2 Kings 8:10 doesn't contain a lie, because the king would have recovered from his sickness, if Hasael hadn't murdered him (2 Kings 8:7-15).
377. Is it okay to take oaths?
Yes, but not to break them. Matt 5:34-37 and James 5:12 teach not to make oaths that won't be kept.
381. Can women be church leaders?
Rom 16:1 commends a woman who is a servant in the church; the passage says nothing about church leadership. Neither do Acts 18:26 or Rom 16:7; they're talking about women acting as private church members. 1 Tim 2:11-12 may restrict the leadership roles available to women, but doesn't deny freedom to, for example, lead a Sunday school class for women.
383. Should we rejoice when we see our enemies suffer?
No. Proverbs often uses the term "enemy" to refer to someone who's hostile but not attempting murder (someone who's antagonistic but non-violent). The Bible forbids schadenfreude, but doesn't forbid rejoicing when God vanquishes the wicked in final judgment (Ps 58:10). This isn't rejoicing in their suffering, but in triumph of good.
385. Does God repent?
Not in sense of regretting an earlier injustice or changing plans for the future or making amends. But English translations use the word "repent" in sense of feeling anguish or sorrow (Gen 6:6; 1 Sam 15:11, 35; 2 Sam 24:16; 1 Chron 21:15), and changing a conditional plan in light of the conditions (Jer 26:13, 19; 42:10; Amos 7:2-6; Jonah 3:10).
389. Is it necessary to keep the Sabbath?
It's a commandment of God to set aside one day a week to rest in reverence to God (Ex 16:29; 20:8; 31:13-15; 34:21; 35:2; Lev 19:3; 30; 23:3; Num 15:30-36; Deut 5:12; Isa 56:2), and no verses contradict this. NT doesn't do away with Sabbath. Rom 14:5 and Col 2:16 refer to festivals and Sabbath patterns such as Sabbath year, not to weekly Sabbath day (word "day" isn't present in Col 2:16).
405. Did the women immediately tell the disciples after finding the empty tomb?
None of the passages say the women immediately told the disciples. They only state that the women did tell the disciples (Matt 28:8; Luke 24:9; Mark 16:10), but this wasn't necessarily immediate. Apparently they were initially afraid and needed some time to process (Mark 16:8). When their joy overcame their fear, they told the disciples.
420. Can only God work wonders?
2 Thess 2:9 teaches that the man of lawlessness performs "false wonders" (things that appear to be wonders but aren't). Ps 136:4 teaches that God alone performs true great wonders, which in context are His acts of creation.
Closing Remarks
Most common types of reasoning errors in list of 420 alleged contradictions
1. Failure to read the text carefully or in context.
2. Bifurcation fallacy (presenting 2 options as if they're the only 2, and incompatible, when a 3rd option exists).
3. Equivocation fallacy (conflating different meanings for a word that has more than 1 meaning).
4. Failure to distinguish different times (failing to recognize that things can be true at one time and false at another).
Premise 1 of Law of Non-Contradiction ("contradictions are always wrong") can only be defended if Bible is true. Without Bible, what reason do we have to believe that truth must always be self-consistent and non-contradictory? One can't appeal to personal experience or collective human experience, because neither are universal.
March 2, 2019
I did a chapter break down covering this great book on my podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
Lisle does a great job again of making an easy to digest quick reference guide on 420 supposed contradictions. Lisle does some puddle jumping and doesn't cover the topic fully but that's not a negative but the purpose of the book. There were only a few answers I disagreed with Lisle's take on it. All in all this is a good reference book that doesn't need to be fully read through but also can be. Final Grade - A
Lisle does a great job again of making an easy to digest quick reference guide on 420 supposed contradictions. Lisle does some puddle jumping and doesn't cover the topic fully but that's not a negative but the purpose of the book. There were only a few answers I disagreed with Lisle's take on it. All in all this is a good reference book that doesn't need to be fully read through but also can be. Final Grade - A
January 8, 2018
Excellent resource to rebuttal against those alledged contradictions websites you see from time to time on the Internet...
September 29, 2019
Possibly the best book on supposed "bible contradictions" that I've seen.
May 28, 2024
AN EXAMINATION OF PURPORTED “BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS” LISTED ON THE INTERNET
Jason Lisle is the Director of Research and a featured speaker and writer for the Institute for Creation Research.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2017 book, “To demonstrate the veracity of Scripture, this book will address EVERY alleged Bible contradiction that I have seen posted on the Internet… It is instructive to go through each of these alleged contradictions and read the text carefully to see what the Bible actually states… even the best of the best Bible critics have not been able to find a single, genuine contradiction in Scripture. It further demonstrates that the Bible critic’s choice to reject Scripture is not a rational one but an emotional one driven by the critic’s hatred of God… [which] ironically confirms the truth of Romans 1:18-25.”
He DOES acknowledge the possibility of copyist errors, in our modern editions: e.g., was Ahaziah 22 or 42 when he began to reign? “does this age [42] refer to his age, or the age of Omri’s dynasty? … Even if the reference to 42 years is meant to indicate Ahaziah’s age, not all ancient manuscripts have this number. Therefore, many Bible scholars… believe the ’42 years’ to be an earlier copyist error… For this passage to be a genuine contradiction, the critic would have to know that it is not an early copyist error and that the number ‘42’ definitely refers to Ahaziah’s age---neither of which he has been able to do.” (Pg. 22-23)
About whether Baasha died at age 26 or 36 [1 Ki 16:6-8/2 Chron 16:1], “In English translations of 2 Chron 16:1 there appears to be an inconsistency because the text indicates that Baasha went to war in the 36th year of Asa’s reign. This would seem to be impossible, since it was ten years after Baasha’s death. But the Hebrew word often translated as ‘reign’ … is most often translated in the KJV as ‘kingdom.’ And thus, it was in the 36th year of Asa’s kingdom… that Baasha went to war. But Judah had already existed as a separate nation for 20 years… Alternatively, we again note the possibility of a textual transmission problem in modern copies…” (Pg. 23)
About Jehoachin’s age (8 or 18) when he began to reign [2 Ki 24:8/2 Chron 36:9], he comments, “Some translations of 2 Chron 36:9 state that he was 8 years old but there is evidence that this is a rare transmission error. The ancient Syriac and Arabic translations have 18 years in BOTH passages. So, there seems to be no inconsistency in the original manuscripts. Moreover… a person can be appointed as king many years before he is officially installed as king.” (Pg. 34-35)
Did Elhanan kill Goliath, or Goliath’s brother Lahmi? [2 Sam 21;19/1 Chron 20:5] “In 2 Samuel 21:19, some English translations state that Elhanan killed Goliath, but there is evidence of transmission errors in this passage… if we presume that ‘Beythhal’ was added to 2 Samuel 21:19, then both texts fully agree that Elhanan killed Lahmi.” (Pg. 53-54)
Of the Resurrection appearances, he states, “First Corinthians 15:5 does not say how many disciples were present when Jesus FIRST appeared after the Resurrection. It says only that Christ appeared to … Peter, then to the Twelve… This verse may imply that Peter saw Christ before the rest of the Twelve, but it does NOT say that Peter was the FIRST person to see Christ… Matthew 28:16 records Jesus appearing to the remaining 11 disciples, but it does NOT say that this was the FIRST appearance---we have good reason to believe it wasn’t… Luke 24:33-37 also records a meeting of Christ with the 11 disciples, but we know this was not His FIRST appearance from verses 13-15l John 20:24 merely states that Thomas was not with the 11 disciples when Jesus had appeared earlier, but it does not say that this was the first appearance. None of the texts listed by the critic even address the issue; thus they cannot contradict each other.” (Pg. 28)
Similarly, “Jesus met with His disciples at several DIFFERENT times after the Resurrection and at several different locations. None of the texts listed by the critic contradict this by listing two different locations as both being the FIRST appearance of Christ… Mark 16:14 tells of Christ meeting with His disciples, though the location and date are not specified. But this was not the FIRST appearance for all, since Mark 16:12 indicates that Christ appeared to two of His disciples when they were walking to the country… Luke 24:33-37 reports of a meeting of the disciples in Jerusalem, but even this text indicates that Simon had seen Him previously… The Jerusalem meeting would seem to be the first time that the majority of disciples, all except Thomas (Jn 20:24), saw the resurrected Christ, since this happened on the same day as the Resurrection… John 20:19-24 also confirms this meeting, though it does not give the location… so where is the alleged contradiction?” (Pg. 105)
As to whether the men/angels were outside or inside the tomb, “Matthew 28:2 does not say where the angel (that had rolled the stone away) was WHEN the women arrived. Though, Matthew 28:5-8 strongly implies that he was within the tomb---see verse 8. This agrees with Mark 16:5; Luke 24:3-4; and John 20:11-12. Where is the supposed contradiction?” (Pg. 130-131) Later, he adds, “When [Mary Magdalene] returned later and looked into the tomb, she saw two angels sitting [Jn 20-11-12]. When the rest of the women arrived they saw at least one of the angels sitting at the right (Mk 16:5). The posture of the other angel is not stated in Mark’s Gospel. The sitting angel may have then stood in greeting as is perhaps implied in Luke 24:3-4.” (Pg. 156)
About WHEN the women told the disciples after finding the empty tomb [Mt 28:8/Lk 24:8-9/Mk 16:8], he notes, “NONE of these passages say that the women IMMEDIATELY told the disciples. They only state that the women DID tell the disciples (Mt 28:8; Lk 24:9; Mk 16:10). But this wasn’t necessarily immediate. Apparently, they were INITIALLY afraid and needed some time to process what they had seen (Mk 16:8). When their joy overcame their fear, they DID go and tell the disciples…” (Pg. 227)
Of the withering of the fig tree Jesus cursed [Mt 21:19-20; Mk 11:11-21], he says, “The fig tree immediately withered somewhat when Christ cursed it (Mt 21:19), but it did NOT wither completely or die at that time. By the following morning, the tree had dried up completely from its roots (Mk 11:13-14, 19-21).” (Pg. 74)
About when Paul went to Jerusalem after his conversion, he explains, “No, Paul did not go to Jerusalem from Damascus immediately after his conversion (Acts 9:17-26; Gal 1:16-17). No verse says otherwise. According to Acts 9:19, at least several days elapsed, and Acts 9:22 suggests that he spent considerable time in Damascus before going to Jerusalem. Galatians 1:16-18 agrees perfectly and states only that Paul went to Jerusalem three years later. In addition, this visit after three years may not have been the first visit, but rather the first time he went specifically to visit the apostles (Gal 1:17-18).” (Pg. 80)
About whether Jesus was crucified on Passover, he argues, “John 19:14-16 indicates that Christ was crucified at the time of ‘the preparation of the Passover.’ The critic perhaps assumes that this means that the Passover was to take place the following day---but the text does NOT say this…. John 19:14-16 does not actually say when the Passover is. What are we to make of the phrase ‘the preparation of the Passover’? Since Friday before sunset was still the day of Passover, some people might have yet to perform it and might have been preparing for it. Alternatively, the preparation was likely for the Sabbath day, since work was not permitted on the Sabbath. But this would be a special Sabbath day because it occurred on the week of Passover. Hence, it was the preparation (for the Sabbath) of the Passover week. The NIV even renders the passage this way…” (Pg. 82)
About whether Adam and Eve ‘died’ on the day they ate from the fruit, he observes, “the Bible does not actually state that Adam would die instantly or ON THE DAY that he ate of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Rather it says, ‘in the day that you eat of it you shall SURELY die.’ [Gen 2;17] The word ‘surely’ is an important qualifier, and is a good way to translate a difficult Hebrew phrase, which is most literally rendered ‘dying you shall die.’ Yes, the Hebrew word ‘die’ is used twice, indicating the certainty of it. It’s not that death would occur on that day, but rather death became CERTAIN and unavoidable on that day.” (Pg. 174)
Does God love everyone? He says, “Contrary to what many Christians think, God does NOT love everyone. Indeed, there are some whom God hates due to their wickedness… John 3:16 teaches that God loved the world … but it does not say that God loved EACH AND EVERY person in the world… God is characterized by love, and love stems from God’s nature. But it would be a weeping generalization fallacy to conclude that God must therefore love EVERYONE. After all, God is also merciful and characterized by mercy, but that doesn’t mean that He extends mercy to everyone…” (Pg. 192)
This book will be of great interest to those studying biblical apologetics.
Jason Lisle is the Director of Research and a featured speaker and writer for the Institute for Creation Research.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2017 book, “To demonstrate the veracity of Scripture, this book will address EVERY alleged Bible contradiction that I have seen posted on the Internet… It is instructive to go through each of these alleged contradictions and read the text carefully to see what the Bible actually states… even the best of the best Bible critics have not been able to find a single, genuine contradiction in Scripture. It further demonstrates that the Bible critic’s choice to reject Scripture is not a rational one but an emotional one driven by the critic’s hatred of God… [which] ironically confirms the truth of Romans 1:18-25.”
He DOES acknowledge the possibility of copyist errors, in our modern editions: e.g., was Ahaziah 22 or 42 when he began to reign? “does this age [42] refer to his age, or the age of Omri’s dynasty? … Even if the reference to 42 years is meant to indicate Ahaziah’s age, not all ancient manuscripts have this number. Therefore, many Bible scholars… believe the ’42 years’ to be an earlier copyist error… For this passage to be a genuine contradiction, the critic would have to know that it is not an early copyist error and that the number ‘42’ definitely refers to Ahaziah’s age---neither of which he has been able to do.” (Pg. 22-23)
About whether Baasha died at age 26 or 36 [1 Ki 16:6-8/2 Chron 16:1], “In English translations of 2 Chron 16:1 there appears to be an inconsistency because the text indicates that Baasha went to war in the 36th year of Asa’s reign. This would seem to be impossible, since it was ten years after Baasha’s death. But the Hebrew word often translated as ‘reign’ … is most often translated in the KJV as ‘kingdom.’ And thus, it was in the 36th year of Asa’s kingdom… that Baasha went to war. But Judah had already existed as a separate nation for 20 years… Alternatively, we again note the possibility of a textual transmission problem in modern copies…” (Pg. 23)
About Jehoachin’s age (8 or 18) when he began to reign [2 Ki 24:8/2 Chron 36:9], he comments, “Some translations of 2 Chron 36:9 state that he was 8 years old but there is evidence that this is a rare transmission error. The ancient Syriac and Arabic translations have 18 years in BOTH passages. So, there seems to be no inconsistency in the original manuscripts. Moreover… a person can be appointed as king many years before he is officially installed as king.” (Pg. 34-35)
Did Elhanan kill Goliath, or Goliath’s brother Lahmi? [2 Sam 21;19/1 Chron 20:5] “In 2 Samuel 21:19, some English translations state that Elhanan killed Goliath, but there is evidence of transmission errors in this passage… if we presume that ‘Beythhal’ was added to 2 Samuel 21:19, then both texts fully agree that Elhanan killed Lahmi.” (Pg. 53-54)
Of the Resurrection appearances, he states, “First Corinthians 15:5 does not say how many disciples were present when Jesus FIRST appeared after the Resurrection. It says only that Christ appeared to … Peter, then to the Twelve… This verse may imply that Peter saw Christ before the rest of the Twelve, but it does NOT say that Peter was the FIRST person to see Christ… Matthew 28:16 records Jesus appearing to the remaining 11 disciples, but it does NOT say that this was the FIRST appearance---we have good reason to believe it wasn’t… Luke 24:33-37 also records a meeting of Christ with the 11 disciples, but we know this was not His FIRST appearance from verses 13-15l John 20:24 merely states that Thomas was not with the 11 disciples when Jesus had appeared earlier, but it does not say that this was the first appearance. None of the texts listed by the critic even address the issue; thus they cannot contradict each other.” (Pg. 28)
Similarly, “Jesus met with His disciples at several DIFFERENT times after the Resurrection and at several different locations. None of the texts listed by the critic contradict this by listing two different locations as both being the FIRST appearance of Christ… Mark 16:14 tells of Christ meeting with His disciples, though the location and date are not specified. But this was not the FIRST appearance for all, since Mark 16:12 indicates that Christ appeared to two of His disciples when they were walking to the country… Luke 24:33-37 reports of a meeting of the disciples in Jerusalem, but even this text indicates that Simon had seen Him previously… The Jerusalem meeting would seem to be the first time that the majority of disciples, all except Thomas (Jn 20:24), saw the resurrected Christ, since this happened on the same day as the Resurrection… John 20:19-24 also confirms this meeting, though it does not give the location… so where is the alleged contradiction?” (Pg. 105)
As to whether the men/angels were outside or inside the tomb, “Matthew 28:2 does not say where the angel (that had rolled the stone away) was WHEN the women arrived. Though, Matthew 28:5-8 strongly implies that he was within the tomb---see verse 8. This agrees with Mark 16:5; Luke 24:3-4; and John 20:11-12. Where is the supposed contradiction?” (Pg. 130-131) Later, he adds, “When [Mary Magdalene] returned later and looked into the tomb, she saw two angels sitting [Jn 20-11-12]. When the rest of the women arrived they saw at least one of the angels sitting at the right (Mk 16:5). The posture of the other angel is not stated in Mark’s Gospel. The sitting angel may have then stood in greeting as is perhaps implied in Luke 24:3-4.” (Pg. 156)
About WHEN the women told the disciples after finding the empty tomb [Mt 28:8/Lk 24:8-9/Mk 16:8], he notes, “NONE of these passages say that the women IMMEDIATELY told the disciples. They only state that the women DID tell the disciples (Mt 28:8; Lk 24:9; Mk 16:10). But this wasn’t necessarily immediate. Apparently, they were INITIALLY afraid and needed some time to process what they had seen (Mk 16:8). When their joy overcame their fear, they DID go and tell the disciples…” (Pg. 227)
Of the withering of the fig tree Jesus cursed [Mt 21:19-20; Mk 11:11-21], he says, “The fig tree immediately withered somewhat when Christ cursed it (Mt 21:19), but it did NOT wither completely or die at that time. By the following morning, the tree had dried up completely from its roots (Mk 11:13-14, 19-21).” (Pg. 74)
About when Paul went to Jerusalem after his conversion, he explains, “No, Paul did not go to Jerusalem from Damascus immediately after his conversion (Acts 9:17-26; Gal 1:16-17). No verse says otherwise. According to Acts 9:19, at least several days elapsed, and Acts 9:22 suggests that he spent considerable time in Damascus before going to Jerusalem. Galatians 1:16-18 agrees perfectly and states only that Paul went to Jerusalem three years later. In addition, this visit after three years may not have been the first visit, but rather the first time he went specifically to visit the apostles (Gal 1:17-18).” (Pg. 80)
About whether Jesus was crucified on Passover, he argues, “John 19:14-16 indicates that Christ was crucified at the time of ‘the preparation of the Passover.’ The critic perhaps assumes that this means that the Passover was to take place the following day---but the text does NOT say this…. John 19:14-16 does not actually say when the Passover is. What are we to make of the phrase ‘the preparation of the Passover’? Since Friday before sunset was still the day of Passover, some people might have yet to perform it and might have been preparing for it. Alternatively, the preparation was likely for the Sabbath day, since work was not permitted on the Sabbath. But this would be a special Sabbath day because it occurred on the week of Passover. Hence, it was the preparation (for the Sabbath) of the Passover week. The NIV even renders the passage this way…” (Pg. 82)
About whether Adam and Eve ‘died’ on the day they ate from the fruit, he observes, “the Bible does not actually state that Adam would die instantly or ON THE DAY that he ate of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Rather it says, ‘in the day that you eat of it you shall SURELY die.’ [Gen 2;17] The word ‘surely’ is an important qualifier, and is a good way to translate a difficult Hebrew phrase, which is most literally rendered ‘dying you shall die.’ Yes, the Hebrew word ‘die’ is used twice, indicating the certainty of it. It’s not that death would occur on that day, but rather death became CERTAIN and unavoidable on that day.” (Pg. 174)
Does God love everyone? He says, “Contrary to what many Christians think, God does NOT love everyone. Indeed, there are some whom God hates due to their wickedness… John 3:16 teaches that God loved the world … but it does not say that God loved EACH AND EVERY person in the world… God is characterized by love, and love stems from God’s nature. But it would be a weeping generalization fallacy to conclude that God must therefore love EVERYONE. After all, God is also merciful and characterized by mercy, but that doesn’t mean that He extends mercy to everyone…” (Pg. 192)
This book will be of great interest to those studying biblical apologetics.
October 22, 2019
The author does a fantastic job of both defining the typical fallacies made by skeptics and non believers in their understanding of the Bible. Mr. Lisle answers 420 of the most commonly claimed "contradictions" and "errors" in the Bible and soundly defends the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture as eternal truth. This book was very easy to read and though a lot of the topics that were addressed were review and plainly answered. I did learn several new facts. This book is highly informative and will be a great tool in any believers library to share with non believers and believers alike. Great stuff. Great price (Kindle).
December 30, 2017
Excellent resource. Not exactly a sit down and read straight through as it's choppy because it is 420 different supposed contradictions, but excellent reference source. Should be an encouraging read for the defender of the Word of God.
March 8, 2023
I read this book like a daily devotional rather than a novel or non-fiction narrative. The format of the book is the author looks up about 400 alleged Bible contradictions/errors found on prominent anti-Christian websites on the internet. Using clear and winsome logic the author points out the logical fallacies and sloppy scholarship used by the critics. While not entertaining this is a good excercise for any person of faith because in the process of studying these objections and seeing how Lisle refutes them using critical thinking and logic is something that most Christians are not getting in church or through Bible studies. A big reason the church is losing young people at an alarming rate is that we continue to practice and structure church like it is the 1950s instead of dealing with the culture as it really is today.
September 10, 2022
A great resource to have, but somewhat of a tedious read, especially if you look up the references
August 4, 2023
Excellent resource. A good reference you can pull off the shelf when needed.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews