1st century Christianity in the 21st century
In 1 Kings 7:23, the Bible talks about building a circular structure (bronze sea). The diameter from rim to rim is noted as 10 cubits, so with our knowledge of Pi today, the circumference should be 31.416 cubits (10xPi). However, the text says the circumference is 30 cubits. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “The Circumference of the Sea – Answering the Atheist”How many beatitudes were in the Sermon on the Mount? Matthew 5:3-11 and Luke 6:20-23 differ drastically. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “How many Beatitudes? Answering the Atheist”Who killed Saul? 1 Samuel 31:4-6 says that Saul killed himself. However, 2 Samuel 1:9-10 says that a young Amalekite man killed him. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Who really killed king Saul? Answering the Atheist”What was Jesus’ prediction regarding Peter’s denial? Matthew 26:34 says, “…Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” But Mark 14:30 says, “…Verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Did the rooster crow once or twice? Answering the Atheist”The Bible says, “And no one hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven” (John 3:13). However, we also read, “And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11). Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Has anyone ever ascended into heaven? Answering the Atheist”How did Judas die? Did he hang himself (Matthew 27:5) or did he fall, his midsection bursting open (Acts 1:18)? Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Was Judas hung or impaled? Answering the Atheist”Does God tempt man or not? Genesis 22:1 reads, “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham.” However, James 1:13 says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Does God tempt man or not? Answering the Atheist”Some Bible passages tell us that God is cruel, unmerciful, destructive and ferocious (Jeremiah 13:14; 1 Samuel 15:3). However, other passages say that God is kind, merciful and good (James 5:11; 1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 145:9; 1 John 4:16). Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Is God cruel & unmerciful or kind & good? Answering the Atheist”Can God be seen or not? Some passages (ie. Exodus 24:9-10; 32;30; 33:11, 23; Amos 9:1; Genesis 26:2; John 14;9) say that God can be and has been seen. But other texts (John 1:18; Exodus 33:20; 1 Timothy 6:16) say God cannot be and has not been seen. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Can God be seen or not? Answering the Atheist”In two places in the New Testament the genealogy of Jesus, son of Mary, is mentioned (Matthew 1:6-16 and Luke 3:23-31). These are obviously not the same genealogy. Also, how can Jesus have a genealogy when all Muslims and most Christians believe that Jesus had/has no father. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Do Matthew and Luke disagree on Jesus’ genealogy? Answering the Atheist”