1st century Christianity in the 21st century
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”Who moved David to number the people of Israel? Was it God or Satan? 2 Samuel 24:1 says God did so, but 1 Chronicles 21:1 says it was Satan. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Who moved David to number Israel – God or Satan? Answering the Atheist”How many years of famine were threatened? In 2 Samuel 24:13 God gave David a choice between seven years of famime, three months of fleeing before the enemy, or three days of plague. In 1 Chronicles 21:11, the choices are three years of famime, three months of fleeing before the enemy, or three days of plague. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “How many years of famine? Answering the Atheist”What were Jesus’ last words? Matthew records, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” and says He yielded up His spirit (Matthew 27:46, 50). Luke says He cried out, “Father, unto thy hands I commit my spirit,” and then gave up the ghost (Luke 23:46). John says He said, “It is finished,” and then bowed his head, giving up the ghost. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “What were Jesus’ last words? Answering the Atheist”Was Jesus’ first sermon preached on a plain or on a mount? Matthew 5:1-2 says He went up into a mountain to teach the people, but Luke 6:7, 20 says he stood in the plain. Which is it? Is there contradiction?
Continue reading “Sermon on the Mount or Plain? Answering the Atheist”How did Judas Iscariot die? Acts 1:18 says he fell and his bowels gushed out. Matthew 27:5-7 says he hanged himself. Also, did he purchase the field (Acts 1:18) or did the chief priests buy it (Matthew 27:5-7)? Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Did Judas hang himself or fall down? Answering the Atheist”