-
How do you approach passages that seem to contradict each other? Is it appropriate to fit every passage into an organized system? Explain your response.
-
There are some passages in the Bible that seem to contradict each other. We need to interpret the more ambiguous, poetic or symbolic passages in light of the clearest and most straightforward passages. It is helpful to categorize passages of Scripture into genres. However, not every passage of Scripture may fit neatly into a clear category, but it still the inspired Word of God.
-
God did not mean for us to use the Bible for self-will. He most certainly did not intend it to be used for ill-will either. The Bible is interpreted by many men over a vast period of time, and they used many genres to explain it, such as narratives, prophecy, poetry, history, gospel and letters to get God’s word out to the masses. To interpret is to explain, translate or understand so that you can relate the word to others. We seek through like-minded colleagues, studies in seminaries, and good old fashion family lore we explain to the congregation in a way that we general accept. The individual that is bringing the information can be accused of contradictions by others who may have a different perspective. Certain interpretive (Hermeneutic) principles will assist in making the individual accepted or rejected. The most important thing about this is God’s will and his involvement with his creation.
-
I do not try and solve with my reasoning. I generally follow much the same approach as our teacher suggests. I place the thing “on the back burner” and continue with other areas. In some cases, a trusted teacher or friend provides that answer. In others, God reveals His answer through my daily walk. In any event, I’ve learned from past mistakes that dashing to my answer is rationalizing my opinion. It doesn’t work on many levels.
-
When I read passages that seem to contradict each other, I refer to the main theme or central doctrine of the Book or of the whole Bible to find the best explanation. I believe that it is appropriate to fit every passage into an organized system. This prevents us to get meaning which is out of context or beyond the Bible.
-
In my years of Bible study, I haven’t noticed much how some passages may contradict each other. It is important to understand how every passage fits together. It may seem it contradicts when in reality it’s trying to show the difference between two different truths.
