MORALITY IN THE BIBLE
MORAL MODELS
The entire jist of this section is misguided. With the exception of God (YHWH) Himself, none of the persons listed are ever intended to be held up as moral models of seamless perfection. Nowhere in the Bible are they ever held up as such, though some are noted as models for specific actions, which is no more or less than can be done with any person, ancient or modern. Are we to stop holding up Michael Jordan as an example because he has had marital difficulties? Is all the good done by Thomas Paine (according to Skeptics!) to be thrown out because he was a drunkard? I don't see any Skeptics pitching their copies of Age of Reason over that, so until they do, we will skip this entire section and only address accusations against YHWH which are listed in later categories, without also agreeing that all charges against humans in the Bible, are accurate and correct. Some few of these we will address; others we have no comment on we agree are poor moral choices without question.
NOAH: the one man whom God saved, but who then got drunk and
cursed his son and all the descendants of that son, because
the son saw Noah's drunken nakedness, and thus invented
slavery actually, first predicted it, not invented it;
the first man in the Bible to curse Curse? If he means "^&%&$*&" then he's wrong,
to make wine That's immoral? Drunkenness, yes, but not wine itself,
to get drunk (Gen 9:20-27); he "was a just man and perfect
in his generations and walked with God" (Gen 6:9, 7:1), an
example of righteousness (Ezek 14:12-20, Heb 11:7, 2 Pet
2:5). Well, for these few incidents, all clustered in one episode in a life of hundreds of years, that's really bad, huh! 
Have you been perfect today?
ABRAHAM: married his sister (Gen 12:13), lied and denied her twice to save himself (Gen 12:11-19, 20:2-5), But if 12:13 is a lie, then isn't this "double-dipping" on Abe? Either way see here -- we are sure our man does not condemn lying for the sake of preservation of life seduced her handmaid (Gen 16:1-4), survival issue -- one needed children to survive in the ancient world, and this was a legal and legitimate custom needed for the time drove one child and its mother into the desert to starve (Gen 21:14), drove out his other children and their mothers (Gen 25:6), was willing to but- cher his other child to please God (Gen 22). See here. He was counted righteous because he believed (Gen 15:6).
LOT: offered his virgin daughters to strangers to do to them whatever they wish in order to protect his male guests (Gen 19:8); got drunk and committed incest with his two daughters (Gen 19:30-38); but he was "just" and "righteous" (2 Pet 2:7-8) and saved by God from the temptations of Sodom (Gen 19). Again, note how this is clustered around one tempestuous episode.
ISAAC: lied, denying his wife, just like his father (Gen 26:7). See link above.
JACOB: won God's love by robbing his brother (Gen 25:29-34) Hardly -- Esau gave in voluntarily., deceiving his father (Gen 27), haggling with God (Gen 28:22) It's wrong to haggle? Why? In the ANE it was typical behavior, and there is no moral universal against it., cheating his uncle (Gen 30:32-43) How? His uncle agreed to the terms which were quite clear and not violated.; he married two sisters, his cousins, bigamously and had children by two of his servants; Again, part of a survival mechanism in this day. lied about his marital status to his father- in-law (Gen 31:50, 30:4); How? The handmaid was given by one of Jacob's own wives! Our man may be confused because the KJV says "to wife" of one of these, incorrectly implying a marriage ceremony. cowardly hid behind his family to protect himself (Gen 32:11-24) Not really. An honorable man would not strike down the family if Jacob were not there; Jacob counted on Esau being honorable, and knew him well enough to be a good judge of that.
MOSES: boasted of his own humility (Num 12:3) See here., murdered an Egyp- tian and hid his body (Ex 2:11-14), lied (Ex 3:18) How?, defrauded the Egyptians (Ex 3:22), By seeking reparations for 400 years of slavery? You go, man! peevishly destroyed the only example of God's own handwriting (Ex 32:15-19), No peevishness here. This was the proper thing to do. The tablets carried the covenant and breaking covenant tablets was the legal way to signify the covenant that the people had broken. exter- minated whole nations to obtain their land (Num 21, Deut 2:30-36, 3:1-7, 20:10-17), butchered thousands of captive widows, slaughtered babies, enslaved 32,000 girls whom he had orphaned and gave 16,000 of them to his soldiers to do with as they wished (Num 31:1-18). On these see here and here.
RUTH: was willing to worship any god that Naomi worshipped (Ruth 1:16) No, she was reflecting the ancient practice that if you moved to another land, you owed service to the deity of that land; seduced Boaz (Ruth 3) How is "seduction" to be defined here? Is going in dates immoral? Wearing nice clothes? Complimenting others?; kept her actions secret (because they were not proper) (3:14) More like, she was going into a "men only club"; accepted payment for her sexual favors (3:15) Our man has a dirty mind here. There was no sex involved and the "payment" was a gift of barley for her hungry family.
SAMSON: although his conception and birth were miraculous (Judges 13), and he was dedicated to God (13:5) and moved by God's spirit (13:25), and "judged" for twenty years (15:20, 16:31), he married a foreign woman (14:1-7) and abandoned her (14:20), but then wreaked revenge, when she was given to another, by burning 300 foxes and the Philistines' fields (15:3-5); when the Philistines avenged that (by burning the wife and her father), he took further revenge by slaughter (15:7-8), his motto being "As they did unto me, so have I done unto them" (15:11); when he lost a bet he had offered because of his susceptibility to women's wiles, he killed and robbed 30 innocent people in Ashkalon (acting under the spirit of God) No such thing as innocents here, sorry -- all men were considered soldiers and the Philistines were the enemy to pay the wager (14:12-19); with the help of God he slew 1000 with the jawbone of an ass (15:14-17) Hear that? War is illegal. ; he endangered himself with a visit to a harlot (16:1); had a dalliance with Delilah (16:4); lied to her three times (16:6-14); his only prayers to God are whining about being thirsty (15:18) and for personal revenge (16:28). Overall, yep, a bad boy. But I know of no one who holds him up as a moral model for this stuff.
DAVID: cruel and bloody (1 Sam 18:27-30, 2 Sam 22:41-43, 1 Chron 20:3, 2 Sam 12:31) Once again, it seems war is illegal.; a braggart (2 Sam 22, Ps 18: esp 37-50) Hard to see how. These are prayers of thanks for past victories in battle.; a liar (1 Sam 21:1-2, 20:5-6) See here; a traitor, leading an enemy's troops against his own country (1 Sam 22, 29) While Saul was in command? Would it have been wrong for a German to lead French troops against Hitler in 1935?; a brigand who plundered the country (1 Sam 22) Ditto.; an extortionist (1 Sam 25:2-28, 33-34) see here; a butcher who tortured and slaughtered thousands, including children (1 Sam 27:9-11) the passage says nothing about "thousands" or "children" but does describe the raiding activities of ancient warfare and who was praised for killing ten times as many people as Saul (1 Sam 18:7, 21:11, 29:5) the praise is hardly meant literally; even so this was the nature of all ancient warfare, as every man was a soldier and the survival of your own society depended upon crippling the agressor; a drunken debauchee who danced naked before others (2 Sam 6:20) nothing here says David was drunk, and the reference is only to outer robes that were a sign of David's status and honor; a homosexual/bisexual (1 Sam 18:1-4, 20:3, 11, 23, 26, 30, 41-42, 2 Sam 1:26) See here; an adulterer who impregnated a loyal servant's wife, tried to cover it up through subterfuge, and finally had him killed in order to obtain his wife (2 Sam 11); who purchased an- other wife with 200 foreskins with the help of God (1 Sam 18:27-28) 200 foreskins of enemy soldiers who would have as soon as killed him, who acquired another wife through extortion (1 Sam 25:40-42) see above; who imprisoned ten women of his harem for life without cause (2 Sam 16:21-22, 20:3) actually, more like kept them protected from others -- these were concubines with whom rivals would try to sleep in order to stake a claim to the throne; a man who in his old age forced a young girl into his bed to try to revive his sexual potency (1 Kings 1:1-4) Our man has a dirty mind -- nothing here says a word about sexual potency, and Abishag would have considered this duty an honor; and who died demanding with his dying breath the death of two old men, one of whom had been a loyal supporter (Joab, 1 Kings 2:5-6) No, Joab had killed his son Absalom, against orders, and done other things listed in the passage, the other a man to whom he had promised protection (Shimei, 1 Kings 2:8-9, 36-46, 2 Sam 29:21-23) only from himself, actually; otherwise Shimei was a political threat who would have been able to cause national chaos; and yet in all these things (except the killing of Uriah to get Bathsheba) he "did right in the eyes of God" (1 Kings 15:5), he was "a man after [God's] own heart" (Acts 13:22), "evil hath not been found in thee [David] all thy days" (1 Sam 25:28), he was "an angel of God" (2 Sam 19:27), a heart "perfect with the Lord God" (1 Kings 15:3).
SOLOMON: an oriental potentate who wallowed in luxury (1 Kings 10), an erotic glutton who maintained a harem of hundreds (1 Kings 11:1-3, Song 6:8; in violation of Deut 17:17); who murdered his brother for requesting the wrong wife No, for trying to take Abishag and thereby make a claim to the throne as one who had been with the king's concubine, even though he had solemnly promised his mother he would grant any request (1 Kings 2:13-25) Oh, so our man thinks Sol would have honored a request to kill himself? "Any"? Only a hyperliteralist would call this language exclusive.; who caused a man to be killed in the sanctuary of the temple (1 Kings 2:28-34) Joab, as noted above, a dangerous political adversary; a despot who made the people's yoke so heavy that they begged his successor for relief (2 Chron 10:9-14, 1 Kings 12:4-11). The only reason God was not pleased perfectly with him was that he worshipped other gods in addition to Yahweh (1 Kings 11:9-12), even though he was the wisest man that ever lived (1 Kings 3:12). Yep, Sol had some problems. Just goes to show wisdom has to be used, not just had.
ESTHER: joined the king's harem (Esther 2:2-9) not that she had a choice; gained his favor not by her character or morality, but by her sexual skills (2:8-17) Beg pardon, but the king of Persia wasn't exactly interested in that aspect of his harem??; lied about her origin (2:10) It's lying not to talk about yourself? There is no sign of lying here.; was relentless toward a fallen enemy (7:8-10) If you weren't in this time, that enemy would come back and kill you and yours later.; was not content to achieve the escape of the Jews, but arranged for them to be allowed to slaughter their enemies' wives and children and plunder their property (8:11, 9:2-10) Ditto.; asked that Haman's ten sons be hanged and that Jews be given an extra day in which to slaughter more (9:13-15) Ditto. Haman's sons were prime candidates to seek revenge.; achieved her goals through no help from God, does not even mention God. So what?
JESUS: admitted that he was not perfect (Mark 10:18) See here.; lied about going to a feast (John 7:8-10) See here; denied his mother in violation of the commandment to honor father and mother (Matt 12:48, Mark 3:33, John 2:4) See here for principles; also preached against that commandment (Matt 10:35, 15:4, Luke 12:51-53, 14:26) See here -- Matt. 10:35//Luke 12:51-3 is what fathers and mothers will do to believers, not vice versa; Matt. 15:4 says nothing of the sort, and makes no sense as a cite here condoned violation of the Sabbath (Luke 6:1-4, Mark 2:23, 27, Matt 12:1) No, condoned violation according to the niggling Pharasaic rules of the day; preached bravery (Luke 12:4) but acted cowardly (John 6:15, 7:1, 8:59, 10:39, 11:53-54, 12:36, Matt 10:23, 12:14-16, Mark 1:45) If it is "cowardly" to act to preserve yourself then we assume our man will show his "bravery" by not using his seat belts and by walking through the worst part of town unarmed with hundred dollar bills hanging out of his pockets. See more in-depth treatment here.; expressed unwillingness to perform his mission of being crucified (Matt 26:39, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42) Since when is this a sign of bad character?; accused God of forsaking him (Matt 27:46, Mark 15:34) Not in the least -- see here.; showed racial prejudice (Matt 15:22-26, to the Canaanite woman, Mark 7:25-27, to the Greek woman) Nope. See here., because he said he was sent only to Jews; but then preached to the Samaritans (Luke 17:11, John 4) See link previous for answer -- but also, "preaching" is not excluded at all in the previous episode.; preached love of enemies, and non-resistance (Matt 5:44) but violently cleansed the temple Our man not only hasn't got love defined right, he's also out of social order, said he had come to bring not peace, but a sword (Matt 10:34) Note that the passage describes what non-believers will do to Jesus' own people!; implies that his enemies would be slain (Luke 19:27) Mere argument by outrage; taught in parables so that people would not understand (Matt 11:25, Mark 4:11-12) See here.
PAUL: abandoned every tenet of his ancestral religion, com-
plaining that the Law of Moses was bondage and a curse (Gal
3:10, 13; 4:3, 4, 9, 30) and a yoke too difficult to bear
(Acts 15:10, contradicting Deut 30:11ff, which says the Law
is easy; also Isa 45:19) Not contradiction, but paradox, as Paul explains but as our man ignores: The Law is certainly easier than the alternative (damnation!) but still hard in that it is hard to keep -- as Deut. 27:27, quoted by Paul, implies. There is, as Paul puts it in Romans, no one who obeys the Law fully.; disputed with Peter (Gal 2:7ff) See here -- since when is this a sin?
and Barnabas (Acts 15:39) Again, what's wrong with this?; boasted of his importance (Rom
15:17, 1 Cor 4:15-16, 6:3, 12, 9:1, 15, 2 Cor 1:12, 2:14,
5:12, 10:8-16, 11:5, 10, 17, 28, Gal 1:11-12, 6:17, Heb 3:6,
Eph 3:4, "my gospel" 2 Tim 2:8, Rom 2:16) How does he tell between boasting, honest report, and irony? How in the world is "my gospel" a vase of "boasting"? Someone here is using paranoia as a hermeneutic! and duplicity (1
Cor 9:20-23, 10:23, 2 Cor 12:16, denied at 1 Thess 2:3) See link above for 2 Cor. and here for 1 Cor..
Israelites are commanded to give their firstborn sons to God,
along with the firstborn of the cattle and sheep. Later the
firstborn children are redeemed by a substitute sacrifice of
an animal (Gen 22:13, Ex 13:13, 15, 22:28-29, 34:20, Num
18:15, Ezek 20:25-26) In other words, no human sacrifice.
Anything devoted to God, of man or beast, shall be put to death
(Lev 27:28-29). I.e., those killed in holy war. Not human sacrifice.
Captive peoples are God's "tribute" (Num 31:40). None of these are "sacrificed".
God's anger is sometimes turned away by killing people (Num 25:4,
8, 2 Sam 21). I.e., by the delivery of justice for crimes -- no more "human sacrifice" than was Ted Bundy.
Jephthah sacrifices his daughter to fulfil his vow to God (Judges
11:29-39). Nope. See here.
Mesha, King of Moab, sacrifices his firstborn (2 Kings 3:27). Yeah, well, he was a pagan king -- what's the issue? If our man is complaining about the story being here at all, does he want to censor the evening news?
Hiel rebuilds Jericho, laying the foundation with two of his sons
(1 Kings 16:34, Joshua 6:26). Bad show on Hi-el, but doesn't say a word about human sacrifice -- if anything it implies that these sons were killed in construction accidents. There's no evidence that human sacrifice was ever connected with the mundane construction of cities.
Prisoners of war are sacrificed (Judg 8:18-21, 1 Sam 15:33, 2 Sam
21:1-9, Num 21:2). Prisoners of war are executed. If this is "human sacrifice" then we owe Ted Bundy an apology.
God causes infant sacrifice (Ezek 20:26). God predicted infant sacrifice as the rebellious result of his judgment.
Jesus is crucified to pay the penalty for man's sin. (New
Testament, passim) See here which also whacks down a lot of our man's objections here to begin with.
Do not offer your child to atone for your sins (Mic 6:7). Hard to see where he gets this: "Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?"
Present your bodies a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1). And that's human sacrifice? 22,000 oxen, 120,000 sheep sacrificed at dedication of Solomon's
temple (1 Kings 8:63, 2 Chron 6). No, that's how many were pledged, for use in the Temple over time.
Much of the Old Testament is a record of the wars of the
Israelites, in which God is portrayed as Israel's protector and
champion. Much of human history is a record of wars of peoples of the world. So? However, see Ps 34:14 ("seek peace and pursue it") He doesn't know that "peace" is often achieved at the cost of war -- and that the word for "peace" means the presence or order, not "no war". In any event our man lists verses where God is involved in war, teaches war, etc. -- which argues nothing, so we pass by them other than where comments are needed.
God causes war ("every man's sword shall be against his brother")
so that he will be glorified (Ezek 38:16, 23). In other words, delivery of judgment out in the hands of men.
David is praised for ten thousand slain (1 Sam 18:6-8). We presume he does not take the number literally. Even so today we praise our war heroes for their bravery while remaining silent about the number the must have killed to win. Who's more honest, in a sense?
David wars on the Geshurites, Gezrites and Amalekites to steal
their land (1 Sam 27:8). "Their" land? It was part of the land promised to Abraham. These people were squatters.
Jesus comes not to bring peace, but a sword (Matt 10:34, Luke
12:49-53). See above -- it's others who will persecute Jesus' people.
The Israelites slaughter Hamor and his city and plunder it (Gen
34). Actually this was just Jacob's two kids who did this, and Jacob clearly stated it was the wrong thing to do.
Moses is commanded by God to exterminate the Canaanites, the
Amorites and the people of Bashan "and show no mercy" (Deut
7:1-2, 9:3, Num 21). See here.
Moses orders "every man" among the Israelites to slay his
brother, companion and neighbor, as a punishment for the
idolatry of all, and 3000 die (Ex 32:27-28). Begged question of the seriousness of idolatry in a world that always bordered in chaos and anarchy and the alternative "faiths" sometimes involved child sacrifice and in any event worship of the wrong deity spelled eternal damnation.
God commands Moses to slaughter 24,000 people and hang their
heads in the sun (Num 25). See here.
God commands Moses to slay the Midianites because the Israelites
are seduced by them. All males (including infants) and
adult women are killed; virgins are enslaved (Num 25:17,
31:1-2, 7, 15-18). Same link plus the first one in this section.
God's annihilation of Sihon's people and others (Deut 2:30-35,
36, 3:1-7). See second link above.
God commands Moses, in any city near the promised land which does
not agree to become a vassal state of the Israelites, to
kill all the males and take the women and children as slaves
and the animals as booty, but in any city in the promised
land the Israelites are to kill every living thing, sparing
no one (Deut 20:10-17). The realities of ancient warfare, as done by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and others; the only other option was mass slavery and deportation -- again see links above. We will skip all remaining cites that are of this nature or are merely "argument by outrage".
Danites destroy "peaceful" Laish and kill its people for no
reason (Judg 18:27). Yes, a clearly bad example. What of it?
David takes Rabbah and puts its people "under saws...and harrows
... and axes of iron and made them pass through the
brickkiln" and does the same to all the cities of Ammon (2
Sam 12:31, 1 Chr 20:3). Dated translation. This refers to forced labor; for necessity of this in ancient war see above.
God requires all male infants to have their penises mutilated
(Gen 17:10-27). Spin-doctoring assessment. Many cultures performed this practice and are none the worse for it. This "mutilation" is another culture's "sacred vow" and his bigoted assessment is not an answer. Note that male circumcision, unlike female circumcision, leaves no permanent ill effects.
Phineas slays Zimri and his Midianite woman captive with a
javelin "through the belly" (Num 25:8). Mere argument by outrage.
God orders horses to be hamstrung (Josh 11:6). Normal ancient war process to keep the enemy from using the horses against you later on.
Judah cuts off thumbs and toes of his captive Adonibezek, which
is justified because he had done it to his captives (Judg
1:6-7). Not only that, it keeps them from handling weapons.
Jael's treacherous murder of Sisera, driving a nail into his
temple (Judg 4:20-, 5:24-27). Presumably our man would disapprove of someone assassinating Saddam Hussein or Adolf Hitler.
Friends of Samson's wife threaten to burn her and her father
alive, and finally do (Judg 14:15, 15:6). Yep, the ancient world was a mean place. And?
Samuel "hewed [King] Agal in pieces before the Lord" (1 Sam
15:33). So? Once the man was dead after the first blow, you think he cared? We have horror movies that offer 1000 times worse than this.
David boasts of his cruelty (2 Sam 22:41-43). More like he thanks YHWH for his success.
David pays 200 foreskins as dowry (1 Sam 18:27). From enemy solders. Problem?
David "shed blood causeless" (1 Sam 18:31). Uh, 1 Samuel 18 ends at verse 30. I think he means 25:31, and it's actually advice by Abigail to let her handle matters so that Dave doesn't shed blood causeless.
Joab stabs Amasa "in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to
the ground" (2 Sam 20:10). Yeah, war is tough, isn't it? This is how the media tries to evoke sympathy for terrorists, too.
David's treatment of captive people of Rabbah: he "cut them with
saws, put them "under harrows of iron, and under axes of
iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln" (1 Chron
20:3, 2 Sam 12:31). As noted, erroneous translation. It means he put them to work with these things. Cutting them, etc would be a waste of valuable resources not even the worst tyrant in the ancient world could have performed.
Jehu has Jezebel killed and her body mutilated (2 Kings 9:3-37). So would it have been bad to assassinate Hitler? And sorry, dogs did the mutilation, not Jehu.
Ahab's family are slaughtered (2 Kings 9, 10); this is praised by
God (10:30). "Hitler and his cronies are slaughtered; this is praised by God." Yep. Don't you feel sorry for old Adolf? He just needed to have someone make "argument by outrage" for him.
"Happy shall be he that taketh and dasheth thy little ones
against the stones [in revenge]" (Ps 137:9). See here.
Samaria's infants will be dashed in pieces, pregnant women ripped
up (Hos 13:16). Ditto.
Other dashing of infants, ripping of pregnant women (2 Kings
8:12, 15:16, Isa 13:15-18). Rinse, lather, repeat.
The righteous will laugh when their enemies fall (Ps 52:6). You bet. Don't dare rejoice when Pol Pot is overthrown. The Iraqis should have been ashamed of themselves celebrating Saddam's downfall.
Cruelty, vengeance and hatred permeate the Psalms, e.g. 59:10-13,
68:21-23, 109:6-14, 136:17ff, 139:19-22, 140:10. Anachronistic value statements permeate this comment. See link above.
Those without God's seal on their forehead will be tortured for
five months (Rev 9:3-10). Er, yes, by evil forces.
Hell, which God created for punishment of his creatures, is a
place of everlasting torment and cruelty (Rev 14:11, 16:9),
a continuation of God's torment of unbelievers in this life
(Deut 28:15-68, Lev 26; see Punishments). Not unearned and not quite that Dante-esque. See here, Part 2.
Laban deceives Jacob, giving him Leah instead of Rachel (Gen
29:15-26). Yep, he did wrong. So should we censor the news, too?
Rachel steals from Laban and lies to conceal her theft (Gen
31:19, 34-35). Ditto. There's lot like these in this list which we'll skip from here on. Just saying "this guy lied" without explaining why it is a problem merely that it is reported is no problem at all.
God instructs Israelite women to borrow the Egyptian women's
jewelry and not return it (Ex 3:22). Clue word: "reparations".
Rahab the harlot, who betrayed her city to Joshua, is rewarded
for her treachery with her life and becomes an ancestress of
Jesus (Josh 6:22-25, Matt 1:5, Heb 11:31). Heck yeah. So much for espionage and the Cold War. A reader adds: "Rahab is an example of God redeeming sins no matter what you did in your past. See here."
All liars will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 21:8, 27). Presumably our man does not think this mean this or any other sin is not covered by forgiveness under Christ. He's also not up on the matter of "honorable lying" in Biblical times -- the equal to not telling Nazis about Jews in your cellar. As above we will chop many of these that are repeats or that don't state the problem.
Abraham lies to Isaac rather than telling him he is to be
sacrificed (Gen 22:7-8). Rather, Abe knows that God will intervene.
Ninth Commandment (Ex 20:16) prohibits bearing false witness, but
not lying; cf Ex 23:1, Prov 12:19, 12:22, 6:19, 19:5,9,
21:28, 24:28, 25:18, Deut 19:16-20, Lev 6:2-3, 19:11 If it prohibited lying, you'd have to honestly tell those Nazis about the Jews in your cellar.
Jesus lied when he said he was not going to the feast, but then
went (John 7:8-10). See here.
Cain, Seth must have married their sisters, and their children
must have married cousins (Gen 5) Think hierarchy of morals here. Incest, or survival of humanity? If only a man and his sister are left after nuclear war, then what?
Abraham marries his half-sister (Gen 20:12). How does he know it wasn't a lie like the other?
God will use polygamy as a punishment (Isa 4:1). Er, no -- "And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach..." Where's the "punishment in polygamy" there?
Leah buys sex with Jacob by giving Rachel the mandrakes which
Reuben had harvested (Gen 30:14-16). How can one be a prostitute with one's own husband?
Tamar prostitutes herself to Judah (Gen 38:14-18). Wonder what our man would make of Kirsch's book The Harlot by the Side of the Road which somewhat correctly makes this a measure of survival by Tamar.
Boaz pays Ruth in barley for spending the night with him (Ruth
3:15). Once again, our man just has a dirty mind.
A mother is unclean for twice as long after the birth of a
daughter as after a son (Lev 12). Wow. It's bad that the infant daughter gets twice the time of mother's attention.
A woman is "unclean" during her menstrual period and for seven
days afterward, i.e. for approximately half her adult life
(Lev 15:19-28, Ezek 18:6). To purify herself each month she
must make a "sin offering" (Lev 15:29-30). Note that this is ritual impurity -- see here -- which is applied to any running sore, or break in the skin. It's not a "woman" thing.
Only males can enter the covenant, since it requires the rite of
circumcision. False step. Only men need to do a rite, which is a break for women.
Adam blames Eve for his sin in the Garden (Gen 3:12). Yep. And bad husbands do the same. Problem with the truth being told of faults again?
Eve's curse is that Adam shall rule over her (Gen 3:16).***
Lot offers his virgin daughters to strangers to do to them
whatever they wish in order to protect his male guests (Gen
19:8). Yep, he did bad. Censor the news, too!
A wife is listed among her husbands property, after the
house (Ex 20:17, Deut 5:21). Presumptuous category error. That the wife is listed with other items that are property does not mean the wife IS property. The category is "that which can be coveted," not "property".
God gives the Israelites rules and regulations for selling their
daughters (but not their sons) into slavery (Ex 21:7-11). Of course not -- sons were kept at home to do hard labor to help the family survive. Selling a daughter into slavery gave HER a chance to survive with a family better off. See here.
Miriam is made a leper temporarily for speaking against Moses
(Num 12:1-10), but Aaron, who was equally guilty, is not
punished. ***
Moses enslaves 32,000 virgins (Num 31:18, 35). A merciful act in context -- see links above.
Israelites slaughter their fellow Israelites of Jabesh-Gilead to
obtain wives (Judg 21:1-14). Yep. Censor the news!
Males of Benjamin are advised to get wives by abducting women of
Shiloh (Judg 21:16-23). Ditto.
A divorced woman is as unclean as a whore and unsuited as the
wife of a priest (Lev 21:7, Ezek 44:22). Ritually so, yes. So what's the problem?
A woman cannot remarry her first husband if she married another
and was widowed or again divorced (Deut 24:1-4). For good reason -- see here.
Rules for taking a captive woman to wife and what to do if you
decide you don't like her after all (Deut 21:10-14). Very merciful rules in the ANE setting, actually.
A rape victim must marry her rapist. The rapist must pay a
penalty to the victim's father, but not to her (Deut 22:28-
29). It's what the society, and the woman, would want. See here.
If a man has sex with another man's female slave, the slave is to
be scourged, but the man will be forgiven if he offers a ram
as sacrifice (Lev 19:20-22). Considering the economic expense of a ram, and the long-term effect on the man's life, scourging sounds preferable! Note as well that the man answers to YHWH.
A man may divorce his wife, but there is no provision for a wife
to divorce her husband (Deut 24:1, Jer 3:8, Isa 50:1, Matt
19:9, 1 Cor 7:10, Rom 7:2-3). Sure, and because it only says "If a man steals an ox..." that means women could steal them free of charge. A man who is suspicious of his wife may require her to undergo
the ordeal of drinking the "bitter water that causeth the
curse," which causes the thigh to rot and the belly to swell
(Num 5:11-31). ***
The Levite and the Israelite offer to the mob a concubine and a
virgin daughter for the mob to "humble" them and do "what
seemeth good unto [them]." The men in the mob abuse the
concubine all night. The Levite then kills her (or finds
her dead?) and dismembers her body (Judges 19:22-29; this is
a doublet of the story at Gen 19 about Lot). Yep, censor the news. Plus see ***.
Saul uses his daughter Michal for his own ends, by giving her to
David "to be a snare to him" (1 Sam 18:21). Censor the soap operas, too.
Absalom has sex with his father's (David's) concubines to insult
him. David then punishes the concubines by imprisoning them
for life (2 Sam 16:21-22, 20:3). See above.
David purchases Michal from Saul (2 Sam 3:13). "And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face." Where does it say that?
Amnon loves Tamar until he rapes her, then he hates her and casts
her out (2 Sam 13:1-17). Censor the news...
God orders Hosea to purchase a harlot (Hos 1:2, 3:1-2). See here.
God will punish the men by causing their wives to be ravished
(Isa 13:16, Zech 14:2). I.e., God declares the inevitable result of foreign invasion.
The woman is subordinate to the man (Gen 3:6, 1 Cor 11:3-11, Eph
5:22-33, 1 Pet 3:1-6). ***
Women should cover the head when praying; men should not
do so (1 Cor 11:5). See here.
Women should keep silent in church (1 Cor 14:34). No, Paul is quoting the Corinthian position here. Then he refutes it.
Woman is "snares and nets, her hands are as bands" (Eccl 7:26-
29). It speaks specifically of "THE woman" whose hands are as bands. Not ALL women.
No woman should have authority over a man (1 Tim 2:12) ***
Abraham casts Hagar and Ishmael out, leaving them destitute
(Gen 16:6, 21:14). Censor the news and reality.
Hagar abandons Ishmael to die (Gen 21:15).
Abraham sends away his concubines and children (Gen 25:6). Ditto.
A freed slave who will not abandon his slave wife and children
shall have his ear pierced and remain a slave for life (Ex
21:4-6). See link on slavery above.
To please God, the Jews abandon all their foreign wives and
children (Ezra 10). See here.
Jesus rejects his mother (Matt 12:48, Mark 3:33, John 2:4). For the first two, Jesus' family had already socially rejected him and was trying to save family honor. For the latter see here.
Jesus requires a disciple to hate his father and mother (Luke
14:26; Matt 10:37; contra: Matt 15:4). See here.
Jesus comes to turn children against parents, and vice versa
(Matt 10:21, 35, Luke 12:51-53). Note that it is non-believers who do the "turning".
Paul's anti-marriage sentiments (1 Cor 7, which contradicts Gen
2:18). Not quite. See here.
We'll blot out "censor the news" items as in other areas.
David kills the Amalekite for killing Saul, his enemy (2 Sam 1:1-
15). How is this hypocrisy? David had previously tried to keep from killing Saul himself!
Jesus forbids calling someone a fool (Matt 5:22), then he does
it (Matt 23:17, 19, Lk 11:40). See here.
Jesus says to love your enemies, bless them that hate you (Matt
5:44), then he curses his enemies (Matt 12:34, 23:15, 17,
19, 27, 33, Luke 11:40, John 10:8). The persons cursed are not personal enemies but enemies of truth -- see here.
Homosexuality is forbidden; its punishment is to be "cut
off" or killed (Lev 18:22, 20:13, Deut 23:17, 1 Cor 6:9). Mere "argument by outrage."
Permitting homosexuality is a worse sin than permitting rape of a
woman (Gen 19:1-8, Judg 19:22-29). Oh. Permitting the RAPE of a man, actually, and in two situations of bad judgment under pressure.
"Effeminate" men cannot be saved (1 Cor 6:9). Mere outrage.
David loved Jonathan: "very pleasant hast thou been unto me; thy
love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women" (2 Sam
1:26, 1 Sam 20:3, 11, 17, 23, 26, 30, 41-42). Jonathan
gives David all his clothes (1 Sam 18:1-4). Our man has a dirty mind. See here.
Jacob refuses to feed his starving brother Esau unless Esau
sells him his birthright (Gen 25:29-34). Um, yeah. Lik Esau the big strong hunter could be "extorted" by Jacob the sous chef? Right.
David shakes down Nabal. Abigail pays him (with her person? 1
Sam 25). Put that dirty mind away and see here.
God will cause cannibalism as a punishment (Jer 19:9, Ezek
5:10, Lev 26:29, Deut 28:53-57, Isa 49:26, Lam 2:20;
fulfilled: Lam 4:10, 2 Kings 6:26-29). I.e., it will be the natural result of war, as it often was in that time.
Jesus commands his followers to eat his flesh and drink his blood
(John 6:53-54). If he thinks this is literal, he is beyond help.
God will punish wicked by making them drink blood (Rev 16:6). Ditto.
Cannibalism is condemned (Micah 3:1-3). And he likes it.
Cites of Lot and Noah? Censor the evening news. Otherwise:
God orders drunkenness (Jer 25:27). God caused drunkenness as a punishment (Jer 13:12-13). Both cases are figures of speech for deserved wrath.
This entire section begs the question of who or what is in error and raises "tolerance" to the value of truth. It is not. One SHOULD be intolerant of error, and close one's mind to error. Therefore we skip this section with a few exception, noting though that apparently the Bible scholar C. Dennis McKinsey Avoid unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14-15; contra: "always give a reason when asked why you
believe" 1 Pet 3:15, "prove all things" 1 Thess 5:21). No, it says, do not be unequally yoked -- i.e., in a commitment situation with non-believers.
Do not bid godspeed or be hospitable to a non-Christian, or you
share his guilt (2 John 10; contra: Matt 5:44, 3 John 11). No, it says, do not do this to a false teacher.
In essence a litany of complaints about passages that "make the Bible unsuitable as 'uplifting' reading." No one argues that the Bible is some sort of health tonic; it is a mirror of our own faults as well, and if this is his complaint, he can agrue for censorship of the news as well. Many other issues are answered by this. It is said, "If they appeared in any other book, the Christians would try to ban the book from schools and libraries." Perhaps so, from the ignorant; but not from intelligent believers. "Would any minister read these passages to his congregation from the pulpit?" Yes, they would, and have. We skip this section as irrelevant, noting the irony that Packham's morals came from a Christian-like Mormon background! Exception:
Rehoboam boasts that his little finger is thicker than his
father's penis (2 Chron 10:10). Sorry, but that's his dirty mind at work. The word means "loins" or waist. If it means "penis" then Packham has people girding sackcloth on their privates (cf. 1 Kings 20:32) and wearing swords on them (2 Kings 20:28).
God created everything (Prov 26:10, Col 1:16, Eph 3:9, Rev
4:11, John 1:3) including evil (Isa 45:7, Amos 3:6, Lam
3:38). See here.
God is just (Deut 32:4) and righteous in all his works (Dan
9:14). No complaint, so what's this for? Several such cites listing attributes are made; we will skip these.
God will do nothing which he has not revealed to his prophet
(Amos 3:7). And, what?
God should be feared because he can put you in hell (Matt 10:28,
Luke 12:5, Heb 10:31). And, again, what?
God causes good to happen to the undeserving so that the heathen
will honor his name (Ezek 36:20-23, Ps 106:7-8, Isa 45). And what's wrong with that, if God is the source of life and salvation? Is it wrong to promote vitamins for good health?
God causes suffering so that his great works may be demonstrated
(John 9:1-9, 11:4, Isa 30:20, Ezek 38:16, 23, Job passim;
Contra: Job 37:23). And again, what of it if it leads people to eternal life? Try to take a long view.
God causes some people to be blind, deaf, dumb (Ex 4:11). This passage does not imply direct responsibility for any particular incident; it only says God is the Sovbereign Creator.
God kills (Deut 32:39, 1 Sam 2:6; see also "Punishments"). But do those He kills deserve it, or not? It is merely assumed that they don't, with no examination.
God causes rain, snow, wind, thunder, tempest, hailstorms (Gen 7-
8, Deut 11:14-17, 2 Sam 22:14-16, Job 5:8, 10, 37:2-12, Isa
30:30, 42:15, Ps 18:13-15, 148:8, Nahum 1:3-9, Matt 5:45,
James 5:17-18). And, what of it?
God knows everything; he is "omniscient" (Ps 139:1-6, Prov 15:3,
5:21, Job 26:6, 34:21, Isa 44:7, Ezek 11:5, Matt 12:25, John
2:24, Rom 1:20). But: Samuel has to tell God what the
people said (1 Sam 8:21). "Has to"? There is no "has to" here. "Does," yes. God doesn't know where Adam is
(Gen 3:8-9). Actually the rhetorical question of a sovereign; cf. 1 Kings 18:17, "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?" when Ahab knows darned well it's Elijah. God doesn't know which houses in Egypt contain
Israelites; he needs to see blood on the doorpost (Ex
12:13). "Doesn't know"? No, it's a chance for the people to show their solidarity and loyalty. God has to test Israel for 40 years to find out if
they would keep his commandments (Deut 8:2). See here. God is
forgetful and must be reminded of his promises, e.g. of his
promise to Noah (Gen 9:15-16). The word actually means to mark or observe and does not imply a memory in need of help.
God is everywhere, he is "omnipresent" (Ps 139:7, Prov 15:3, Jer
23:23,24, 1 Kings 8:27, Job 23:9, 26, 28, Acts 17:27). But:
he is only in one place at a time: he walked in the Garden
(Gen 3:8); he came down to see the Tower (Gen 11:5); he
"went his way" (Gen 18:33); Gen 46:4; Ex 3:4, "Here I am";
Exodus passim, travelling with Israelites; Num 23:15, Job
1:12, Jonah 1:3; he "walks about" in the Israelite camp,
Deut 23:12-14; he dwells in the Temple, OT passim; he
"dwells in Zion" (Joel 3:21); he will sit in the Valley of
Jehoshaphat to judge the heathen (Joel 3:12); sometimes he
goes from one place to another riding a cherub. Ps 18:10, 2
Sam 22:11. Sometimes God hides himself (Isa 45:15). In every case a simple failure to recognize that a manifested presence hardly indicates a lack of presence elsewhere.
God lies and deceives. He lied to Adam, telling him that he
would die if he ate the fruit, but he lived another 930
years (Gen 2:17, 5:5). See here. He sent a lying spirit to deceive
Ahab (1 Kings 22:19-23, 2 Chr 18:22; see also 2 Thess 2:11). See here.
God deceived Israel (Jer 4:10) and Jeremiah (Jer 20:7). If
a prophet is deceived it is because God has deceived him,
and God will destroy the prophet. (Ezek 14:9, contra: Prov
12:22, Num 23:19, 1 Sam 15:29, Tit 1:2) See link above on both of these.
God hates the violence of mankind, so he violently destroys all
life (Gen 6:11-13, Ezek 8:17). Failure to distinguish between unwarranted violence and service of justice. On short, mere argument by outrage.
God rejoices in the destruction of sinners (Deut 28:63, Pr 1:26). Ditto.
God sends an evil spirit to Saul (1 Sam 16:14, 23, 18:10, 19:9)
and to the men of Shechem (Judg 9:23). See link just above on lying spirits.
God tempts Abraham (Gen 22:1) and can lead us into temptation
(Matt 6:13; contra: James 1:13). See here.
God tries to kill Moses (Ex 4:24). See here.
God wrestles with Jacob (Gen 32:24-30). So what?
God assists manslaughter (Ex 21:13). Huh? "And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee." How is that "assisting manslaughter"? If anything it is stopping a potential cycle of vengeance.
God stirs up jealousy (Isa 42:13, Deut 32:21). See here.
God sends false prophets to test the people (Deut 13:1-3). Yes -- and the problem is, what?
God gives Israel false statutes and judgments and pollutes their
gifts so that they might know that he is the Lord (Ezek
20:25-26; contra: Jer 7:30-31, Rom 7:12, 1 Tim 1:8) See here.
God will send delusion so that the people will believe a lie, so
that they might be damned (2 Thess 2:11-12, Isa 6:9-12; see
also Mk 4:12, saying that Jesus speaks in parables lest the
people understand and repent, and Matt 11:25, where Jesus
thanks God that the truth has been hidden from the wise).
The purpose of the Law is to increase sin, which increases
God's grace (Rom 5:20, Rom 7). See here and here on the first two. On the last, our man naively reads this as saying that the law caused sin, when the reading is that it defined sin already in progress.
God lists all the punishments that he will mete out to Israel if
they do not obey him, including cannibalism (Lev 26, Deut
28). I.e., this will be the natural result of their trespasses.
God will not forgive (Josh 24:19). This is a statement by Joshua used to shame the people and elicit a response (v. 21), not a statement of fact.
God sends locusts and other pests to eat the crops; they are "my
great army" (Joel 2:25). Mere argument by outrage.
God tells Balaam to go with Balak's messengers, then becomes
angry with him because he went (Num 22:20-22). See here.
God is "with" David in his slayings and evil deeds (1 Sam
18:14,28, 2 Sam 5:10). Mere outrage and assumption that the deeds in question are evil rather than just.
God is angry with Saul for not executing God's wrath on the
Amalekites (1 Sam 28:18). Mere argument by outrage. See here.
God is angry with Saul because he did not kill enough (1 Sam
15:18-19). Ditto.
God ends a famine after seven innocent men (sons of Saul) are
hanged (2 Sam 21: "And after that God was intreated for the
land" v 14). Innocent! The sons of kings were responsible for implementing policy!
God ends plague when sinners are slain (Num 25). Yes, and what of it? Mere argument by outrage.
God is jealous (Ex 20:5, Num 25:11, Deut 5:9, 32:21, Josh 24:19,
Nah 1:2). See here.
God sometimes repents (Gen 6:6, Ex 32:14, 1 Sam 15:11, 35, 2 Sam
24:16, Jonah 3:10, 4:2, Jer 18:10, Joel 2:13; contra: Num
23:19, 1 Sam 15:29, Isa 15:29, James 1:17). See here.
God sometimes grieves (Gen 6:6). So?
God sometimes wearies (Isa 1:14). God is being sarcastic.
God sometimes rests (Gen 2:2, Ex 31:17). See here.
God sometimes causes adultery (2 Sam 12:11-12). The reference is actually to concubines, hence no adultery.
God sometimes orders harlotry (Hos 1:2, 3:1-2). See here.
God can do evil (Ex 32:14, Amos 3:6, Job 42:11). See here.
God can be persuaded to change his mind (Ex 32:11-14, Deut 9:19-
29, Josh 10:14; Abraham bargains with God over destruction
of Sodom, Gen 18:23-33; God grants Israel a king, 1 Sam 8). See here.
God can be seen (Gen 32:30, Ex 24:10-11, 33:11), but not his face
(Ex 33:20-23, Ps 13:1, 17:15). No man has seen God (John
1:18), but if you see God you will die (Gen 19:21, Ex
33:20). See here.
God wants blood as a sacrifice (Lev 3:2, 4:6-7, 8:23-24, passim),
and enjoys the "sweet savour" of the burning meat sacrifice
(Gen 8:21, Lev 1:9, Ezek 20:40-41; contra: Amos 5:21-26, Hos
8:13, Mic 6:8, Isa 1:11-13). Does our man like the smell of BBQ? The latter passages refer to sacrifices done with insincerity.
God's sword is covered with blood and greasy with fat (Isa 34:6). Mere outrage.
God sometimes eats, drinks, rests (Gen 18).
God smells odors (Gen 8:21). And, what of it if He does? If God sees and hears, are the other senses not part of the package?
God does not like to see sh*t (Deut 23:12-14). Our man would love to put his own on display for God. God gives the formula for his favorite perfume and forbids anyone
else to use it (Ex 30:34-35). The "perfume" is sacred oil, and this is in a time when such symbolism was far from trivial, all bigotry aside.
God belches smoke and fire when he is angry (Ps 18:7-8, 15). Our man reads poetry too literally.
God sometimes orders drunkenness (Jer 25:27). The oracle here refers figuratively to the "wine" of God's anger.
God sometimes rewards transgressors (Prov 26:10). Our man has never heard of the word "reward" use in a negative sense. The word here, sakar, simply means "payment of contract" or compensation.
God punishes Uzzah because he tried to steady the ark (1 Chron
13:10, 2 Sam 6:7). See this series.
God allows David to choose which punishment will be inflicted on
the people - for David's sin (2 Sam 24:11-13). See here.
God tricks David into a census so that he can vent his anger on
the people and then kills 70,000 (2 Sam 24:1, 1 Chron
21:1,2,7,14). Ditto.
God hardens Pharaoh's heart so that he can punish him and his
people. He commands Moses to threaten Pharaoh with murder
(Ex 4:21-23, 7:3, 13, 10:1). The purpose is that God's name
might be proclaimed (Rom 9:17). See here.
God hardens the hearts of Israel's enemies so that he can destroy
them (Deut 2:30, Josh 11:20). Ditto.
God chooses to harden some people's hearts (Rom 9:18). Ditto.
God considers anyone with a physical impairment to be inferior
and not worthy to be a priest (Lev 21:17-23). Not worthy to
be in the congregation are illegitimate children and
their descendants (Deut 23:2) or a man with injured or
mutilated sex organs (Deut 23:1). See relevant material here and here.
God helps Samson only while his hair is long, and the help
depends on the length of the hair (Judges 16:20). What of it? Keeping the hair long was part of a sacred vow.
God uses his chosen people to punish other nations (Ps 149:5-9,
see also "Genocide"). Mere argument by outrage.
God will punish "seven times" (= sevenfold? Lev 26:28). "Seven times" is metaphorical for "completely" or "a lot".
God punishes many for the sins of one, the innocent are punished
for the guilty, especially their guilty ancestors (which
punishment is "forever," Deut 28:41; Gen 9:24-25, 20:7,18,
Ex 12:29, 20:5, 34:7, Num 16, Deut 5:9, 23:2, 28:32, 41,
Josh 7:8-26, 22:20, 2 Kings 5:27, Isa 14:21, Ezek 23:25, 46-
47, Mal 1:2-4, Jer 31:29-30, Hos 2:4-5, Rom 5:14, also
Adam's Fall generally in NT). Other examples below (see
also "Genocide"). (Contra: Num 16:20, Deut 24:16, Ezek
18:1-20). See here and here. The remainder are no more than the logical result of any long-term action and no more unfair than that "it rains on the just and the unjust".
God will punish the men by causing their wives to be ravished and
their children to be "dashed to pieces" (Isa 13:16, 18, Zech
14:2, Nah 3:10). I.e., the natural results of warfare.
God's punishment of entire nations or cities by destroying every
living thing naturally includes the destruction of babies
and unborn embryos (e.g. Isa 34, the Flood, the plagues on
Egypt, Sodom; Jesus also: Matt 11:20-24). Mere argument by outrage; see exemplary reply here.
An eye for an eye, etc. (Ex 21:24, Lev 24:18-20, Deut 19:19, 21,
Matt 7:2; contra: Matt 5:38ff, 7:12, Luke 6:31). And the problem is, what? "Eye for an eye" was a stopper on the then-current premise that you took MORE than an eye for an eye.
God will punish any animal that kills a human (Gen 9:5), although
God sometimes punishes humans by having animals kill them
(e.g. 2 Kings 2:23-24, where 42 children are killed by
bears; 1 Kings 20:35-36, where a man is killed by a lion for
disobedience to a prophet). I guess our man does not support destroying pit bulls that kill children. On the bears see here.
Slavery for stealing (Ex 22:3). And the problem is, what? There were no restitution programs back then. See here.
Marriage is the punishment for seduction of a virgin (Ex 22:16).
Whoever divorces his wife and marries another or who marries a
divorced woman commits adultery (Matt 19:9, Luke 16:18). Yes. So what?
Death for adultery (Deut 22:22-24, Lev 20:10). But Jesus forgave
one adultress (John 8:1-11). See here.
Death by stoning to a bride who is not a virgin (Deut 22:20-21). See here.
Death by fire to a harlot whose father is a priest (Lev 21:9). Mere outrage. Offenses like these required serious reactions in a society always on the brink of chaos and collapse.
Death to a witch (Ex 22:18). Ditto.
"Cut off" for consulting a witch (Lev 20:6, Deut 18:11). See above.
Death for blasphemy (Lev 24:16). Ditto, re the social conditions.
Death to a non-Levite for approaching the tabernacle (Num 1:51). Ditto.
Death by stoning to a child who curses a parent or is rebellious
(Lev 20:9, Ex 21:17, Deut 21:18-21; affirmed by Jesus, Matt
15:3-9). See here and here.
Death by stoning for cursing (Lev 24:14, 23). Ditto on social conditions.
Death to the owner of a goring ox (Ex 21:29). So what? It's negligent homicide with a live weapon.
Death for disagreeing with a judge's sentence (Deut 17:12). Ditto.
Death for not "hearkening" to a priest (Deut 17:12). It's the same cite!
Death to a false prophet (Deut 13:5, 18:20). Yep, who could stomach executing someone who took people away from eternal life...
Death for teaching a different religion (Deut 18:20, 13:1-10;
also Gal 1:8-9). Ditto.
Death by stoning for apostatizing from the true religion or
practicing a different religion (Ex 22:20, Deut 17:2-5). Ditto. You just let all those people suffer eternally for your pride.
Total destruction to any city if any of its citizens apostatize
(Deut 13:12-17). Ditto on social conditions.
Death to male homosexuals (Lev 20:13). Ditto.
Death for bestiality, both to the offender and the animal (Lev
20:15-16). Ditto.
A woman who assists her husband in a fight by seizing his
opponent's sex organ shall have her hand cut off (Deut
25:11-12). See here.
Sex during a woman's period: both shall be "cut off from among
[the] people" (Lev 20:18; but cf. 15:24). See above on "cut off".
Death by stoning for gathering sticks on the Sabbath, or any work
on the Sabbath (Ex 35:2, 31:14-15, Num 15:32-36). Ditto on social conditions.
God will cause cannibalism as a punishment for sin (Jer 19:9, Lam
2:20, Ezek 5:10, Lev 26:29, Deut 28:53-57, Isa 49:26, Rev
16:6). I.e., the natural results of war.
God will cause adultery as punishment (Deut 28:30). Ditto.
God will cause drunkennes as punishment (Jer 13:12-13). The wine is again a metaphor for God's wrath.
God will "spread dung upon your faces" as punishment (Mal 2:3). See here.
Illegitimate children and their descendants are stig-
matized, not allowed into the congregation (Deut 23:2). See here.
Abortion: punishable only if accidental, caused by a fight, and
only by fine; i.e, it is not the same as killing a human
being (Ex 21:22-25). See here.
Whipping, up to 40 stripes, for losing a lawsuit (Deut 25:1-3). It clearly indicates that this is only if the loser does something worthy of the punishment.
"Cut off" for mixing perfume for yourself according to God's
special formula (Ex 30:37-38). See above.
"Cut off" for eating fat or blood (Lev 3:17, 7:23-27, 17:10-12).See above.
"Cut off" for eating leaven, or even having it in the house,
during Passover (Ex 12:15, 19). see above.
For a description of hell, see Rev 14:11, 16:9 For a long and
descriptive list of God's punishments see Deut 28:15-68, Lev
26. For mere argument by outrage, see all above.
Note that we are to be as merciful as God (Luke 6:36). See here to get that definition right.
God punishes one third of the human race (the descendents of Ham)
because one man's nakedness was seen by his son (Gen 9:24-
25). No, Noah merely predicts results, and it is Canaan's descendants, not Ham's.
God punishes Pharaoh and Abimelech because of Abraham's lie about
Sarah. Abraham is not punished for lying (Gen 12:14-
20, 20:18). He isn't? Getting kicked out of a city during a famine and being forced to fend for yourself is not a punishment?
God turns Lot's wife into salt for looking back (Gen 19:26). Mere outrage.
God kills for Onan for "spilling his seed on the ground" (Gen
38:10). More than that. See here.
Judah condemns Tamar to death by burning for harlotry (Gen
38:24). And then repents of his decision. Forgot that part, didn't we?
God kills all of Egypt's firstborn, including animals, to punish
Pharaoh (Ex 12:29). Mere outrage, and see here.
God will punish an animal with death if it grazes on the mountain
while he is there (Ex 19:12-13). Mere outrage. Does our man eat meat, by the way?
Miriam is made a leper temporarily for speaking against Moses
(Num 12:1-10), but Aaron, who was equally guilty, is not
punished. He can't be given the same punishment because the leprosy would make him unable to function as a priest.
God punishes the Israelites for complaining about their food,
first by sending fire to kill them (Num 11:1), then by
sending poisonous snakes to kill many (Num 21:4-6). Mere outrage.
God punishes the Israelites with plague for eating the quails he
sent (Num 11:33). Ditto.
God kills Korah and 250 others, with their families, because they
questioned Moses' authority (Num 16:1-40). Ditto. As if this were just some democratic process rather than a rebellion in an age when society was on the brink of chaos.
God kills another 14,700 by plague, for murmuring against the
punishment of Korah (Num 16:41-50). Ditto.
Nadab and Abihu are burnt to death for offering "strange fire"
(Lev 10:1-5). I.e., for treating the sacred like toilet paper. No crime there, huh?
Achan and his children and animals are burned to death for
Achan's crime of keeping booty (Josh 7:8-26). See here.
God smites a whole city with hemorrhoids as punishment for taking
the ark (1 Sam 5:6-9). Mere outrage.
God kills 50,000 men of Beth-shemesh because they looked into the
Ark (1 Sam 6:19). Actually 70, according to textual criticism, but whatever the number, it's only outrage, not rational argument.
God kills Uzzah for steadying the ark, i.e., violating Num 4:15
(2 Sam 6:7, 1 Chron 13:10). See link above.
God kills Nabal for refusing to be extorted by David and gives
David Nabal's wife (1 Sam 25:38). See link above.
God kills David's child in order to punish David (2 Sam 12:15-
18). See here.
God will punish David by giving his wives to another to enjoy in
public view (2 Sam 12:11-12). See above.
God does not punish Solomon for Solomon's sin, but punishes
Solomon's son (1 Kings 11:9-12). Who had plenty of sins of his own, thank you!
God kills a prophet for believing a lie told by another prophet
of God (1 Kings 13). More like, for disobeying his orders (13:9).
God causes a lion to kill a man because he refused to strike a
prophet when commanded (1 Kings 20:35-36). Yes, there are results for disobedience. So what's the problem?
God kills 70,000 men because of David's sin of taking a census (2
Sam 24:15, 1 Chron 21:14). See above.
God causes 42 children to be killed by bears because they tease
Elisha about his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24). It's way more than that. See above.
God caused cannibalism as a punishment (Lam 4:9-11, 2 Kings 6:26-
29). Repeat of above.
God will punish Samaria by allowing their infants to be dashed to
pieces and their pregnant women to be ripped up (Hos 13:16). Repeat of above.
The fig tree is withered for not bearing fruit out of season
(Matt 21:19-21, Mark 11:13-21). See here.
Swine are destroyed (Matt 8:28, Mark 5:1, Luke 8:26). Does our man eat porkchops? Then "swine are destroyed" for his pleasure.
God strikes a sorcerer with blindness for trying to dissuade a
potential convert (Acts 13:6-12). Yep, don't punish anyone who tries to keep people from eternal life.
Remember that there is "no variableness" in God (James 1:17).
The flood lasted 150 days in Gen 7:24, 40 days in Gen 7:17,
ten months in Gen 8:5. Not quite. 40 days is how long rain came down. 150 days is how long water stuck around on the ground.
ah: how old was he when he died? He was 70 when his son
Abraham was born (Gen 11:16) and he died at age 205, 135
years later (Gen 11:32). But Abraham was only 75 when he
left Haran, and Terah was already dead (Gen 12:4, Acts 7:4). See here.
many of Jacob's family went to Egypt? Gen 46:27, Ex 1:5 and
Deut 10:22 all say 70. Acts 7:14 (and the Septuagint) says
75. See here.
How long was the sojourn in Egypt? 400 years (Gen 15:13, Acts
7:6). 430 years (Ex 12:40). Four generations of Levi (Ex
6:16-20; Levi > Kohath > Amram > Moses; actually three: Levi
> Jochebed > Moses; Num 26:59, Ex 6:20). Kohath was born
before going to Egypt (Gen 46:8-11) and died at age 133 (Ex
6:18). Amram died at age 137 (Ex 6:20). Moses was 80 at
start of the exodus (Ex 7:7). Even if Kohath were born in
the first year of the sojourn and each father sired the next
generation in the year of his death, the sojourn could not
have been over 350 years: Kohath 133 + Amram 137 + Moses
80. And Jochebed must have been much older than her
husband; to the extent she was not, the sojourn must have
been even shorter. See here -- 400 years is the amount of time of affliction, not of the sojourn. In short, 430 years of sojourn, 30 with no affliction.
How many tribes were there in Israel? Usually twelve tribes are
mentioned, but the identification of the tribes varies: in
one Dinah is listed in place of Benjamin (Gen 29-30) How many Israelites? Over 600,000, counting just men of fighting
age, in Moses' day (Ex 12:37, Num 1:45-46). 22,273
firstborn males (Num 3:43), making average family to include
27 fighting-age males. By Ahab's day, only 7000 total (1
Kings 20:15). This only says how many Ahab had present for battle. Where's the problem? And how is that calculation of "27 per family" arrived at?
Joshua 15:21-32 contradicts itself: it says there are 29 cities
on the list, which actually contains 36. Regarded as copyist error.
Jesse's sons: how many? 1 Sam 16:10-11, 17:12, says eight. 1
Chron 2:13-15 says seven. See here.
Price of David's threshing-floor? 50 shekels of silver, says 2
Sam 24:24. 600 shekels of gold, says 1 Chron 21:22-25. See entry for 2 Sam. 24:24 on this page.
Result of numbering by David: 1,300,000 (2 Sam 24:9)? Or
1,570,000 (1 Chron 21:5-6)? See here.
Number of Solomon's stalls: 40,000 (1 Kings 4:26)? Or 4000 (2
Chron 9:25)? See link above on copying errors.
Number of Solomon's supervisors: 3300 (1 Kings 5:16)? Or 3600
(2 Chron 2:2)? Ditto.
Number of Solomon's officers: 1 Kings 9:23 says 550; 2 Chron
8:10 says 250. Ditto.
Number of charioteers slain by David among the Ammonites and
Syrians: 700 (2 Sam 10:18)? Or 7000 (1 Chron 19:18)?
40,000 horsemen (Sam) or 40,000 footmen (Chron)? Ditto.
Height of pillars in temple: 18 cubits (1 Kings 7:15, 2 Kings
25:17, Jer 52:23)? Or 35 cubits (2 Chron 3:15)? See here.
Size of the molten sea in the Temple: 1 Kings 7:26 says 2000
baths. 2 Chron 4:5 says 3000. See copyist error link above.
Gold brought back from Ophir? 420 talents (1 Kings 9:28)? Or
450 talents (2 Chron 6:18)? Ditto.
Ahaziah was 42 when he succeeded his father Jehoram (2 Chr 22:2),
who died when he was 40 (2 Chr 21:20). (But see also 2
Kings 8:26, which says he was 22). Ditto. See entry also on this page.
Baasha died in the 26th year of Asa's reign (1 Kings 16:6-8). He
built a city ten years later (2 Chron 16:1). Ditto.
How long was Omri's reign? 1 Kings 16:23 says twelve years,
beginning in the 31st year of Asa's reign. 1 Kings 16:28-29
says Omri died in the 38th year of Asa's reign. Ditto.
Jehoiakim: how old was he when he began to reign? 2 Kings 24:8
says eighteen. 2 Chron 36:9 says eight. Ditto. See entry also on this page.
Nebuzaradan's arrival in Jerusalem: 2 Kings 25:8 says on the
seventh day, Jer 52:12 says on the tenth day. Ditto. See entry also on this page.
How large was Judah's army? 2 Sam 24:9 says 500,000. 1 Chr 21:5
says 470,000. See link above in military numberes.
Lists in Ezra 2 and Neh 7 are different (even though purportedly
of the same thing) and the totals in both are incorrect. See here.
List of descendants of Cain is almost identical to the
descendants of Seth. And, what of it? This is not a "contradiction". It is perhaps peculiar, but not so much in a time when ancestors were honored by naming children after them.
Esau's wives: Gen 26:35 says his wife Bashemath was the daughter
of Elon the Hittite. But Gen 36:2-3 says she was the
daughter of Ishmael, sister of Nabajoth, and that his wife
Adah was daughter of Elon the Hittite. Gen 28:9 says that
it was his wife Mahalath who was the daughter of Ishmael and
sister of Nabajoth. Did he marry a lot of sisters and women
with identical names? Marrying sisters is a likelihood; just check Jacob. How our man imagines there names to be "identical" is a mystery.
Eliphaz' sons: Gen 36:11 and Gen 36:15-16 list four, but with
differing names. 1 Chron 1:35-36 lists seven. The names are the same that overlap. This is likely do to scribal error.
Who was Moses' father-in-law? Ex 3:1, 4:18 say Jethro. Ex 2:18
says Reuel. Num 10:29 says Raguel. Judg 4:11 says Hobab. See here.
The Twelve Fathers of the Twelve Tribes: Gen 49:2-28 includes
Dan, but not Manasseh. Rev 7:4-8 lists Manasseh, but not
Dan. Ephraim and Manasseh are covered in Gen. 48. Dan is considered purposely excluded from Rev. 7.
Who was Shealtiel's father? Matt 1:12, 1 Chron 3:17 say Jeconi-
ah. Luke 3:27 says Neri. They are not the same Shealiiel; see here.
Who was Zerubabbel's father? Shealtiel (Haggai 1:1, 12, 14, 2:2,
23, Ezra 3:2, 8, 5:2 and Nehemiah 2:1)? Or Pedaiah (1 Chr
3:19)? Ditto.
Matthew says it was 14 generations from the Captivity to Jesus,
but he only gives 13 (Matt 1:12-17). Matt 1:17 says it was
28 generations from David to Jesus, but Luke 3:23-31 gives
43. See here on the latter and here. For the former, Matthew takes the liberty of counting an end generation twice for a pedagigical purpose.
Jotham is the grandson of Joram, say Matt 1:8, 2 Kings 8:25,
15:32. But 2 Chron 3:11-13 inserts three more generations
between Jotham and Joram. See above.
Luke has Jesus' genealogy Arphaxad > Cainan > Sala. Luke
3:35-36. But Gen 10:24, Gen 11:11-12, 1 Chron 1:18, 24 all
omit Cainan. See A HREF="http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs/3748.asp">here Jesus is the son of Joseph, not of God (John 1:45, Luke 2:48:
testimony of Mary). Genealogies give Joseph as his father
(Matt 1:16, Luke 3:23). Peter, at Acts 2:29-30, says God
made an oath to David that Christ would be the "fruit of
[David's] loins." Gabriel referred to Jesus as a son of
David (Luke 1:32; also Rev 22:16). This could not have been
through Mary, who was probably of Levi through Aaron (Luke
1:5, 36). See link above.
Jesus is descended from David through David's son Solomon, says
Matt 1:6-7. But Luke 3:23-31 says it is through David's son
Nathan. Ditto.
Who was the father of Joseph? Luke 3:23 says Heli, Matt 1:16
says Jacob. See again here.
Jesus as quoted by Matthew says that Zacharias (Zechariah) was
the son of Barachias. This Zechariah was the supposed
author of the Book of Zechariah, and Jesus here identifies
him with the Zechariah who was slain in the Temple (Matt
23:35). But 2 Chron 24:20 says that the Zechariah slain in
the Temple was the son of Jehoiada. (Luke 11:51 does not
say that Jesus identified which Zechariah he meant.) See here.
Elohim created the heaven and earth (Gen 1:1). But Gen 2:4
says it was Jehovah. Pedantic. The OT clearly identifies the two as names for the same being.
Man was created (male and female) at the same time (Gen 1:27).
But the male was created first, and the female only later
(Gen 2:7, 20-23). See here.
Plant and animal life was created first, then man (Gen 1:20-27).
Man first, then plants and animals (Gen 2:7-20). Ditto.
Birds were created from the water (Gen 1:21). From the ground
(Gen 2:19). The same.
Creation took six days, says Gen 1:31. Only one, says Gen 2:4. The same article.
God created the "lights in the firmament of heaven" to divide the
day from the night (Gen 1:14). But he had already made this
division in Gen 1:4. The word used means to divide or distinguish. 1:14's events simply add another distinguishing factor.
How many of each species on the Ark? Gen 6:19, 7:8-9, 7:14-16
say two of every kind; Gen 7:2-5 says seven of clean ani-
mals. See here.
God created the differences in the world's languages at Babel
(Gen 11). But each nation already had its own language (Gen
10:5, 20, 31). The passages in 10 are retrospective. Ch. 11 is a different pericipe.
Hagar cast Ishmael under a bush (Gen 21:14-16), but he was
already 14 years old (Gen 17:23-26, 21:5). Yep, and you can't put a 14 year old under a bush when that is all the cover that is available in the desert?
Who sold Joseph into slavery? The Midianites (of northern
Arabia), says Gen 37:36. The Ishmaelites (of the Syrian
desert), says Gen 37:28, 39:1. His brothers, say Gen 45:4,
Acts 7:9. See here and note that the brothers did it first, while the others were middlemen.
When and where did God change Jacob's name to Israel? At Peniel,
crossing the Jabbok? (Gen 32:28-30). Or at Padanaram?
(Gen 35:9-10). See entry for 35:10 here.
Jacob's burial: Gen 50:13 says he was buried in a cave at
Machpelah bought from Ephron the Hittite. But Acts 7:15-16
says he was buried at Sychem (Shechem), in a tomb bought
from the sons of Emmor (Hamor). See here.
Was it God or an angel in the burning bush (Ex 3:2, 4)? It was, as 3:2 says, the angel of the Lord, which is the same as God -- see here.
All livestock in Egypt were killed by plague (Ex 9:3-6). But
some survived to be saved from the plague of hail (Ex 9:19-
21). Later, all firstborn of the cattle are destroyed
again (Ex 12:12, 29). But Pharaoh pursued Israel
with 600 chariots drawn by horses (Ex 14:7-9). See here.
Hail destroyed all herbs and trees (Ex 9:25). But not all
(10:15). Gee, you don't suppose the herbs GREW BACK in the intervening months, do you? And 10:15 refers to the fruit on the damaged trees.
Israel was "more and mightier" than the Egyptians (Ex 1:9), but
"fewest of all people" (Deut 7:7). As if Pharaoh's propaganda ought to be taken seriously?
It was Moses' idea to appoint judges (Deut 1:9-17). It was
Jethro's idea (Ex 18:1-27). See here.
God went before the Israelites (Ex 13:21, 14:24, 16:10-11). It
was just an angel (Ex 23:20-23, 14:19). See above -- same thing.
None of the original Israelites (except a very few) survived to
enter Canaan (Deut 1:34, 39, 2:14, Num 26:64-65). It was
the same Israelites that left Egypt (Deut 5:2=3, 8:2, 4,
11:2-10). The latter passages refer to corporate Israel.
Where did Joshua's twelve stones end up? In the middle of the
Jordan (Josh 4:9)? Or in Gilgal (Josh 4:20)? Who captured Debir? Joshua (Josh 10:38-40)? Or Othniel (Judg
1:11-14)? Our man has never heard that in the ANE cities often changed hands as war was rather less efficient.
Joshua conquered "all" of the promised land, and "left none
breathing" (Josh 10:40-43, 11:6-17, 23, 12:1-24, 21:43-45).
But not all of the nations he was supposed to conquer were
conquered (Josh 13:1-6, 15:63, 16:10, 17:12-13, Judg 1:1-36,
2:3, 21-23, 3:1-6). They even defeat Israel (Num 14:45,
Judg 4:1-3) See series here.
Sisera was sleeping when he was killed, says Judg 4:21. He was
standing, says Judg 5:25-27. Latter is presumed on basis of Sisera "falling" or "laying down" with no cognizance of the language being used as metaphors of submission.
The Amalekites are utterly destroyed by Saul, every Amalekite
except the king (1 Sam 15:1-8, 20). Then they are utterly
destroyed again, by David (1 Sam 27:8-9). David utterly
destroyed them again, only 400 escaping (1 Sam 30:1, 17-18). See here.
David killed Goliath, says 1 Sam 17:50. Elhanan killed him, says
2 Sam 21:19 (KJV has inserted "the brother of"). Justly; see here.
Saul's anointing: The anointing of Saul is reported three
times: once as a private ceremony (1 Sam 9:27-10:1) and
twice as a public ritual (1 Sam 10:17-24 and 11:15). So -- what's the problem? The problem is our man doesn't see the point of multiple public rituals before scattered and disunified tribes. Saul inquired of God, but got no answer (1 Sam 28:6). Saul did
not inquire, and so God punished him with death (1 Chron
10:13-14). See here.
Who ordered the numbering of Israel? God, says 2 Sam 24:1; Sa-
tan, says 1 Chron 21:1; God, says Num 26:1-2. See here.
Dedication of Solomon's temple: cf. 1 Kings 8:50 ff. with 2
Chron 6:40 ff. I did. What's the problem?
Words of God to Solomon: 2 Chron 6:5-6, 1 Kings 8:16 are
slightly different. What of it? Things like grammar and intelligibility change over time. Show that the words are different in the message.
Fire from heaven at dedication of temple: 2 Chron 7:1; not
mentioned at 1 Kings 8:54-55. Which is not a contradiction. Silence never is.
How did Saul die? 1 Sam 31:4 says suicide. 2 Sam 1:10 says
killed by an Amalekite. 2 Sam 21:12 says killed by a
Philistine. See here.
Saul appoints David his armorbearer (1 Sam 16:19-23). But
neither Saul nor Abner know him afterwards (17:55-58). See here.
Who killed Jabin? Josh 11:2 says Joshua. Judg 4:2- says Barak
(these may be different Jabins). No kidding. Ever hear of a dynastic name? Who was priest when David ate the shewbread? Ahimelech (1 Sam
21:1-6)? Or Abiathar (Mark 2:26)? See here.
Did Michal have sons? 2 Sam 6:23 says no; 21:8 says yes (five). See here.
Asa removed the high places, says 1 Kings 15:14. He did not,
says 2 Chron 14:2-3. See here.
Jehoshaphat removed the high places, says 2 Chron 17:5-6. He did
not, says 1 Kings 22:42-43. See here.
Ahaz was conquered by Syria and Israel, says 2 Chron 28:5-6. He
was not conquered, says 2 Kings 16:5. See here.
Josiah died at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29-30); at Jerusalem (2 Chron
35:24). See here.
Jehoiakim was succeeded by his uncle Mataniah, renamed Zedekiah,
says 2 Kings 24:15-17. Zedekiah was his brother, says 2
Chron 36:10. "Brother" means any male relative.
Writing on the wall is MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN, but Daniel
gives the interpretation for MENE, TEKEL PERES (Dan
5:25-28). They are the same word in a different form.
Esther conceals her Jewish origin (Esther 2:10, 7:3ff), but
Mordecai, who is known to be Jewish and is known to be
Esther's cousin, inquires about her every day (2:11). As if the king of Persia with his huge harem kept tabs? The point is that Esther was not to make a big deal of it.
Annunciation was before Mary conceived, says Luke 1:26-31.
She was already pregnant, says Matt 1:18-21. Not the same annunciation -- one is to Joseph.
Annunciation was made to Mary, says Luke 1:28. It was made to
Joseph, says Matt. 1:20. Gee, and he doesn't see how this addresses the above? Where's the contradiction? This is complementary.
Flight into Egypt: Matt 2:13-23 says Joseph and Mary took the
infant Jesus to Egypt. Luke 2:21-39 says they went
immediately to Jerusalem. See here.
Nazareth: Luke 2:39 says Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth.
Matt 2:23 implies they were not. See link again.
Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness immediately after his
baptism (Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13). But John 2:1-11 says
he was at the wedding in Cana three days after his baptism. See here.
Did John the Baptist recognize Jesus as the Messiah? Matt 3:14-
17, John 1:29-34, Mark 1:10-11 say yes; Luke 7:18-20, Matt
11:2-3 say no (he apparently had forgotten the dove and the
voice). See here.
Jesus begins his ministry before John's arrest, says John 3:22-
24. Afterwards, says Mark 1:14 No, Mark only says Jesus went into Galilee on a mission, not that his ministry started.
Herod believed John had risen from the dead (Mark 6:16). Herod
did not believe this (Luke 9:7). It does not say in Luke that he did not come to believe this. Luke reports an earlier stage of Herod's understanding.
Calling of Peter: Matt 4:18-22 and Mark 1:16-20 tell one story,
Luke 5:1-11 tells a different one, and John 1:35-42 tells
still a third. The first three are not an initial "calling" but a later call to go on a mission. The third is an expansion on Mark and Matthew.
Time of Jesus naming Simon "Peter": Matt 16:16-18, John 1:29,
41, are different. No, Matthew's event is a re-affirmation in light of Peter's confession.
Peter was not to be an apostle to Gentiles, says Matt 10:2-6. He
was, says Acts 15:7. As usual our man confuses instructions for a specific mission in Matt with a later effort.
The lists of the Twelve Apostles do not coincide: Luke 6:13-16
and Acts 1:13 list Judas the brother of James as the 12th;
Matt 10:3 and Mark 3:14 list instead Thaddeus as the 12th. Judas is an obvious dual name for Thaddeus.
Jesus' greatest sermon was delivered on a mount (Matt 5:1ff). It
was on a plain (Luke 6:17ff). See here. Mark, John and Paul are
unfamiliar with any such sermon. In other words, they don't mention it, have no reason to, which is no reason to say they are "unfamiliar" with it.
Did Jesus' disciples fast? Yes (Matt 6:16). No (Mark 2:18). Hello? The verse is Matt is a future conditional. Mark reports present circumstances and even has Jesus noting future fasting (2:20).
Jesus healed all the sick (Matt 8:16, Luke 4:40). He
healed many, but not all (Mark 1:32-34). Mark's "many" indicates a set number, not less than "all" who came.
Feeding of the Multitude made no impression on the people (Mark
6:52). They were so impressed they wanted to make Jesus
their king (John 6:14-15). 6:52 refers to the apostles, not the people.
Gadarene swine healing was of one man possessed, say Mark 5:2-16
and Luke 8:26-36. There were two, says Matt 8:28-33. See here.
The centurion went personally to summon Jesus, says Matt 8:5-13.
Luke 7:2-10 says he sent messengers. See here.
Jairus told Jesus his daughter was dead, says Matt 9:18-25. Luke
8:42 says she was still alive. See here.
Two blind men were healed by Jesus, says Matt 20:29. Mark 10:46
and Luke 18:35 both say it was only one. See link on demoniacs for principles.
Jesus gives the disciples the power to heal (Matt 10:1-8). But
they cannot heal (Matt 17:14-16). As is explained in v. 20, because of their lack of loyalty.
James and John ask Jesus for a favor (Mark 10:35-37). Their
mother asked (Matt 20:20-21). See here for relevant principles.
Were disciples allowed by Jesus to take a staff? Matt 10:10 says
no. Mark 6:8 says yes. See here.
The donkey ride into Jerusalem: Matt 21:7 says Jesus rode both a
donkey and a colt. Mark 11:7, Luke 19:35, and John 12:14
say only the colt. John says Jesus "found" the animal him-
self; the others say the disciples found it according to
Jesus' instructions. See here. John simply telescopes the process.
Withering of fig tree: Matt 21:19-21 says the disciples saw it
wither immediately. Mark 11:13-21 says it only withered the
next day. See here.
Cleansing of the temple: Matt 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-19, and Luke
19:45-48 say it occurred after the triumphal entry into
Jerusalem. John 2:13-16 says it was early in Jesus'
ministry. It never occurs to our man that Jesus might perform the same act of prophetic demonstration more than once. I guess nuclear protestors never wave signs outside the same nuclear plant every year.
Jesus' Anointing: Matt 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3, say it was in
Bethany at the house of Simon the leper. John 12:3 says it
was in Bethany at Martha's house. Luke 7:36-38 says it was
in Galilee at the house of a Pharisee. Matt and Mark say
his head was anointed; Luke and John say his feet. John
says Mary anointed him; the others don't say who the woman
was. See here.
Peter and Thomas each ask where Jesus is going (John 13:36,
14:5). Jesus says later that no one has asked him that
(John 16:5). Our man misses the "NOW" in 16:5.
Last Supper: Jesus tells of his betrayal before the bread and
wine, say Matt 26:20-29 and Mark 14:17-28. Afterwards, says
Luke 22:14-23. See here.
Bread and wine: Bread before wine, say Matt 26:26-29 and Mark
14:22-25. Wine before bread, says Luke 22:17-20. John
doesn't mention either. See here again.
Jesus washes the disciples' feet, says John 13:4-10. The other
gospels don't mention this. Ditto.
Disciples fall asleep once, says Luke 22:45. Three times, say
Matt 26:40-45 and Mark 14:37-41. Not at all, says John. John does not say "not at all" but simply does not mention it, as Luke does not mention more than one. They both needed room for other material.
Jesus' betrayal: Matt 26:49-50, Mark 14:44-46 say by Judas' kiss.
Luke 22:47-48 says Judas did not actually kiss him. John
18:2-9 says Jesus identified himself; Judas did nothing to
identify him. See principles here. This article, and sub-articles linked within, provide the answer in principle to many of the next several items in which events in the Gospels are compared. That being the case we will delete many of these that require no other answer.
Jesus is taken first to Caiaphas, say Matt 26:57, Mark 14:53, and
Luke 22:54. He is taken first to Annas, then Caiaphas, says
John 18:13-24. The Synoptics do not say anything about "first". They telescope the proceedings.
Jesus' trial is before the Sanhedrin, say Matt 26:59-66, Mark
14:55-64, and Luke 22:66-71. John 18:13-24 has no trial,
only interrogation by Annas and later Caiaphas. See here -- the accounts complement each other.
Pilate's examination: Jesus remained silent, say Matt 27:11 and
Mark 15:2-5 (Luke 23:1-4 similar). Jesus answered every
question, says John 18:33-37. The former say he was silent when the priests accused him, which is not at the same time as what John reports.
Time of crucifixion: Mark 15:25 says 3rd hour; John 19:14-15
says the sixth. See here.
Jesus is offered vinegar to drink, say Matt 27:48, Luke 23:36,
and John 19:29. It was wine and myrrh, says Mark 15:23. See here.
Jesus' last words: Matt 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, John
19:30 are all different. See here.
What happened to Judas Iscariot? Matt 27:5 says he hanged
himself. Acts 1:18 says he died in a fall. See here.
What happened to the 30 pieces of silver? Acts 1:18 says Judas
bought a field. Matt 27:3-7 says he returned the money, and
the chief priests bought the field. Ditto.
Touching the resurrected Jesus: The two Marys touch him at his
first appearance to them, says Matt 28:9. Thomas touches
him a week later, says John 20:27. No one can touch him
until he has ascended to heaven, says John 10:17. He means 20:17. See entry on this page.
The Ascension: when and where? From outdoors at Bethany,
immediately after the appearance to two near Emmaus (just
after the resurrection) and the meal with the disciples,
says Luke 24:36-51. Mark 16:14-19 says the same, but from
Jerusalem while disciples were eating (indoors?). Acts 1:3-
12 says from Mt. Olivet, 40 days later. Matthew and John do
not mention the ascension. Mark 16:14-19 is to be excluded. Bethany is located at Mt. Olivet. Luke's rez narrative telescopes the 40 days. On lack of mention see here.
Jesus founds his church on Peter and gives him the keys of the
kingdom (Matt 16:18). But James seems to be in charge (Acts
15:1-21). Mark, Luke and John seem to know nothing of
Peter's special position, even though tradition says that
Mark was secretary to Peter. This assumes the Catholic understanding of Matt. 16:18, which we do not share and will look into at a later date.
Conversion of Paul: Did his companions see the light but not
hear the voice, or hear the voice but not see the light?
Did they stand or fall? And what did the voice say? (Acts
9:3-7, 22:6-10; see also 26:12-18). See here.
Paul's trip to Jerusalem: Soon after his conversion and recovery
in Damascus; he spent some time with the Apostles (Acts
9:19-28). Not until three years later, and he only saw
Peter and James (Gal 1:15-20). See here.
Good and evil: should we want to know the difference? No,
that was the sin of Adam (Gen 2:15-17, 3:4-6). Yes, that is
the only way to become perfect (Heb 5:14). Deut 1:39 says
little children do not have this knowledge. The former cites refer to knowledge by experience. The verse in Hebrews refers to judicial estimation.
For or against Jesus: Matt 12:30 says if you are not for him,
you are against him. Mark 9:40 says if you are not against
him, you are for him. (These are contradictory as to the
indifferent or undecided.) See here.
Suffering: It is caused by sin (Deut 28:15-68, Eccl 2:26, Amos 9:
esp v 10, Ezek 18:13, 20, Jer 31:30, Job 4:7-8, 7:20-21,
8:4, 6, 20, 11:6). A good man finds favor with God and thus
does not suffer. (Job 4:7, Prov 12:2, Ps 34:9-10, 145:20,
Rom 8:28). Note that all but the last of these is from non-absolute proverbial literature. As for Rom. 8:28, it speaks of a long view that does not forbid suffering caused by sin in the short term. Suffering is not caused by sin (John 9:1-3). No, all that can derived from this is that this particular man's suffering was not caused by sin.
The godly will be persecuted (1 Tim 3:12). God afflicts the
righteous with the wicked (Ezek 21:3-4, Job 9:22, 16:11-17,
Ps 42; contra: Ps 32:10). God causes afflictions (Ps
119:75, Lam 2:17-23, 3:32-33, Nah 1:12). God feeds the
people bread of tears and gives them tears to drink (Ps
80:5). God afflicts to teach us and to punish us (Deut
8:16, 8:5, Job 5:17-18, Ezra 9:13, Jer 29:17-19, 31:18, Isa
30:20-21, Ps 89:30-32, 106:40-43, Pr 3:12, Hos 5:12-15, Heb
12:5-11, Rev 3:19); or to test us (Deut 8:16, Ps 66:10-12);
or simply to demonstrate his power (Ex 7:5, 9:14-16, 10:1-2,
8:10, Ezek 6:9-14, 20:37, 21:5, Jer 24:7, John 9:1-3, 11:3-
4). God can choose to end our afflictions at any time (Nah
1:12, 1 Pet 5:10, Ps 34:19, Job 34:29). All of the above are far from mutually exclusive. None says that ONLY these things cause suffering.
Burdens and troubles: God will relieve our burdens (Matt 11:28,
30). God will give us troubles and tribulations (Heb 12:6,
John 16:33). God does both (Deut 32:39, 1 Sam 2:6-7). And this is not mutually exclusive.
Sickness: It is inflicted by God (Num 11:33). By Satan (Job
2:7). Neither is said to do this exclusively. Where's the contradiction?
Are we punished only for our own sins? Yes (Num 16:22, This is not a "yes" but a question the people ask! Deut
24:16, See here 2 Kings 14:6, Ditto -- it is a quote of Dt. 24:16! 2 Chron 25:4, And this is also Ezek 18:20, Jer 31:30) See same link..
But God punishes many for the sins of one, or for the sins
of one's ancestors (Ex 13:15, 20:5, 34:7, Lev 26:22, Num
14:18, Deut 5:9, 28:32, 41, 46, Josh 22:20, 2 Kings 5:27, Ps
109:9-10, 137:8-9, Isa 14:21-22, Jer 6:11, 18:21, Hosea 2:4-
5, 12:2-3, where God will punish the entire tribe of Judah
for Jacob taking Esau's heel when they were born, Mal 2:3). See link above plus here.
"Original sin" generally, which means that all humanity is
punished for Adam's sin (e.g Rom 5:12, 19, 1 Cor 15:22; see
also "Punishments"). See here.
When will we be punished for sin? OT says in this life, by
death, destruction or suffering (Deut 6:24, 16:20, 28:15-68,
30:16-20, Josh 23:16, Ps 55:23, 92:12-14, Prov 2:22, 10:2-3,
27-31, 12:2, 21, Job 36:6, which says God does not preserve
the life of the wicked, Amos 9: esp v 10, Isa 34, Jer 31:30,
Ezek 8-9, 18:13, 20, 31. Deut 28:20 says punishment is
quick death; but v 15-68 imply long agony.) But the godly
suffer and the wicked prosper (Job 2:3-6, 21:7-13, 2 Tim
3:12). So the NT invents Hell as place of punishment for
sin after Last Judgment. Punishment and reward here and hereafter are far from mutually expclusive. "Hell" was not invented in the NT but was part of Jewish belief for some time prior to that.
Does God want blood sacrifices? Yes (Gen 15:9, Ex 20:24, 29:10-
42, Lev 1:1-7, 3:2, 4:6-7, 8:23-24, with detailed
instructions in Ex, Lev, Num, Deut). He enjoys the "sweet
savour" (Gen 8:21, Lev 1:9, Ezek 20:40-41). Sacrifices
atone for sin (Num 15:24-28). The keystone of his plan of
salvation, according to NT, is the blood sacrifice of his
son, the Lamb of God, as the only acceptable atonement for
Adam's sin.
But God did not tell Moses to sacrifice (Jer 7:21-22;
also Amos 5:21-26, Hos 8:13, Mic 6:6-8, Isa 1:11-13). See here.
Sacrifices do not atone for sin (Heb 10:11). The attemot it to set this against Numbers, but that passages only refers to transgressions committed in ignorance.
Priest's Portion? Shoulder, cheeks, maw (Deut 18:3). Breast,
right shoulder (Lev 7:30-34). The latter refers specifically to the peace offering. The former is a different sacrifice of firstfruits.
Jesus said to honor father and mother (Matt 15:4; see also Ex
20:12, Deut 5:16, Matt 19:19, Mark 7:10, 10:19, Luke 18:20),
but he required his disciples to hate father and mother
(Luke 14:26), See here and said that he came to turn the children
against their parents (Matt 10:35, Luke 12:51-53). These passages predict that the parents will be the ones doing the turning, however. "Call no
man your father" (Matt 23:9). That is a rabbinic title, not your biological father. But you should provide for
your family (1 Tim 5:8).
"Bear one another's burdens" (Gal 6:2), but "Every man shall bear
his own burden" (Gal 6:5). See here.
Divorce: Divorce is permitted in Deut 24:1, Jer 3:8, Isa 50:1,
Luke 16:18, Mark 10:11-12 (but no remarriage), Matt 5:32,
19:9 (only for wife's fornication); but condemned in Mal
2:10-16, Matt 19:6, Mark 10:9, 1 Cor 7:10, 27, Rom 7:2-3. See here and consider the phrase, "hoerarchy of morals".
Married to an unbeliever: do not divorce (1 Cor 7:13-16); but be
not yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14). Life: where is it in the body? In the breath (Gen 2:7). In the
blood (Deut 12:23). Two different Hebrew words are used for "life".
Wine: A blessing from God (Gen 27:28, Deut 7:13, Ps 104:5, Jer
13:12, Micah 6:15). It "cheers God and man" (Judg 9:13).
Jesus' first miracle was making wine (John 2:9-10). Wine
was at the last supper and became a sacrament (Matt 26:27-
29, Mark 14:23-25). Paul recommends a little (1 Tim 5:23).
But wine is a mocker (Pr 20:1, also Hosea 4:11). Many pas-
sages against wine forbid it only under certain circumstanc-
es, to people under special laws (priests, Nazarites), or
only in excess (Lev 10:9, Num 6:3, Judg 13:4, Prov 21:17,
23:29-32, 31:4-5, Isa 5:11, 22, 24:9, 28:1, 3, 7, Jer 23:9,
Ezek 44:21, Luke 1:15, Rom 14:21, Eph 5:18, Tit 2:3). See here.
What does wisdom bring? Prov 3:13 says happiness. Eccl 1:18
says grief. Salvation, says 2 Tim 3:15. See comments here.
Is temptation a good thing? No, say Matt 6:13, Luke 11:4. Yes,
says James 1:2 See here.
Fear vs. love: Fear of God keeps us from doing evil (Ex 20:20,
Prov 16:6, Ps 145:19, Jer 32:39-40). But fear and love
cannot coexist (1 John 4:18). Love of God leads us to keep
his commandments (1 John 5:2, 2 John 1:6). We should fear
God because he can put us in hell (Matt 10:28, Luke 12:5,
Heb 10:31). See here.
Hate vs. love: If you hate your brother you are a murderer and
cannot love God (John 3:15, 4:20). You must be willing to
hate your brother (and your family) to be a follower of
Jesus (Luke 14:26). See here.
Should one enjoy the pleasures of this life, the wealth that one
has accumulated? Yes say Deut 7:12ff, 8:7-18 (wealth comes
from God), Eccl 3:13, 22, 5:18-20, 8:15, 9:7-9, 10:19, Prov
3:9-10, 16-17, 10:15. No, say Eccl 4:6, 8, 5:12-17, Matt
6:19-21, 13:12, 19:16-24, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 6:20, 24,
16:19-31 (parable of Rich Man and Lazarus), 21:1-4. Note how many of these come from non-absolute proverbial literature. Other than that, those in the "no" category warn not against enjoyment per se but abuse and overconfidence.
Sex/Marriage: God's first words to Adam are the command to
multiply (Gen 1:28). It is not good for the man to be alone
(Gen 2:18). But any sexual activity causes uncleanness, as
does childbirth (Ex 19:15, Lev 12, 15:16-18). See here. As if sex was the only point to marriage? The
conception of a child is sin (Ps 51:5). See here -- how our man gets this idea is beyond me. Better alone than
with a cantankerous woman (Prov 19:9, 25:24). Note that these comes from non-absolute proverbial literature. Paul says to
avoid marriage and sex (1 Cor 7:1, 8, 37). But it is better
to marry than to burn (v. 9). See here.
Eunuchs: They are unworthy to enter the congregation (Deut
23:1). But they are worthy to enter heaven (Matt 19:12) and
they will have a special place there (Isaiah 56:3-5). See here to get the point. Note that the ones in Deut. are people who castrated themselves out of devotion to a pagan deity, which is not what the last two categories are.
Is all scripture inspired of God? 2 Tim 3:16 says yes, but Paul
says some of his words in the Bible are not (2 Cor 11:17, 1
Cor 7:6, 12, 25). See here. The scriptures do not bring salvation
(John 5:39). Are there any who are righteous? No (1 Kings 8:46, Mark 10:18,
Rom 3:10, 23, Ps 14:3, 1 John 1:8-10). Paul says he is the
chief sinner (1 Tim 1:15). But James 5:16 says yes (also
Gen 7:1, Job 1:1, 8, 2:3, Luke 1:5-6, 15:7). Ezek 18 lists
what one must do to be "just" (=righteous?). God only pro-
tects the righteous (1 Pet 3:12), although Jesus died both
for the just and the unjust (3:18). True Christians do not
sin (1 John 3:6-9). A man of God is perfect (2 Tim 3:17).
Noah was perfect (Gen 6:9).See here and here. 2 Tim 3:17 is exhortational language.
Where is Satan? Chained in hell (2 Pet 2:4, Jude 6). These speak of angels, not Satan particularly. Walking
about in the earth (1 Pet 5:8 and Job 1:6-7; Job also says
he occasionally visits heaven). He is the god or prince of
this world (John 12:31, 2 Cor 4:4, Eph 6:12). He was "cast
out" at the time of Jesus (John 12:31). None of which is contradictory.
What is Hell? It is darkness (Lam 3:6, Ps 143:3, Job 10:22, Matt
8:12, 22:13, 25:30). It is the grave, Hebrew Sheol
or Gehenna, Greek Hades (Ps 16:10, Acts 2:27,
31, 32), inside the earth (Pr 15:24, Ps 86:13, Isa 44:23,
Eph 4:9), a "pit" (Ps 28:1, 30:3, Ezek 32:18), a place of
inactivity (Ps 6:5, Eccl 9:10, Isa 14:10, 38:18) and silence
(Ps 88:10, 94:17, 115:17). Everyone goes there (Pr 27:20,
Ezek 32:21), both soul and body (Job 14:22). It is the
"land of forgetfulness" (Ps 88:12) where there is no pain,
excitement, comfort or joy (Job 3:13-19, 17:16, 10:22).
Only the wicked go there (Matt 5:29ff, 10:28, Mark 9:43,
Luke 16:22-25). It destroys both soul and body (Matt
10:28). It is a place of torment, of "wailing and gnashing
of teeth," a "furnace" or "lake" of "fire" (Matt 3:12, 5:22,
13:42, 22:13, 24:51, 25:41, Luke 16:23, 2 Thess 1:8, Jude
1:7, Rev 16:10; and "brimstone" Rev 14:10, 20:14, 21:8)
which is "unquenchable" (Mark 9:43, 45, Isa 66:24). The
fire and its punishment are "everlasting" (Matt 25:41, 46, 2
Thess 1:9), whose purpose is to punish unbelievers while
Jesus and the angels watch (2 Thess 1:8, Jude 1:7, Rev
14:10). This pastiche is unaddressable as written since it doesn't explain what the alleged problems are. Most of these options are not mutually exclusive, and Sheol and Hell/Hades are not regarded as the same place.
Earth: It is everlasting (Gen 49:26, Deut 33:15, Ps 78:69,
104:5, Eccl 1:4, 3:14). It will be destroyed (Ps 102:25-26,
Isa 24:19, 65:17, Matt 5:18, 24:3, 6ff, 35, also Mark 13:31,
Luke 21:33, 2 Cor 5:17, 2 Pet 3:10-12, Rev 21:1, Heb 1:10-
11). Another barely addressable pastiche. Ps. 102, Mark 13:31, and similar phrases are statements like "when pigs fly" -- they speak impossibilities in order to make a comparisons. Is. 24:19 is "trash talk" language of war. Is. 65:17 speaks of refashioning, not destruction. Eschatological passages in the NT speak of the end of the age (time period), not world; see here.
Whose is the Earth? Satan's (John 12:31, 14:30, 2 Cor 4:4, Eph
6:12). Jesus' (1 Cor 10:26, Rev 1:5). God's (Ex 9:29,
19:5, Deut 10:14, Ps 24:1, 50:12, 89:11). Mankind's (Ps
115:16). The references to Satan do not speak of him owning the earth but the world system and orientation. In the NT God passes stewardship of the Earth to Jesus -- not that the "God" cites are from the OT. The Psalm cite does not connote ownership but "given for use and habitation".
Was Jesus the first to rise from the dead? Acts 26:23 says yes.
Contra: 1 Kings 17:17-22 (Elijah raises a dead child), 2
Kings 4:32-35 (Elisha raises the son of a Shunammite woman),
2 Kings 13:21 (Elisha's bones revive a dead man), 1 Sam
28:7-15 (Saul calls up Samuel), Luke 9:28-30 (Moses and
Elijah come back at the Transfiguration), Matt 9:18-25
(Jesus raises Jairus' daughter), Luke 7:11-15 (Jesus raises
widow's son), John 11:43-44 (Jesus raises Lazarus). Jesus
tells the parable of Lazarus, who is taken to heaven
("Abraham's bosom") at Luke 16:19ff (this indicates that
Abraham is already in heaven). Not one of the other cites involves a resurrection, which is a specific process of reconstitution of the body into immortality. See article here.
Should we "run"? 1 Cor 9:24 says yes. Rom 3:10 says no. See here.
Should we boast? No (Luke 18:9-14, Rom 11:20, 1 Pet 5:5). But
Paul boasts of his faith and says one should be proud of it
(Rom 15:17, 2 Cor 1:12, 2:14, 5:12, 11:17, Heb 3:6). Luke speaks of one boasting who has no grounds to do so; there is no condemnation of boasting of one's faith per se. Rom. 11:20 speaks of unbelief and says nothing of boasting. 1 Peter 5:5 speaks against pride and is the only verse that might qualify on this count. However, the word in Rom. 15:17 and 2 Cor. 1:12, 5:12 and Heb. 3:6 means "rejoice". 2:14 says nothing at all about boasting. On 11:17 see here.
Should we show our good works? Yes, say Matt 5:16, 1 Pet 2:12.
No, says Matt 6:1-4, 23:5 See here.
Should we abstain from eating flesh? Yes, if it offends, says
Paul (Rom 14:21). But let no one pass judgment on you in
matters of food and drink (Col 2:16, 1 Tim 4:3-4, see also
Gen 9:3). See here.
Should we worry about the future? No, say Matt 6:25-34, Luke
12:22-31. Yes, says Prov 14:8, 1 Tim 5:8. Note that Prov. 14:8 is from non-absolute proverbial literature. Otherwise see here.
Should we curse our enemies? Yes (Ps 35:1-9, 69:23-28, esp Ps
109, Esther, passim, Lam 3:65-66). The righteous rejoices
at vengeance (Ps 58:10-11). God destroys his enemies (Deut
7:9-10, Luke 19:27). Jesus curses his enemies (Matt 6:15,
12:34, 16:3, 22:18, 23:13-15, 17, 19, 27, 29, 33, Mark 7:6,
Luke 11:40, 44, 12:56). Paul curses his enemies (2 Tim
4:14). But Jesus says love your enemies (Matt 5:39, 44).
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls (Prov 24:16-18). But
shun Gentiles, Samaritans, non-believers (John 1:9-11, Matt
10:5). Another confused pastiche. See here on loving. Prov. 24 is a proverbial non-absolute. Shunning is not "cursing".
Should we please? Paul does (1 Cor 10:33) and Paul doesn't (Gal
1:10). See here.
Should we swear oaths? It appears acceptable in Num 30:2, Gen
21:23, 24, 31, 31:53, Matt 23:20-22, Heb 6:13. But Matt
5:34-35 forbids it. See here.
Should we call anybody a "fool"? Jesus says no, we would be in
danger of hell-fire (Matt 5:22). But he does so (Matt 7:26,
23:17, 19, 25:2, 38, Luke 11:40), and so does Paul (1 Cor
1:23, 3:18, 4:10, 15:36, Gal 3:1). See here.
Stealing: Is it always a sin? Yes (Ex 20:15, Lev 19:13). But
God told the Israelites it was all right to steal from
Egyptians (Ex 3:22, 12:35-36). No, he told them to ask them for reparations.
Killing: Is it always a sin? Yes, says Ex 20:13, Gen 9:5-6
(whoever sheds human blood will have his blood shed) etc.
But not if you kill your own slave (Ex 21:20-21). Or if God
commands the killing (as at Ex 82:27, 1 Sam 6:19, 15:2-3,
Num 15:36). There is "a time to kill" (Eccl 3:3). See here.
Sabbath: Must we keep it? Yes, under penalty of death (Ex 20:8,
31:15-17, 35:1-3, Jer 17:21-27, and many other passages).
No (Isa 1:13, Hos 2:11). Jesus did not keep it (Mark 2:27-
28, John 5:16, Math 12:1-8). Paul says commandment was not
permanent; decide for yourself (Rom 14:5, Col 2:16). See here.
Slavery: Is it all right to own slaves? Yes (Lev 25:45-46, Gen
9:25, Ex 21:2,7, Joel 3:8, Luke 12:47, Col 3:22; see
"Slavery"). No, says Isa 58:6, Matt 23:10. Is. 58:6 refers to the sabbatical release of slaves. On the latter see here.
Prayer: Is it always effective? Yes, if you ask in faith (Matt
21:22 and Mark 11:24). Or if you ask in Jesus' name (John
14:4 and 16:23). Ask, and it will be given (Matt 7:7-8,
Luke 11:9-10). Yes, if you are a righteous man or keeping
the commandments (Prov 15:29, James 5:16, 1 John 3:22,
HUMAN SACRIFICE
God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22) See here.
ANIMAL SACRIFICE
One of the core elements of worship as required in the
Bible, especially in the Old Testament, is the sacrifice of
animals. It was so constant and pervasive that the temple at
Jerusalem must have been awash with blood, the carcasses of
dispatched victims, the bleating of waiting victims, and the
stench of the altar fires. As a whole, this is nothing but argument by outrage. Unless our man is a vegetarian and a member of PETA, we could just as well throw these same words back at him every time he gnaws into a hamburger or a roast beef sandwich: "One of the core elements of Packham's life is the eating of meat. It is so constant and pervasive that the slaughterhouse used to feed his family must have been awash with blood, the carcasses of dispatched victims, the bleating of waiting victims; and his house is filled with the stench of the charcoal grill fires." The sacrificial animals mostly went to feed the Levites and the people, so what exactly is the complaint? Much of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy is devoted to the details of the manner in which the animals are to be slaughtered, their parts distributed, burnt, smeared and eaten. Hmm, does Packham have any of those disgusting recipe books around the house that are "devoted to the details of the manner in which the animals' parts are to be burnt, smeared, and eaten"? Hypocrite, if so. Beyond that, if he doesn't like the details, no one is forcing him to read them. Such details were of extreme importance in an era when precise rituals set an example of order in a world where chaos and anarchy was constantly on the doorstep. In any event we will delete two of his whines about this, taking it to be refuted by the above; one does require a special note:
WAR
(see also Genocide and Slaughter)
GENOCIDE AND SLAUGHTER
Genocide was a tool used by God to further the interests of
his chosen people. None of what was done fits the definition of genocide -- see here. It is not usually clear what the exterminated
peoples had done to deserve annihilation, other than being in the
way of the Israelites or worshipping a different god. A little spin-doctoring. That "worshipping a different god" involved such pleasantries as child sacrifice, which he has already condemned. More in link above and those below.
CRUELTY, BARBARITY, VIOLENCE
(See also Genocide and Slaughter,
Cannibalism, Abuse of Women)
DECEIT, TREACHERY
Jacob and his mother deceive dying Isaac so that Jacob
receives the birthright blessing. This deception is how the
Israelites (the descendents of Jacob) become God's chosen
people, i.e., God honors the deceit (Gen 27). True enough, because Esau gave away the store voluntarily.
LYING
(See also Deceit, Treachery. For
examples of God's lies, see About God.)
INCEST
Incest is prohibited (Gen 35:22, 49:3-4, Lev 18:8, Deut
27:20). As above we cut examples where the act is merely reported, as with Lot.
POLYGAMY, CONCUBINAGE
For this section we merely refer the reader here and note that while there is reported excess (Solomon) this is yet another one of those "what's the problem with honest reprtage" deals. One exception:
PROSTITUTION
Abraham prostitutes his wife to Pharaoh and to Abimelech so
that he will be allowed to pass safely (Gen 12:11-20, 20:1-
16). See above link.
ABUSE OF WOMEN, WOMAN'S INFERIORITY
The Bible holds women in an inferior position, as property. False. See Miller's series here. Items covered by this article are maked with a *** below.
See also Prostitution, Polygamy, Abandonment of
Wife
ABANDONMENT OF WIFE, CHILDREN, FAMILY
HYPOCRISY
HOMOSEXUALITY
EXTORTION
CANNIBALISM
SLAVERY
Most Bible translations use the English word "servant" to
translate the Hebrew or Greek words which really meant "slave."
For all of these we merely refer the reader to the articles here.
DRUNKENNESS
RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE, CLOSED MINDS
is used as a source!
OBSCENE, OFFENSIVE, INDECENT, EROTIC PASSAGES
ABOUT GOD
See also Punishments, War, Contradictions
about God 
See here.
PUNISHMENTS
GENERAL PRINCIPLES, LAWS:
For many offences the punishment is to be "cut off." This
sometimes means death (e.g. Ex 31:14, Lev 20:2-3, Deut 18:10-12),
but sometimes it is apparently only banishment from Israel. Not quite. See here.
PARTICULAR EXAMPLES OF GOD'S PUNISHMENTS:
CONTRADICTIONS
(see also Historical
Inaccuracy)
NUMERICAL CONTRADICTIONS
See Biblical
Errancy, issue #23 Better yet, see below.
Benjamin had not been born yet., and in
Chronicles both halves of the tribe of Manasseh are counted
(1 Chron 2-3; 6:54-80). So? It's one tribe. Some lists mention only ten tribes
(Deut 33:6 ff; 2 Sam 19:43); one gives eleven tribes (1
Kings 11:31); and in Gen 46:48 ff there are thirteen. The former are likely scribal errors. Gen. 46 ends long before 48 verses.
GENEALOGICAL CONTRADICTIONS
CONTRADICTIONS IN DETAILS OF EVENTS - OLD TESTAMENT
4:20 specifically says they were taken OUT of the Jordan.
CONTRADICTIONS IN DETAILS OF EVENTS - NEW TESTAMENT
CONTRADICTORY DOCTRINE, COMMANDMENTS
Guess our man never thought of the idea of one partner converting after they were married.
Of course they don't. Believing what they say does.