Does the Bible contradict itself (Boston, MA)

Does the Bible contradict itself

Please read the two following verses. They certainly appear to contradict each other. What say you Exodus 20 12 Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (The first commandment with an obvious promise). Luke 14 26 If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be my disciple. It appears on the surface to be a contradiction in the above 2 verses. Where does the problem actually lie The word hate in Luke 14 26 above has been translated into English wrong. In the original language of Greek it means (mis-eh -o) from a primary m sos (hatred) to detest (especially to persecute) by extension to love less hate(-ful). This is Greek word G3404 in a Strong s Exhaustive Concordance. When compared to verse Matthew 10 37 it seems that the word hate would have been better translated to love less in the English language. By the way the Bible was not originally written in the English language. It was originally written in Hebrew Greek and Chaldean. It can be a big complex and deeply misunderstood book if you choose not to study it properly. It was written over a period of 1 500 years by up to 40 authors. It was written in at least three different languages. To make matters more complicated it has been translated a myriad of times through the last few thousand years and has suffered the unfortunate treatment of being altered along the way by some of its translators. Many (especially atheists) have enthusiastically pointed out numerous glaring contradictions in its pages. In the midst of all this we confidently proclaim the Bible is the inspired and harmonious word of God See 2 Timothy 3 16 in a KJV Bible. Who is right Is the Bible contradictory or can each and every contradiction be explained Yes especially if you know how to study and give the definition of each word in the original language properly.I encourage you to study the Bible yourself cover to cover book by book chapter by chapter verse by verse [Luke 4 4 by every word of God not just some]. Don t omit any part of it. Study to gain understanding it will come eventually. Use the tools available today such as the [Strong s Exhaustive Concordance] Smith s Bible dictionary Companion Bible by E.W. Bullinger etc. [Check out the meaning of each key word in each verse]. See 1 Timothy 4 13 [study His doctrine till He returns]. The bottom line for us as Christians is the Bible IS God s word. It is harmonious from Genesis through Revelation and its details as they were originally delivered are in complete agreement on every level with no contradiction as some suppose. Food for thought Throughout the centuries mankind has pondered the meaning of life. Those of all cultures and creeds have wondered why we are here. This without doubt is the most fundamental question ever asked. After thousands of years of history and increase of knowledge the answer outside of Christianity still eludes him. The religious books of many of the world s religions written by learned men contain their own thoughts on the meaning of life. Many of their writings have noble thoughts and aspirations. Some teach hatred against those who are opposed to their beliefs. All this wealth of information which is readily available can be confusing for a seeker after truth. No doubt many have given up the quest in confusion Some may have dipped into the Bible and waded through long and tiresome genealogies and given up in despair.Let it be said it is not a good approach to open a Bible with closed eyes and stick a pin in whatever page happens to open. What most people fail to realize including many Christians is that there is a theme running throughout the Scriptures a plan a master plan for this human race. This book differs in one major respect from all other religious writings. What is this major difference this essential something which lifts it way above all other writings It is that every writer was inspired by the Holy Spirit to set down all that they had been shown.Attacking the authority of Scripture is nothing new for men of learning have made it their prime target throughout the centuries. It is noteworthy that they seldom if ever turn their attention to cast doubts upon the holy books of other faiths. Could it be that Satan who knows full well the truth of the Bible doesn t need to worry about the others This is a serious thought worthy of consideration.