Reconciling Biblical Variances
In the Bible, one can find statements that at first glance seem contradictory, but upon closer examination often prove explainable in terms of different perceptions and descriptions of the same event by different authors.
For example, one of the cases mentioned in the text from file link txt concerns the account of who exactly carried the cross. One evangelist notes that Christ himself carried the cross, while another indicates that Simon of Cyrene took up the cross after Christ. This is not a true contradiction, as it describes two consecutive stages of the same event: first Christ, then Simon continued the journey. In other words, both authors provide an accurate description that reflects different moments of the same situation.
Another perspective, presented in the material from file link txt, asserts that many so-called contradictions in the Bible arise not from errors in the transmission of divine revelation, but from differences in witness testimonies. The evangelists described events based on various sources and eyewitness accounts, naturally leading to minor discrepancies in details that do not affect the core truths of doctrine.
It is also worth noting the stance set out in file link txt, which claims that some deeply ingrained contradictions are perceived as unsolvable paradoxes of existence. These paradoxes are seen not as errors, but as reflections of a nondual unity that constitutes the essence of religious revelation.
Equally important is the observation from file link txt, which highlights discrepancies between the Greek text and the Hebrew manuscripts. Such differences arise because of the peculiarities of translation and interpretation, making it necessary to consider both sources for a complete understanding of the text.
Finally, the author from file link txt emphasizes that apparent contradictions are often the result of human perception and the limitations of understanding. If errors do occur, they tend to happen at the level of interpretation or in the copying of texts (for example, discrepancies related to the subjective memory of the authors), rather than stemming from inherent inconsistencies in the Scripture itself.
Thus, many apparent contradictions in the Bible can be explained by differences in testimony transmissions, genre-specific nuances, and the human factor without affecting the integrity of the main religious message.
Supporting citation(s):
"And so that you know what it means – to speak differently, and what it means – to speak contradictorily, I will give examples: one of the evangelists said that Christ carried the cross, and another – that Simon of Cyrene; ... So that you do not think that it happened to him for some necessity or by coercion from anyone internally compelling him, the Scripture shows you that, as one, on the cross he did not leave behind his former impurity, so that you know that the other became better, changing voluntarily and of his own accord with the help of God’s grace." (source: link txt)
"The presence of contradictions in the Bible could be significant for denying its divine inspiration, but not for resolving the question of God's existence. ... The vast majority of these so-called contradictions are either invented or conditioned by a simple misunderstanding of the text and the causes of discrepancies." (source: link txt)
"These contradictions are indeed profound, and therefore they are seen only by those capable of looking into the mysterious depths of being. ... The meaning of Christianity, the meaning of the great religion, is that it experiences and resolves the deepest contradictions, the deepest tragedies of existence." (source: link txt)
"For the Church the Greek text is paramount. ... And this interpretation is not accidental, for in the Bible the Messiah and Israel are inextricably linked. Since discrepancies appear both in the Greek text and in the Hebrew manuscripts, it is important to consider both texts for a complete understanding." (source: link txt)
"The contradictions in the Bible are mere apparent contradictions. ... When someone in my presence, not only from among simple sectarians but also so-called intellectuals educated in secular literature, begins with such confidence to accuse the Bible of inconsistency, he gives me the impression that ... he has not the slightest understanding of the depths of religious knowledge." (source: link txt)