Contradiction with Matthew 5:14-16
Encourages believers to be in the world and be a light, contradicting with the idea of coming out and being separate.
Matthew 5:14-16: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Contradiction with John 17:15
Jesus prays not for believers to be taken out of the world but to be protected from evil, contradicting with the call to separate.
John 17:15: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 5:10
Acknowledges the necessity of associating with non-believers to an extent, contradicting the call to be separate.
1 Corinthians 5:10: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
Contradiction with Mark 16:15
Instructs believers to go into all the world to preach the gospel, contradicting the notion of separating from non-believers.
Mark 16:15: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Contradiction with Luke 7:34
Jesus, described as a friend of sinners, suggests engagement rather than separation from them.
Luke 7:34: The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction could be the balance between separating from non-believers while also being called to love and engage with them. On one hand, the verse advises separation for purity, but on the other hand, Christian doctrine often emphasizes outreach and connection with the world. Finding the right balance can sometimes seem inconsistent.
Paradox #2
One potential contradiction with 2 Corinthians 6:17 could be the tension between the call to separate from non-believers and the principle of loving and accepting all people. While the verse encourages distance from influences considered unholy, other teachings in Christianity emphasize love, outreach, and acceptance of others regardless of their beliefs. This can create a conflict between maintaining religious purity and showing unconditional love and inclusion.