Contradiction with Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, implying freedom from judgment, which contradicts the directive to mortify sinful behaviors in Colossians 3:5.
Romans 8:1: [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:28
Jesus teaches that even looking with lust is equivalent to committing adultery, which emphasizes inner transformation, while Colossians 3:5 focuses on external actions.
Matthew 5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful unto me, but not all things are expedient, suggesting permissible freedom, contrasting the strict 'mortify your members' instruction in Colossians 3:5.
1 Corinthians 6:12: All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. [expedient: or, profitable]
Contradiction with Galatians 5:16
Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh, emphasizing living by the Spirit rather than actively 'mortifying' sinful actions as stated in Colossians 3:5.
Galatians 5:16: [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [ye...: or, fulfil not]
Paradox #1
Colossians 3:5 advises against indulging in earthly desires and immoral behaviors. A potential scientific conflict could come from the concept of human behavior being driven by biological and psychological factors. While science often seeks to understand and sometimes justify human desires and actions as natural or evolved traits, this verse frames certain desires as inherently negative and to be avoided. This could be seen as inconsistent with scientific efforts to study and understand human nature in a value-neutral way.
Paradox #2
Colossians 3:5 advises people to avoid earthly desires and immoral behavior. A potential contradiction could arise if the cultural or religious interpretations of what constitutes "earthly desires" or "immoral behavior" vary significantly, leading to different applications of the advice. This could result in conflicts between personal freedoms and religious teachings.