Contradiction with Leviticus 11:46-47
These verses detail animals that are clean and unclean, suggesting dietary restrictions that seem more stringent than the idea in Deuteronomy 12:20 which allows unrestricted consumption of meat as one's heart desires.
Leviticus 11:46-47: This [is] the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
Contradiction with Genesis 1:29
This verse specifies a plant-based diet given by God, which can be viewed as contradicting the allowance for consumption of meat as outlined in Deuteronomy 12:20.
Genesis 1:29: And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. [bearing...: Heb. seeding seed] [yielding...: Heb. seeding seed]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 4:14
Here, a prophet claims to have never eaten defiled meat, implying adherence to a stricter set of dietary laws than the apparent freedom mentioned in Deuteronomy 12:20.
Ezekiel 4:14: Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
Contradiction with Isaiah 65:4
This verse criticizes eating swine's flesh, which can be seen as in opposition to the broader permission to consume meat in Deuteronomy 12:20.
Isaiah 65:4: Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels; [broth: or, pieces]
Contradiction with Romans 14:21
Advises abstaining from meat if it causes a brother to stumble, suggesting moral or community considerations limit the freedom presented in Deuteronomy 12:20.
Romans 14:21: [It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Paradox #1
The potential theological inconsistency with Deuteronomy 12:20 could lie in the dietary laws. This verse suggests that people can eat meat whenever they desire, which might seem to contradict earlier restrictions on eating certain animals or practices, such as the distinction between clean and unclean animals outlined in other laws. This could lead to confusion about whether new permissions override previous rules.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in that context could be the shift from dietary restrictions mentioned earlier in the Torah, as Deuteronomy 12:20 appears to broaden the permission for eating meat. Previously, there were stricter rules about consuming meat only within specific sacrificial contexts. This change might reflect a different social or historical context over time.
Paradox #3
This bible verse might seem to contradict dietary laws mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. While some parts of the Bible outline strict dietary restrictions, this verse allows more freedom in eating certain meats. This can feel inconsistent, as one part suggests strict rules and another offers more flexibility.