Contradictions and Paradoxes in Deuteronomy 12:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Deuteronomy 12:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Deuteronomy 12:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God wanted His people to remove all the things and places where other people worshiped false gods. This was to help them focus only on worshiping the true God and not be tempted by other beliefs.

Deuteronomy 12:3: And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. [overthrow: Heb. break down]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Deuteronomy 12:3 calls for destruction of places of idol worship, while Matthew 5:44 teaches love and kindness towards enemies, contradicting the notion of destruction.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:17-21

Deuteronomy 12:3 promotes destruction of pagan places, but Romans 12:17-21 advises not to repay evil for evil and to live peaceably with all, suggesting a peaceful approach.

Romans 12:17-21: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Contradiction with Matthew 7:1

Deuteronomy 12:3 involves judging and destroying what is considered idolatrous, whereas Matthew 7:1 advises against judging others.

Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Paradox #1

Deuteronomy 12:3 talks about destroying pagan worship sites, which some see as conflicting with the idea of religious tolerance and the commandment to love one's neighbor. Critics argue this could promote violence against differing beliefs, contrasting with messages of compassion and peace found elsewhere in the Bible.

Paradox #2

The potential contradiction in Deuteronomy 12:3 could relate to the command to destroy religious sites of other faiths. This might conflict with teachings in the New Testament that emphasize love, tolerance, and understanding towards others, such as loving one's neighbor and praying for one's enemies. This reflects a shift from Old Testament practices to the New Testament's focus on love and forgiveness.

Paradox #3

Deuteronomy 12:3 talks about destroying places of worship and idols from other religions. A contradiction might arise because archaeological evidence suggests that ancient Israelites sometimes adopted practices or idols from neighboring cultures rather than completely destroying them, as instructed in the verse. This inconsistency between the biblical text and historical findings can be seen as a conflict.

Paradox #4

The contradiction in this verse could be the call to destroy religious symbols and places of other beliefs, which conflicts with principles of religious tolerance and freedom. It might seem inconsistent with the idea of respecting others' beliefs and promoting peaceful coexistence.

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