Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
While Deuteronomy 12:31 describes the abominable practices, including child sacrifice, it contradicts with the commandment "Thou shalt not kill," which underscores the sanctity of life.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Deuteronomy 12:31 speaks of abhorrent practices to deities, whereas this verse contradicts by advocating love and prayer for enemies, promoting compassion over hatred.
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 12:19
While Deuteronomy 12:31 involves acts driven by vengeance and appeasement of false gods, this verse contradicts by advising believers to avoid vengeance and leave wrath to God.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:18
Deuteronomy 12:31's practices involve harm to innocents, which contradicts the call to love one’s neighbor as oneself, promoting care and respect towards others.
Leviticus 19:18: Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.
Contradiction with Matthew 22:39
The child sacrifices in Deuteronomy 12:31 contradict the second greatest commandment to “love thy neighbour as thyself,” emphasizing love over violence.
Matthew 22:39: On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:17
The violent sacrifices mentioned contradict this verse's call to seek justice, correct oppression, and care for the vulnerable like orphans and widows.
Isaiah 1:17: Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. [relieve: or, righten]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 12:31 discusses prohibiting certain practices because they are detestable and are associated with other nations' worship. A potential contradiction or conflict could arise when considering other parts of the Bible that recount God commanding actions that might seem harsh or ruthless, such as the conquest narratives in Joshua. This raises questions about consistency in God's commands regarding violence and cultural practices. However, interpretations can vary widely, and some argue these commands should be understood in their specific historical or cultural context.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 12:31 speaks against adopting the worship practices of other nations, specifically those that include detestable acts. A potential doctrinal conflict could arise when comparing this verse to instances in the New Testament where cultural practices are adopted and reinterpreted by early Christians to spread the message of Christianity, such as Paul using the altar to an unknown god in Acts 17. This could seem inconsistent because one part of the Bible warns against adopting certain cultural practices, while another part shows using them to communicate and share the Christian message.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Deuteronomy 12:31 might stem from the Bible condemning certain violent and unethical practices among other cultures in that verse, while elsewhere in the Bible, similar acts of violence or harsh commands are described as being ordered or condoned by God. This inconsistency can lead to questions about why some actions are considered immoral for others but acceptable within certain biblical narratives.