Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
While Deuteronomy 13:13 may be seen as advocating for punishment of idolaters, Matthew 5:44, which says "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you..." promotes love and prayer for those who are considered enemies, presenting a contradiction in response vs. punishment.
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
Deuteronomy 13:13 implies taking action against idolaters, whereas Romans 12:19, which states "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord," contradicts this by saying that vengeance belongs to God, not humans.
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 John 16:2
Deuteronomy 13:13 could be read as supporting the punishment of certain people, while John 16:2 suggests, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." This suggests a contradiction by portraying acts done in God's service as misinformed or wrongful.
John 16:2: They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:1-2
Deuteronomy 13:13 suggests judging and acting against idolaters, but Matthew 7:1-2 commands, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged," which offers a contradictory counsel against judgment.
Matthew 7:1-2: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Contradiction with James 1:20
The call for taking harsh actions in Deuteronomy 13:13 may contrast with James 1:20, which says, "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God," implying human wrath cannot achieve divine justice.
James 1:20: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 13:13 involves dealing with people who lead others to worship other gods. A potential contradiction could arise when comparing this idea to themes of forgiveness and love found in the New Testament, where the emphasis is often on loving enemies and turning the other cheek rather than harsh punishments. This could seem inconsistent with the harsher Old Testament approach.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 13:13 talks about people trying to lead others to worship other gods, which could cause conflict or inconsistency when considering religious pluralism and the idea that multiple religious truths can coexist. This verse might be seen as advocating exclusivity and intolerance toward other beliefs, contradicting the more modern emphasis on religious freedom and coexistence.
Paradox #3
Some people might find a contradiction in the idea that the verse promotes severe punishment for those who lead others away from certain beliefs, which can clash with ideas about forgiveness, free will, and respecting different beliefs. While some might see it as maintaining community harmony, others could view it as conflicting with the principles of mercy and acceptance.