Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, contrasting with the command to destroy others' altars and idols.
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 12:18
Advises living peaceably with all men, which contradicts the aggressive action of destroying foreign religious sites.
Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:32-33
Paul advises not to offend others, including Jews, Gentiles, or the church of God, contrasting with the destruction of religious symbols of other communities.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33: Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: [Gentiles: Gr. Greeks]
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
Encourages loving enemies and doing good to those who hate you, which contradicts the act of destroying.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" may conflict with actions leading to violence against those practicing other religions.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:1
Advises not to judge others, contrasting with taking action against their religious practices.
Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Speaks about not learning war anymore, which contrasts with the destructive actions commanded in Deuteronomy.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 7:5 might be seen as inconsistent with later biblical teachings about love, tolerance, and forgiveness. It talks about actions against other groups that contradict the idea of loving your neighbor and being peaceful, which are central themes in other parts of the Bible, like the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 7:5 might seem to conflict with teachings about love and acceptance in the Bible, especially those in the New Testament, where Jesus emphasizes loving your neighbor and enemies. The actions instructed in this verse could appear harsh or intolerant compared to these later teachings of compassion and forgiveness.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 7:5 instructs the Israelites to destroy the religious symbols and places of worship of other nations. A contradiction or inconsistency here could be related to the broader biblical narrative that includes messages of peace and coexistence found in other parts of the Bible. This might seem inconsistent with the directive to destroy and show intolerance towards other religions.
Paradox #4
Deuteronomy 7:5 instructs the Israelites to destroy religious symbols and altars of other nations, which can be seen as conflicting with moral teachings about tolerance and respecting different beliefs. This contrast can raise questions about reconciling such actions with modern values of religious freedom and coexistence.