Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Deuteronomy 8:20 speaks of destruction for not heeding God, while Matthew 5:44 calls for loving enemies and doing good to those who persecute you, advocating for forgiveness rather than 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 Ezekiel 18:23
Deuteronomy 8:20 suggests consequences of destruction for disobedience, but Ezekiel 18:23 highlights God's desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live, not perish.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
Deuteronomy 8:20 conveys immediate destruction for disobedience, whereas 2 Peter 3:9 emphasizes God's patience, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Luke 9:56
Deuteronomy 8:20 implies destruction for nations not following God, while Luke 9:56 indicates that Jesus came not to destroy lives, but to save them.
Luke 9:56: For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.
Contradiction with James 2:13
Deuteronomy 8:20 centers on punishment, but James 2:13 teaches that mercy triumphs over judgment, focusing on leniency rather than retribution.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 8:20 speaks about consequences for not following God's commands, similar to what happened to other nations. A potential contradiction arises when comparing this with the New Testament message of forgiveness and grace through Jesus, which emphasizes mercy rather than punishment. This might seem inconsistent to some readers who see the Old Testament focusing more on justice and the New Testament on forgiveness.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 8:20 speaks about the consequences of not following God's commands, specifically indicating destruction. A potential doctrinal conflict could arise when comparing this to the New Testament teachings of love and forgiveness prevalent in Jesus's message, where emphasis is more on redemption and grace rather than destruction. This might seem inconsistent with the more forgiving aspects of Christianity.
Paradox #3
One contradiction that might arise with Deuteronomy 8:20 is its emphasis on the idea that nations are destroyed because they do not follow God's commands. In history, we see examples of nations and people who seem to flourish without following the same religious laws or who endure despite appearing to go against them. This might appear inconsistent with the idea that not following these specific commands would lead to destruction.
Paradox #4
Deuteronomy 8:20 might be seen as morally contradictory because it suggests that those who don't follow God's commands will face destruction, similar to other nations. This could conflict with the idea of a loving and forgiving God, as it may seem harsh or unforgiving to some. It raises questions about the balance between justice and mercy.