Contradiction with Genesis 1:31
This verse says that God saw everything He made and "it was very good," which contradicts the idea of certain animals being unclean as stated in Exodus 22:31.
Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. [And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.]
Contradiction with Acts 10:15
This verse says, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common," contradicting the unclean distinction in Exodus 22:31.
Acts 10:15: And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.
Contradiction with Mark 7:18-19
These verses state that nothing outside a person can defile them, contradicting the dietary restrictions implied in Exodus 22:31.
Mark 7:18-19: Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
Contradiction with Romans 14:14
This verse states that nothing is unclean in itself, contradicting the assertion in Exodus 22:31 about unclean animals.
Romans 14:14: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean. [unclean: Gr. common]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:4-5
These verses indicate that every creature of God is good and nothing is to be refused if received with thanksgiving, contradicting Exodus 22:31's implication about unclean animals.
1 Timothy 4:4-5: For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
Paradox #1
Exodus 22:31 might raise questions regarding dietary laws and purity. Some people could see a contradiction between the demand for holiness and the practical instruction related to consuming certain foods or dealing with animals that have died naturally. This can appear inconsistent with more detailed dietary laws found elsewhere in the Bible.
Paradox #2
Exodus 22:31 instructs people on maintaining purity and holiness. A potential doctrinal conflict could arise when considering New Testament teachings that emphasize inner spiritual purity over adherence to strict dietary or ceremonial laws, such as in Mark 7:18-19, where Jesus declares all foods clean. Therefore, the Old Testament emphasis on specific physical purity can seem inconsistent with the New Testament's focus on internal spiritual matters.
Paradox #3
Exodus 22:31 states that people should be holy and not eat meat torn by wild animals. The contradiction here can arise when comparing it to other parts of the Bible where dietary laws differ. For example, in the New Testament, such as in Mark 7:18-19, Jesus declares all foods clean, which conflicts with the Old Testament's dietary restrictions. This shows a shift in religious teachings about what is considered holy or acceptable to eat.
Paradox #4
Exodus 22:31 could be seen as having a contradiction or conflict when considering the rules and customs imposed compared to modern values around animal rights and ethical treatment. Back then, instructions were given based on survival and community purity, but today they might clash with contemporary ethical views about animals.