Contradiction with Genesis 9:11
This verse describes God's covenant to never again destroy all life with a flood, while Genesis 19:25 describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, another act of widespread destruction.
Genesis 9:11: And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse teaches love for enemies, whereas Genesis 19:25 depicts the complete destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
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 2 Peter 3:9
This verse speaks of God's patience and desire for all to repent, contrasting with the sudden destruction described in Genesis 19:25.
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 Ezekiel 18:23
God expresses no pleasure in the death of the wicked, seemingly contradicting the destruction in Genesis 19:25.
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 John 3:17
This verse says God sent His son into the world not to condemn it, contrasting with the act of condemnation in Genesis 19:25.
John 3:17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Paradox #1
Genesis 19:25 describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Some people see a potential contradiction with the idea of a compassionate and forgiving God. If God is merciful, why would entire cities be destroyed, including all their inhabitants? Others reconcile this by arguing that the destruction was a form of divine justice due to the cities' extreme wickedness.
Paradox #2
The verse describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which might be seen as inconsistent with later biblical themes of mercy and forgiveness. In some parts of the Bible, God is portrayed as offering chances for repentance and showing compassion, while this event shows a severe and immediate punishment. This could be seen as a contradiction in how God's nature and actions are presented across different contexts.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction could be the implication of a sudden and complete destruction event affecting an entire region. Such an event would require a catastrophic natural disaster, where evidence in geological and archaeological records should exist. So far, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such an event happening at the scale described.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict could arise from the destruction of entire cities, including innocent people, which seems harsh and challenges the belief in a loving and merciful God. This act may appear inconsistent with other teachings about compassion and forgiveness.