Contradiction with Mark 7:18-19
These verses suggest that Jesus declared all foods clean, which contradicts Leviticus 11:3 which distinguishes clean animals.
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 Acts 10:13-15
God tells Peter that what He has cleansed should not be called common, contradicting the dietary restrictions in Leviticus 11:3.
Acts 10:13-15: And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
Contradiction with Romans 14:14
Paul states that no food is unclean in itself, which contradicts the dietary laws stated in Leviticus 11:3.
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
This verse declares every creature of God is good and not to be refused if received with thanksgiving, contradicting the dietary distinctions in Leviticus 11:3.
1 Timothy 4:4: For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction or conflict related to Leviticus 11:3 could involve dietary laws and their application to Christians. In the Old Testament, certain animals are deemed clean for consumption, which creates a specific dietary guideline. However, in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 10 and other passages, there is an indication that these restrictions are lifted for Christians, suggesting a change or inconsistency in the dietary laws between the two parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
The doctrinal conflict with Leviticus 11:3 might relate to dietary laws given to the Israelites that are not followed by many Christians today. In the New Testament, passages like Mark 7:18-19 and Acts 10:15 suggest that dietary restrictions were set aside, leading to differences in practice between the Old and New Testaments. This can cause confusion or debate about which rules are applicable for Christians today.
Paradox #3
The conflict arises from scientific knowledge about animals. The verse categorizes animals based on specific physical characteristics like chewing the cud and having divided hooves. However, some animals do not fit neatly into these ancient categories according to modern biological understanding, leading to inconsistencies or misunderstandings about which animals are clean or unclean.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in the verse from Leviticus 11:3 involves the description of animals that are considered clean or unclean based on specific criteria. Modern scientific understanding of animals and their classifications does not align with the criteria used in this verse. There is no biological basis for categorizing animals strictly as clean or unclean according to the criteria mentioned, such as chewing the cud and having divided hooves, which is more of a cultural or religious categorization than a scientific one.
Paradox #5
Certain animals are considered acceptable to eat in this verse, which can conflict with later teachings that emphasize different principles, like love and acceptance, over strict dietary rules. This can lead to inconsistency in interpretation about what is more important: following dietary laws or living by broader ethical teachings.