Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse instructs to love your enemies, while Leviticus 20:23 emphasizes separation from others based on their customs.
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 Acts 10:34-35
These verses highlight that God shows no favoritism and accepts those from every nation who fear Him, conflicting with Leviticus 20:23's call for separation from nations based on customs.
Acts 10:34-35: Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
This verse emphasizes unity and equality among all people in Christ, contradicting Leviticus 20:23's separation based on customs.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Contradiction with Romans 14:13
This verse advises against judgment and division among others, while Leviticus 20:23 promotes distinguishing and setting apart from other nations.
Romans 14:13: Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Contradiction with James 2:8-9
These verses teach not to show partiality and to fulfill the royal law of loving your neighbor, differing from Leviticus 20:23's separation principle.
James 2:8-9: If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Paradox #1
Leviticus 20:23 might appear to conflict with other biblical messages about loving others and being inclusive. This verse speaks about rejecting the practices of certain nations, which can seem inconsistent with the broader biblical themes of love and acceptance for all people. However, some interpret these instructions as being specific to historical and cultural contexts rather than universal commands.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 20:23 talks about not following the customs of certain nations, which God found detestable. A potential conflict arises with historical accounts of cultural exchanges among ancient civilizations, where practices and traditions often blended. If the Israelites were influenced by or adopted customs from neighboring cultures, there might be inconsistencies between this warning and their historical interactions or similarities with neighboring groups.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this context might stem from the idea of cultural exclusivity versus universal acceptance. On one hand, it's about maintaining distinct cultural or religious practices, but on the other hand, it might conflict with the modern idea of embracing diversity and inclusivity of different customs and beliefs.