Contradiction with Exodus 23:19
This verse instructs not to boil a young goat in its mother's milk, emphasizing separation from pagan practices, while Mark 5:13 involves sending unclean spirits into swine, leading to their destruction, suggesting interaction and consequence.
Exodus 23:19: The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Contradiction with Proverbs 12:10
This verse states that a righteous man cares for the life of his beast, while Mark 5:13 involves the drowning of swine, which could be seen as lacking concern for animals.
Proverbs 12:10: A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel. [tender...: or, bowels]
Contradiction with Genesis 1:28
God gives humans dominion over animals, implying stewardship, while Mark 5:13 depicts the destruction of a large herd of swine.
Genesis 1:28: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [moveth: Heb. creepeth]
Contradiction with Matthew 6:26
Here, Jesus speaks of God's care for birds, contrasting with Mark 5:13 where a herd of swine is destroyed.
Matthew 6:26: Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:9
Suggests that humans make plans but God directs steps, whereas in Mark 5:13, Jesus directly commands the outcome of the swine incident.
Proverbs 16:9: A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Paradox #1
Theological concerns with this verse might relate to the fate of the animals involved and the implications of Jesus permitting their destruction. Some might question why a compassionate figure would allow harm to animals, raising questions about the treatment of creation. Additionally, it might be seen as inconsistent with the notion of a benevolent deity who values all living beings. However, these interpretations can vary greatly among different theological perspectives.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a conflict in Mark 5:13 with modern views on animal welfare. The verse describes an event where pigs are harmed, which may raise questions about the treatment of animals in religious texts compared to contemporary values that emphasize animal rights and compassion.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in the event is the idea of spirits entering into and controlling animals, which goes against our understanding of animal behavior and biology. Science does not support the existence of spiritual entities being able to possess or control living creatures.
Paradox #4
Some people might see a moral conflict in the act of Jesus allowing the demons to enter a herd of pigs, leading to their deaths. This raises questions about the value of animal life and whether it was right for the animals to suffer as part of the exorcism.