Contradiction with Matthew 5:29
Emphasizes cutting off body parts to prevent sin, similar to Mark 9:43, supporting rather than contradicting it.
Matthew 5:29: And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. [offend...: or, do cause thee to offend]
Contradiction with Romans 12:1
Encourages presenting your body as a living sacrifice, focusing on holistic service, not self-harm.
Romans 12:1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
States that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, suggesting preservation rather than mutilation.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Contradiction with Ephesians 5:29
Advises nourishing and cherishing the body, contrasting with cutting it off.
Ephesians 5:29: For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Contradiction with Colossians 2:23
Warns against self-imposed harsh treatment of the body, contradicting self-mutilation.
Colossians 2:23: Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. [neglecting: or, punishing, or, not sparing]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:8
Prioritizes godliness over bodily discipline, indicating spiritual focus over physical harm.
1 Timothy 4:8: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. [little: or, for a little time]
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction with Mark 9:43 is the tension between the literal interpretation of self-harm and the broader biblical message of the body as God's creation, which should be respected and cared for. Some people may find it inconsistent with the idea that human bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should not be harmed.
Paradox #2
One contradiction related to this verse is the literal interpretation versus the symbolic or metaphorical approach. Some people argue that taking this verse literally, as advocating self-harm, conflicts with the broader biblical message against harming oneself and the belief in the body as a temple of God. This creates tension between interpreting the passage literally versus understanding it as a metaphor for avoiding sinful behavior.
Paradox #3
The contradiction might be the implication that physical actions, like removing a body part, could influence one's moral or spiritual state. Science suggests morality is a product of the brain and social factors, not physical attributes.
Paradox #4
This verse might raise moral questions about the extreme measures it suggests to avoid sin. It could be seen as conflicting with the idea of forgiveness and redemption, as it emphasizes self-harm over seeking change or healing. This may seem inconsistent with other teachings that promote love and understanding.