Contradiction with Matthew 23:23
Matthew 23:23 contradicts Matthew 15:2 by emphasizing the importance of maintaining justice, mercy, and faith over ritualistic traditions, whereas Matthew 15:2 highlights a concern for adherence to traditions.
Matthew 23:23: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. [anise: Gr. dill]
Contradiction with Colossians 2:8
Colossians 2:8 warns against being taken captive by human traditions, contrasting with Matthew 15:2's focus on following the tradition of elders.
Colossians 2:8: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [rudiments: or, elements] [make a prey: or, seduce you, or, lead you astray]
Contradiction with Mark 7:8
Mark 7:8 criticizes the abandonment of God's commandments for the sake of human traditions, conflicting with the adherence to traditions mentioned in Matthew 15:2.
Mark 7:8: For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Contradiction with Isaiah 29:13
Isaiah 29:13 speaks against honoring God with lips while hearts are far removed, highlighting a critique against mere traditional practice as seen in Matthew 15:2.
Isaiah 29:13: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Paradox #1
The moral conflict in "Matthew 15:2" arises from the question of tradition versus commandment. The verse highlights the tension between adhering to human traditions and following divine commandments. It suggests that focusing too much on man-made rules may lead to neglecting the core principles of faith. This can cause confusion about what should take priority in moral and spiritual practice.