Contradiction with Matthew 5:29-30
These verses are not a direct contradiction but emphasize the same metaphorical language about removing parts of your body to avoid sin, which could be seen as reinforcing rather than contradicting.
Matthew 5:29-30: 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
Contradicts the idea of bodily mutilation by urging believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, emphasizing preservation, not destruction.
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
This passage contradicts the idea by stating that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, implying it should be honored and preserved rather than harmed.
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?
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction in taking this verse literally, as it suggests causing harm to oneself, which conflicts with the idea that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with care and respect. Others interpret it as a metaphorical call to avoid sin, emphasizing the importance of spiritual well-being over physical concerns.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction with the idea of God being loving and forgiving. Matthew 18:8 talks about taking drastic measures to avoid sin, which might seem harsh compared to teachings about forgiveness and mercy. This could appear inconsistent with the more compassionate messages found in other parts of the Bible. However, these verses can also be understood in the context of emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the commitment to holiness.
Paradox #3
This verse suggests harming oneself as a way to avoid sin, which contradicts modern medical and psychological understanding that self-harm is not a healthy or effective solution to personal or moral problems. Healthy coping mechanisms are encouraged instead.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in Matthew 18:8 is the extreme advice it gives about dealing with sin. It suggests drastic action against one's own body to avoid sin, which conflicts with the idea of treating the body with care and respect. This can be seen as inconsistent with the belief in forgiveness and redemption without the need for physical harm.