Contradiction with Leviticus 11:7-8
These verses declare certain animals, such as swine, unclean, contradicting Romans 14:20's notion of all food being pure.
Leviticus 11:7-8: And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he [is] unclean to you.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 14:3
This verse prohibits eating certain abominable things, conflicting with the statement in Romans 14:20 that all food is clean.
Deuteronomy 14:3: Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
Contradiction with Acts 10:14
Peter insists he has never eaten anything impure or unclean, contrasting with the idea in Romans 14:20 that no food is unclean.
Acts 10:14: But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Contradiction with Isaiah 66:17
This verse condemns eating swine's flesh and abominable things, opposing Romans 14:20's claim of all foods being pure.
Isaiah 66:17: They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. [behind...: or, one after another]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:3
Though this verse advises against forbidding foods, it implies restrictions exist, contradicting the complete purity suggested in Romans 14:20.
1 Timothy 4:3: Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Paradox #1
Romans 14:20 discusses the idea of not causing others to stumble by what they eat. A potential doctrinal conflict might arise with the teachings about Christian freedom and grace, as found in other parts of the New Testament. Some may see a contradiction between the freedom believers have in Christ and the responsibility to avoid causing others to struggle in their faith. Balancing personal freedom with the sensitivity required to support other believers can appear inconsistent if not understood in the context of love and community.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict could be that the verse encourages not letting food destroy someone's faith, yet dietary laws and practices were a significant part of religious identity for many, which could cause confusion and tension between personal beliefs and community norms.