Contradiction with Matthew 5:14-16
This passage encourages believers to let their light shine before others, while Romans 14:22 emphasizes keeping faith personal and hidden.
Matthew 5:14-16: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Contradiction with James 2:14-18
This suggests that faith without works is dead, indicating a more public display of faith, in contrast to the private faith in Romans 14:22.
James 2:14-18: What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Contradiction with Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission calls believers to make disciples of all nations, a more public act of faith compared to the private keeping of faith in Romans 14:22.
Matthew 28:19-20: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations]
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:15
Advises believers to always be ready to provide an answer about their faith, suggesting a more open display of faith than Romans 14:22 implies.
1 Peter 3:15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [fear: or, reverence]
Paradox #1
The potential theological conflict in Romans 14:22 could relate to the balance between personal freedom in faith and communal responsibility. Some may see a contradiction between this encouragement of personal conviction and other biblical teachings that emphasize the uniformity of belief or the need to avoid causing others to stumble in their faith. Essentially, it raises the question of how to maintain personal beliefs without negatively impacting others in a shared faith community.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this verse could be that it suggests keeping personal beliefs private to maintain peace, which might conflict with the idea of openly sharing one's faith and convictions. This could create tension between staying true to personal beliefs and maintaining harmony in a community.