Contradiction with Matthew 5:8
This verse emphasizes purity of heart as a requirement to see God, implying external purity impacts internal perceptions, which contrasts with Titus 1:15, insisting purity is internal for the pure and similarly defiled for the corrupt.
Matthew 5:8: Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:22-23
These verses suggest that the eye (representing perception) affects overall light or darkness in a person, opposing Titus 1:15, which claims purity or defilement is not affected by external factors.
Matthew 6:22-23: The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Contradiction with James 1:27
This verse highlights the need to keep oneself unspotted from the world, suggesting external purity matters, contrary to Titus 1:15's emphasis on internal purity defining external perception.
James 1:27: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Paradox #1
Titus 1:15 might seem contradictory because it suggests that those with pure hearts see things as pure, while those who are corrupted see nothing as pure. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea that all people, regardless of their heart condition, can recognize purity or goodness. It raises questions about whether perception of goodness is entirely dependent on one's moral state.
Paradox #2
This verse might seem contradictory to some people because it suggests that those who are pure see purity everywhere, while those who are corrupt see nothing as pure. This might conflict with the idea that everyone can be forgiven and find purity through faith, as it seems to divide people into unchangeable categories of pure and corrupt.
Paradox #3
This verse suggests that the state of a person's mind or conscience determines their perception of purity. Some might see a conflict with scientific perspectives that base purity on objective, measurable criteria rather than subjective moral or ethical interpretations. From a scientific standpoint, purity is typically evaluated through empirical methods, while this verse implies a more subjective, individual perspective.
Paradox #4
Titus 1:15 suggests that to the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupt, nothing is pure. The moral conflict here could be the idea that people with a pure mindset might overlook real problems or wrongdoing, seeing everything as pure, while those who are more critical or aware of corruption might seem negative but are actually more realistic about imperfections. This can create tension between a hopeful outlook and the need to address real issues.