A contradiction in the Bible

Contemptuous conduct towards those who do not profess the same faith is already – by itself – a segregating thought...

Can we find contradictions in the Bible? A striking fact that we must study in detail is the famous "Sermon on the Mount", recorded in the book of Matthew, between chapters 5 and 7, in the Christian Bible. The teachings given to the people serve - until today - as an ethical and moral parameter for any society and fit in any context. If the gospel of Jesus serves as a model of conduct, then this sermon is the basis by which we can live. However, reading biblical texts without the light of this model brings the possibility of misunderstandings in the understanding of the scriptures, as well as in the sense of the gospel of Christ itself. Jesus' words were not always understood even by his disciples and this reality is confirmed in some passages of his letters. Such teachings rescue the essence of love, understanding and forgiveness and move human beings out of a restricted community, broadening their gaze to other people's needs.

Perhaps, for this reason, many people think of this character as a divine being, with healing and liberation powers, and forget that his teachings are what matters most in our world. Therefore, I will quote two biblical passages that show a contradiction between what Jesus preached and what one of his disciples guided. I ask that – from now on – you do not read this article with Christian eyes (if you have them), but use your investigative skills and impartially compare the writings that follow. Specifically in Matthew, chapter 5, between verses 43 and 49, Jesus draws the attention of his followers to the old commands and gives them a new teaching:

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"Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thy enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you, to that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust". (Matthew, chap. 5).

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Jesus' rebuke is clear with regard to treating people who disappoint and who build emotional strongholds around them so as not to get close to those who have a different lifestyle.

It brings the real meaning of altruism, where one should not depend on reciprocity for kindness to exist. It enforces the famous saying: "Doing good without looking at who". Already in the second letter of John, chapter 1, verses 10 and 11, the apostle gives an order that opposes the teaching given by his master. He check:

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"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house, nor do you greet him. For whoever greets him has part in his evil works".

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What doctrine was he referring to? Certainly that of Jesus. Looking at the context of this biblical passage, John warned about deceivers who attract believers by their anti-Christian words and concepts. However, leading followers to behave contemptuously towards those who do not profess the same faith is – in itself – an anti-Christian attitude.

It is a segregating thought and in no way resembles the gospel of Christ. Many, to defend the idea that there can be no contradiction in the Bible, claim that the context justifies the apostle's orientation, as his intention was to warn about the deceptions of those who dressed as Christians to deceive the people with their heresies. However, I direct my gaze to the orientation itself.

In the face of the words of Jesus himself, there is nothing that justifies an act of contempt by others. On the contrary, he taught in the "Sermon on the Mount" that we should treat even those who treat us badly.

Understanding Jesus' teachings requires a non-religious look, as the practice of everything he taught breaks liturgical and traditional barriers. Treating others well should not be a right, but a duty, even when we are slandered and wronged by those who don't want us well.

I end with the following illustration:

"A wise man was asked the following question:

Master, a person treats you badly and yet you treat him with kindness and a smile. Why?

The sage replied:

It is because this evil does not dwell in me".

Anderson Cruz.

Writer, therapist and graduate student in philosophy.