Self-Contradictions of the Bible (Classics of Biblical Criticism)

Rating:
Summary: Still Controversial 150 Years Later
Review: An amazing little book, still raising eyebrows and upsetting fundamentalists 150 years after its publication. While the author is not a scholar and never claims to be, he offers a number of cases where the bible might contradict itself. No attempt is made to put things in context, or to put a spin on them. Just verse for verse contradictions. The Preface is an eye opener, and I have to say this little volume has aged very well. Thought provoking for those who can't be spoon fed their faith.

Rating:
Summary: Self-Contradictions of the Bible
Review: I consider William Henry Burr's Self-Contradictions of the BibleEa smashing success. Burr truly brings out simple fact that the belief that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and literally true word of God - thrives on ignorance, not just of a general sort, but an ignorance of the Bible itself. Because of critical thinkers like William Burr, the Apologetics are nowadays working evermore harder to explain awayEall the inconsistencies in the bible. For instance, God is kind, merciful, and good. Ps.100:5 "For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting." Yet God is cruel, unmerciful, and evil. Num.25:4 "And the Lord said to Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the Lord against the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel."

Let try another. Should we rejoice when our enemies suffer? Pr.24:17 says no Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.EContrast with a resounding yes; Ps.58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wickedE I think I have made my point. For more insight into the many oddities of the bible one should pick up Dan Barker's Losing Faith In Faith: From Preacher To Atheist. As Mr. Burr clearly shows the holy book of multiple choice is truly a curious thing.

Rating:
Summary: Would be great if it were true...
Review: Mr. Burr brings up some great points. Unfortunatly, many of the "contradictions" he lists are not contradictions at all. For example, one "contradiction" Burr lists in his book involves the genealogies of Christ. In the New Testament, there are two genealogies of Christ. One is in the book of Matthew, chapter 1, and another in the book of Luke, chapter 3. If you look at them, they look completely different. They don't even agree on Jesus' grandfather. The fact is, however, that these lists are not contradictory, but instead complementary. The genealogy in Matthew is Joseph's family line, while the one in Luke is Mary's.

There are many cases like these. The he doesn't back up his claims...