MORAL MODELS

JEHOVAH:  cruel, jealous, vindictive, capricious, unjust
     (see below, "About God," "Punishments," "Contradictions
     about God")
NOAH:  the one man whom God saved, but who then got drunk and
     cursed his son and all the descendants of that son, because
     the son saw Noah's drunken nakedness, and thus invented
     slavery; the first man in the Bible to curse, to make wine,
     to get drunk (Gen 9:20-27); he "was a just man and perfect
     in his generations and walked with God" (Gen 6:9, 7:1), an
     example of righteousness (Ezek 14:12-20, Heb 11:7, 2 Pet
     2:5).
ABRAHAM:  married his sister (Gen 12:13), lied and denied her
     twice to save himself (Gen 12:11-19, 20:2-5), seduced her
     handmaid (Gen 16:1-4), drove one child and its mother into
     the desert to starve (Gen 21:14), drove out his other
     children and their mothers (Gen 25:6), was willing to but-
     cher his other child to please God (Gen 22).  He was counted
     righteous because he believed (Gen 15:6).
LOT:  offered his virgin daughters to strangers to do to them
     whatever they wish in order to protect his male guests (Gen
     19:8); got drunk and committed incest with his two daughters
     (Gen 19:30-38); but he was "just" and "righteous" (2 Pet
     2:7-8) and saved by God from the temptations of Sodom (Gen
     19).
ISAAC: lied, denying his wife, just like his father (Gen 26:7).
JACOB: won God's love by robbing his brother (Gen 25:29-34),
     deceiving his father (Gen 27), haggling with God (Gen
     28:22), cheating his uncle (Gen 30:32-43); he married two
     sisters, his cousins, bigamously and had children by two of
     his servants; lied about his marital status to his father-
     in-law (Gen 31:50, 30:4); cowardly hid behind his family to
     protect himself (Gen 32:11-24).
MOSES:  boasted of his own humility (Num 12:3), murdered an Egyp-
     tian and hid his body (Ex 2:11-14), lied (Ex 3:18),
     defrauded the Egyptians (Ex 3:22), peevishly destroyed the
     only example of God's own handwriting (Ex 32:15-19), exter-
     minated whole nations to obtain their land (Num 21, Deut
     2:30-36, 3:1-7, 20:10-17), butchered thousands of captive
     widows, slaughtered babies, enslaved 32,000 girls whom he
     had orphaned and gave 16,000 of them to his soldiers to do
     with as they wished (Num 31:1-18).
RUTH:  was willing to worship any god that Naomi worshipped (Ruth
     1:16); seduced Boaz (Ruth 3); kept her actions secret
     (because they were not proper) (3:14); accepted payment for
     her sexual favors (3:15).
SAMSON:  although his conception and birth were miraculous
     (Judges 13), and he was dedicated to God (13:5) and moved by
     God's spirit (13:25), and "judged" for twenty years (15:20,
     16:31), he married a foreign woman (14:1-7) and abandoned
     her (14:20), but then wreaked revenge, when she was given to
     another, by burning 300 foxes and the Philistines' fields
     (15:3-5); when the Philistines avenged that (by burning the
     wife and her father), he took further revenge by slaughter
     (15:7-8), his motto being "As they did unto me, so have I
     done unto them" (15:11); when he lost a bet he had offered
     because of his susceptibility to women's wiles, he killed
     and robbed 30 innocent people in Ashkalon (acting under the
     spirit of God) to pay the wager (14:12-19); with the help of
     God he slew 1000 with the jawbone of an ass (15:14-17); he
     endangered himself with a visit to a harlot (16:1); had a
     dalliance with Delilah (16:4); lied to her three times
     (16:6-14); his only prayers to God are whining about being
     thirsty (15:18) and for personal revenge (16:28).
DAVID: cruel and bloody (1 Sam 18:27-30, 2 Sam 22:41-43, 1 Chron
     20:3, 2 Sam 12:31); a braggart (2 Sam 22, Ps 18: esp 37-50);
     a liar (1 Sam 21:1-2, 20:5-6); a traitor, leading an enemy's
     troops against his own country (1 Sam 22, 29); a brigand who
     plundered the country (1 Sam 22); an extortionist (1 Sam
     25:2-28, 33-34); a butcher who tortured and slaughtered
     thousands, including children (1 Sam 27:9-11) and who was
     praised for killing ten times as many people as Saul (1 Sam
     18:7, 21:11, 29:5); a drunken debauchee who danced naked
     before others (2 Sam 6:20); a homosexual/bisexual (1 Sam
     18:1-4, 20:3, 11, 23, 26, 30, 41-42, 2 Sam 1:26); an
     adulterer who impregnated a loyal servant's wife, tried to
     cover it up through subterfuge, and finally had him killed
     in order to obtain his wife (2 Sam 11); who purchased an-
     other wife with 200 foreskins with the help of God (1 Sam
     18:27-28), who acquired another wife through extortion (1
     Sam 25:40-42); who imprisoned ten women of his harem for
     life without cause (2 Sam 16:21-22, 20:3); a man who in his
     old age forced a young girl into his bed to try to revive
     his sexual potency (1 Kings 1:1-4); and who died demanding
     with his dying breath the death of two old men, one of whom
     had been a loyal supporter (Joab, 1 Kings 2:5-6), the other
     a man to whom he had promised protection (Shimei, 1 Kings
     2:8-9, 36-46, 2 Sam 29:21-23); and yet in all these things
     (except the killing of Uriah to get Bathsheba) he "did right
     in the eyes of God" (1 Kings 15:5), he was "a man after
     [God's] own heart" (Acts 13:22), "evil hath not been found
     in thee [David] all thy days" (1 Sam 25:28), he was "an
     angel of God" (2 Sam 19:27), a heart "perfect with the Lord
     God" (1 Kings 15:3).
SOLOMON: an oriental potentate who wallowed in luxury (1 Kings
     10), an erotic glutton who maintained a harem of hundreds (1
     Kings 11:1-3, Song 6:8; in violation of Deut 17:17); who
     murdered his brother for requesting the wrong wife, even
     though he had solemnly promised his mother he would grant
     any request (1 Kings 2:13-25); who caused a man to be killed
     in the sanctuary of the temple (1 Kings 2:28-34); a despot
     who made the people's yoke so heavy that they begged his
     successor for relief (2 Chron 10:9-14, 1 Kings 12:4-11). 
     The only reason God was not pleased perfectly with him was
     that he worshipped other gods in addition to Yahweh (1 Kings
     11:9-12), even though he was the wisest man that ever lived
     (1 Kings 3:12).
ESTHER: joined the king's harem (Esther 2:2-9); gained his favor
     not by her character or morality, but by her sexual skills
     (2:8-17); lied about her origin (2:10); was relentless
     toward a fallen enemy (7:8-10); was not content to achieve
     the escape of the Jews, but arranged for them to be allowed
     to slaughter their enemies' wives and children and plunder
     their property (8:11, 9:2-10); asked that Haman's ten sons
     be hanged and that Jews be given an extra day in which to
     slaughter more (9:13-15); achieved her goals through no help
     from God, does not even mention God.
JESUS:  admitted that he was not perfect (Mark 10:18); lied about
     going to a feast (John 7:8-10); denied his mother in
     violation of the commandment to honor father and mother
     (Matt 12:48, Mark 3:33, John 2:4); also preached against
     that commandment (Matt 10:35, 15:4, Luke 12:51-53, 14:26);
     condoned violation of the Sabbath (Luke 6:1-4, Mark 2:23,
     27, Matt 12:1); preached bravery (Luke 12:4) but acted
     cowardly (John 6:15, 7:1, 8:59, 10:39, 11:53-54, 12:36, Matt
     10:23, 12:14-16, Mark 1:45); expressed unwillingness to
     perform his mission of being crucified (Matt 26:39, Mark
     14:36, Luke 22:42); accused God of forsaking him (Matt
     27:46, Mark 15:34); showed racial prejudice (Matt 15:22-26,
     to the Canaanite woman, Mark 7:25-27, to the Greek woman),
     because he said he was sent only to Jews; but then preached
     to the Samaritans (Luke 17:11, John 4); preached love of
     enemies, and non-resistance (Matt 5:44) but violently
     cleansed the temple, said he had come to bring not peace,
     but a sword (Matt 10:34); implies that his enemies would be
     slain (Luke 19:27); taught in parables so that people would
     not understand (Matt 11:25, Mark 4:11-12)
PAUL:  abandoned every tenet of his ancestral religion, com-
     plaining that the Law of Moses was bondage and a curse (Gal
     3:10, 13; 4:3, 4, 9, 30) and a yoke too difficult to bear
     (Acts 15:10, contradicting Deut 30:11ff, which says the Law
     is easy; also Isa 45:19); disputed with Peter (Gal 2:7ff)
     and Barnabas (Acts 15:39); boasted of his importance (Rom
     15:17, 1 Cor 4:15-16, 6:3, 12, 9:1, 15, 2 Cor 1:12, 2:14,
     5:12, 10:8-16, 11:5, 10, 17, 28, Gal 1:11-12, 6:17, Heb 3:6,
     Eph 3:4, "my gospel" 2 Tim 2:8, Rom 2:16) and duplicity (1
     Cor 9:20-23, 10:23, 2 Cor 12:16, denied at 1 Thess 2:3);

HUMAN SACRIFICE

God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22).
Israelites are commanded to give their firstborn sons to God,
     along with the firstborn of the cattle and sheep.  Later the
     firstborn children are redeemed by a substitute sacrifice of
     an animal (Gen 22:13, Ex 13:13, 15, 22:28-29, 34:20, Num
     18:15, Ezek 20:25-26).
Anything devoted to God, of man or beast, shall be put to death
     (Lev 27:28-29).
Captive peoples are God's "tribute" (Num 31:40).
God's anger is sometimes turned away by killing people (Num 25:4,
     8, 2 Sam 21).
Jephthah sacrifices his daughter to fulfil his vow to God (Judges
     11:29-39).
Mesha, King of Moab, sacrifices his firstborn (2 Kings 3:27).
Hiel rebuilds Jericho, laying the foundation with two of his sons
     (1 Kings 16:34, Joshua 6:26).
Prisoners of war are sacrificed (Judg 8:18-21, 1 Sam 15:33, 2 Sam
     21:1-9, Num 21:2).
God causes infant sacrifice (Ezek 20:26).
Jesus is crucified to pay the penalty for man's sin. (New
     Testament, passim)
Do not offer your child to atone for your sins (Mic 6:7).
Present your bodies a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1).

ANIMAL SACRIFICE

One of the core elements of worship as required in the
Bible, especially in the Old Testament, is the sacrifice of
animals.  It was so constant and pervasive that the temple at
Jerusalem must have been awash with blood, the carcasses of
dispatched victims, the bleating of waiting victims, and the
stench of the altar fires.  Much of Exodus, Leviticus and
Deuteronomy is devoted to the details of the manner in which the
animals are to be slaughtered, their parts distributed, burnt,
smeared and eaten.

22,000 oxen, 120,000 sheep sacrificed at dedication of Solomon's
     temple (1 Kings 8:63, 2 Chron 6).
Blood of the sacrificial animals is to be smeared over the
     priests and the people (Ex 29:20, 12, 21, Lev 4:6-7,17-18,
     25, 30, 34, 5:9, Ezek 43-46).
A heifer is to be killed if a man is found murdered by someone
     unknown (Deut 21:1-9).

WAR

GENOCIDE AND SLAUGHTER

Genocide was a tool used by God to further the interests of
his chosen people.  It is not usually clear what the exterminated
peoples had done to deserve annihilation, other than being in the
way of the Israelites or worshipping a different god.

The Israelites slaughter Hamor and his city and plunder it (Gen
     34).
Moses is commanded by God to exterminate the Canaanites, the
     Amorites and the people of Bashan "and show no mercy" (Deut
     7:1-2, 9:3, Num 21).
Moses orders "every man" among the Israelites to slay his
     brother, companion and neighbor, as a punishment for the
     idolatry of all, and 3000 die (Ex 32:27-28).
God commands Moses to slaughter 24,000 people and hang their
     heads in the sun (Num 25).
God commands Moses to slay the Midianites because the Israelites
     are seduced by them.  All males (including infants) and
     adult women are killed; virgins are enslaved (Num 25:17,
     31:1-2, 7, 15-18).
God's annihilation of Sihon's people and others (Deut 2:30-35,
     36, 3:1-7).
God commands Moses, in any city near the promised land which does
     not agree to become a vassal state of the Israelites, to
     kill all the males and take the women and children as slaves
     and the animals as booty, but in any city in the promised
     land the Israelites are to kill every living thing, sparing
     no one (Deut 20:10-17).
Joshua, with the help of God, annihilates numerous tribes and
     cities, "left none breathing," "destroyed all that breathed,
     as God commanded" (Josh 6:21, 8:24-27, 10:, 11:11,14,21-22).
Judah slays 10,000 Canaanites (Judg 1:4) and 10,000 Moabites
     (Judg 3:29)
Danites destroy "peaceful" Laish and kill its people for no
     reason (Judg 18:27).
Judah and Simeon utterly destroy Zephath (Judg 1:17).
Samuel tells Saul that God wants to annihilate the Amalekites,
     including infants and women, which Saul then does, slaying
     all the inhabitants except Agag the king (1 Sam 15:1-9).
David leaves no man or woman alive in the countries he invades: 
     Geshurites, Gezrites and Amalekites (1 Sam 27:9,11).
David takes Rabbah and puts its people "under saws...and harrows
     ... and axes of iron and made them pass through the
     brickkiln" and does the same to all the cities of Ammon (2
     Sam 12:31, 1 Chr 20:3).
David executes 2/3 of Moab by measuring a line (2 Sam 8:2).
More slaughter by David (2 Sam 8:5, 13, 10:18).
God helps Judah kill 50,000 Israelites (2 Chr 13:17).
Esther gets permission for the Jews to slaughter all their
     enemies, including women and children, which they do, then
     celebrate it and institute the feast of Purim to remember it
     (Esther 8:11, 9:1-19).
"Let none [of Babylon] escape" (Jer 50:29).
"Slay utterly old and young, both maids and little children,"
     says God (Ezek 9:6).

CRUELTY, BARBARITY, VIOLENCE

DECEIT, TREACHERY

Jacob and his mother deceive dying Isaac so that Jacob
     receives the birthright blessing.  This deception is how the
     Israelites (the descendents of Jacob) become God's chosen
     people, i.e., God honors the deceit (Gen 27).
Laban deceives Jacob, giving him Leah instead of Rachel (Gen
     29:15-26).
Rachel steals from Laban and lies to conceal her theft (Gen
     31:19, 34-35).
Jacob covenants with Laban not to take any wives but Leah and
     Rachel, but he is already married to Bilhah (Gen 31:50,
     30:4).
Jacob's sons promise Shechem their sister Dinah, but slaughter
     him instead, and the whole city (Gen 34).
God instructs Israelite women to borrow the Egyptian women's
     jewelry and not return it (Ex 3:22).
Jael treacherously murders Sisera (Judg 4:17-21, 5:24-27).
Rahab the harlot, who betrayed her city to Joshua, is rewarded
     for her treachery with her life and becomes an ancestress of
     Jesus (Josh 6:22-25, Matt 1:5, Heb 11:31).
Saul sends David out to do battle, hoping he will be killed (1
     Sam 18:17).
Saul gives his daughter Merab, promised to David, to another,
     then gives him Michal "to be a snare to him" (1 Sam 18:19).
Saul demands from David a hundred Philistine foreskins as a
     dowry, hoping thereby to cause his death (1 Sam 18:25).
Joab pretends to greet Amasa with friendship, but instead stabs
     him (2 Sam 20:8-10).
David on his deathbed breaks his promise to Shimei not to kill
     him and instead arranges to have him killed (1 Kings 2:8-9,
     2 Sam 19:21-23).
Elijah is to anoint Hazael king of Syria (1 Kings 19:15) but
     Hazael becomes king by treacherously lying to Benhadad and
     murdering him, following the instructions of Elisha (2 Kings
     8:8-15).
Jehu uses treachery to destroy the worshippers of Baal (2 Kings
     10:18-28).

LYING

INCEST

Incest is prohibited (Gen 35:22, 49:3-4, Lev 18:8, Deut
     27:20).
Cain, Seth must have married their sisters, and their children
     must have married cousins (Gen 5)
Abraham marries his half-sister (Gen 20:12).
Lot's daughters have sex with him so that he will have
     descendants (Gen 19:30-38).
Reuben commits incest with his father's concubine (Gen 35:22).
Judah's daughter-in-law Tamar seduces him (Gen 38:14-18).
Amram marries his aunt Jochebed; these are Moses' parents (Ex
     6:20).
Amnon rapes his sister Tamar 2 Sam 13:1ff, 1 Chr 3:9).

POLYGAMY, CONCUBINAGE

Lamech is the first polygamist (Gen 4:19).
Polygamy is discouraged in the king (Deut 17:17).
Abraham takes Hagar as wife while married to Sarah (Gen 16).
Abraham has concubines (Gen 25:6).
Isaac takes more wives.  Gen 26:34-35
Jacob married Leah and Rachel (Gen 29, 31:50; this violates Lev
     18:18). 
Rachel gives Jacob her maid, Leah also (Gen 30:1-4, 9-13; in this
     Jacob violates his covenant at Gen 31:50)
Gideon has 70 sons "by many wives" (Judg 8:30).
David had many wives, violating Deut 17:17 (1 Sam passim, e.g.
     25:42-43, 2 Sam 3:2-5, 5:13-16), but God gave them to David
     (2 Sam 12:8).
Solomon had 700 wives, 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3; Song 6:8
     says 60 wives, 80 concubines, and "virgins without number").
Rehoboam had many wives (2 Chron 11:18-23).
Law provides for protection for the son of a polygamous wife
     whose husband hates her, but no protection for the hated
     wife herself (Deut 21:15-16).
Law about authorizing polygamy (Ex 21:10).
God will use polygamy as a punishment (Isa 4:1).

PROSTITUTION

Abraham prostitutes his wife to Pharaoh and to Abimelech so
     that he will be allowed to pass safely (Gen 12:11-20, 20:1-
     16).
Leah buys sex with Jacob by giving Rachel the mandrakes which
     Reuben had harvested (Gen 30:14-16).
Tamar prostitutes herself to Judah (Gen 38:14-18).
Boaz pays Ruth in barley for spending the night with him (Ruth
     3:15).

ABUSE OF WOMEN, WOMAN'S INFERIORITY

ABANDONMENT OF WIFE, CHILDREN, FAMILY

Abraham casts Hagar and Ishmael out, leaving them destitute
     (Gen 16:6, 21:14).
Hagar abandons Ishmael to die (Gen 21:15).
Abraham sends away his concubines and children (Gen 25:6).
A freed slave who will not abandon his slave wife and children
     shall have his ear pierced and remain a slave for life (Ex
     21:4-6).
To please God, the Jews abandon all their foreign wives and
     children (Ezra 10).
Jesus rejects his mother (Matt 12:48, Mark 3:33, John 2:4).
Jesus requires a disciple to hate his father and mother (Luke
     14:26; Matt 10:37; contra:  Matt 15:4).
Jesus comes to turn children against parents, and vice versa
     (Matt 10:21, 35, Luke 12:51-53).
Paul's anti-marriage sentiments (1 Cor 7, which contradicts Gen
     2:18).

HYPOCRISY

Judah condemns Tamar to be burned for harlotry, when he
     himself had been her patron (Gen 38:24).
Saul consults the witch of Endor after having banned witches (1
     Sam 28:7-10).
Amnon loves Tamar until he rapes her, then he hates her and casts
     her out (2 Sam 13:1-17).
David kills the Amalekite for killing Saul, his enemy (2 Sam 1:1-
     15).
Jesus forbids calling someone a fool (Matt 5:22),  then he does
     it (Matt 23:17, 19, Lk 11:40).
Jesus says to love your enemies, bless them that hate you (Matt
     5:44), then he curses his enemies (Matt 12:34, 23:15, 17,
     19, 27, 33, Luke 11:40, John 10:8).

HOMOSEXUALITY

Homosexuality is forbidden; its punishment is to be "cut
     off" or killed (Lev 18:22, 20:13, Deut 23:17, 1 Cor 6:9).
Permitting homosexuality is a worse sin than permitting rape of a
     woman (Gen 19:1-8, Judg 19:22-29).
"Effeminate" men cannot be saved (1 Cor 6:9).
David loved Jonathan: "very pleasant hast thou been unto me; thy
     love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women" (2 Sam
     1:26, 1 Sam 20:3, 11, 17, 23, 26, 30, 41-42).  Jonathan
     gives David all his clothes (1 Sam 18:1-4).

EXTORTION

Jacob refuses to feed his starving brother Esau unless Esau
     sells him his birthright (Gen 25:29-34).
David shakes down Nabal.  Abigail pays him (with her person? 1
     Sam 25).

CANNIBALISM

God will cause cannibalism as a punishment (Jer 19:9, Ezek
     5:10, Lev 26:29, Deut 28:53-57, Isa 49:26, Lam 2:20;
     fulfilled:  Lam 4:10, 2 Kings 6:26-29).
Jesus commands his followers to eat his flesh and drink his blood
     (John 6:53-54).
God will punish wicked by making them drink blood (Rev 16:6).
Cannibalism is condemned (Micah 3:1-3).

SLAVERY

Most Bible translations use the English word "servant" to
translate the Hebrew or Greek words which really meant "slave."

Noah institutes slavery (Gen 9:25-26).
Abraham had slaves (Gen 17:12, 23).
Isaac gives Jacob his brothers as slaves (Gen 27:37, 40).
God frees the Israelites from slavery, but they themselves owned
     slaves (Ex 12:44).
General rules for slavery, e.g. a Hebrew may be kept enslaved by
     another Hebrew for only six years:  Lev 19:20, 25:44-54, Ex
     21:2-11, Deut 15:12ff.
Jeremiah condemns Israel for not releasing their Israelite slaves
     after six years (as commanded at Ex 21:2), but does not
     condemn slavery in general (Jer 34:13-18).
There is no punishment for killing your own slave by beating if
     the slave does not die immediately (Ex 21:20-21).  But if
     the beating causes loss of an eye or a tooth, the slave is
     freed (v 26-27).  Thus, the equivalent value of freedom is
     one tooth.
Damages to the owner for killing his slave is 30 shekels of
     silver (Ex 21:32).
A freed slave who will not abandon his slave wife and children
     shall have his ear pierced and remain a slave for life (Ex
     21:4-6, cf. Deut 15:16-17).
God will use slavery as a punishment (Deut 28:32, 41, 68, Judg
     2:14, Joel 3:8).
God commands the people to enslave themselves to Nebuchadnezzar,
     his "servant" (Jer 27:2-13).
God will enslave the children of the enemies of Judah (Joel 3:8,
     also Isa 14:2).
Slavery is better than death (Jer 27:13).
Slaves are to obey their masters, especially if the masters are
     Christians (1 Tim 6:1-2, Tit 2:9-10, Eph 6:5, Col 3:22).
Slaves should accept their state (1 Cor 7:21-24, 1 Pet
     2:18).

DRUNKENNESS

Noah becomes drunk, resulting in his embarrassment, for
     which he curses his son and all his son's descendants (Gen
     9:20-26).
Lot conceives his sons in drunkenness (Gen 19:30-38).  Yet he was
     "righteous" (2 Pet 2:7-8).
God orders drunkenness (Jer 25:27).
God caused drunkenness as a punishment (Jer 13:12-13).

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE, CLOSED MINDS

Kill a false prophet (Deut 13:1-5, 18:20).
Kill anyone who teaches you another religion, even a member of
     your family (Deut 13:1-11, 18:20).
Kill anyone who apostatizes from the true religion (Deut 17:2-5).
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, i.e., there will be
     no toleration of other religious beliefs (Isa 45:23, Phil
     2:10-11, Rom 14:11, Dan 7:27, Isa 2:2-4).
Places of false worship should be destroyed (Deut 12:1-3).
Elijah kills 450 priests of Baal with his own hand (1 Kings
     18:40).
"Compel them to come in." This passage, from Jesus' Parable of
     the Great Supper at Luke 14:23, has been used to justify
     forced conversion to Christianity.
Do not discuss or question God or the gospel (Job 38, Matt 4:7,
     7:15, 24:11, 24-26, 1 John 2:27, Rom 9:20ff, 2 Cor 10:5-6,
     Col 2:4, 1 Tim 6:3-4, 20-21, Tit 3:9-10, 2 Pet 2:1-3 [see
     McKinsey, Encyclopedia, p 466]).  Avoid unbelievers (2 Cor
     6:14-15; contra: "always give a reason when asked why you
     believe" 1 Pet 3:15, "prove all things" 1 Thess 5:21).
Do not bid godspeed or be hospitable to a non-Christian, or you
     share his guilt (2 John 10; contra:  Matt 5:44, 3 John 11).
     

OBSCENE, OFFENSIVE, INDECENT, EROTIC PASSAGES

ABOUT GOD

PUNISHMENTS

GENERAL PRINCIPLES, LAWS:

For many offences the punishment is to be "cut off."  This
sometimes means death (e.g. Ex 31:14, Lev 20:2-3, Deut 18:10-12),
but sometimes it is apparently only banishment from Israel.

God uses his chosen people to punish other nations (Ps 149:5-9,
     see also "Genocide").
God will punish "seven times" (= sevenfold? Lev 26:28).
God punishes many for the sins of one, the innocent are punished
     for the guilty, especially their guilty ancestors (which
     punishment is "forever," Deut 28:41; Gen 9:24-25, 20:7,18,
     Ex 12:29, 20:5, 34:7, Num 16, Deut 5:9, 23:2, 28:32, 41,
     Josh 7:8-26, 22:20, 2 Kings 5:27, Isa 14:21, Ezek 23:25, 46-
     47, Mal 1:2-4, Jer 31:29-30, Hos 2:4-5, Rom 5:14, also
     Adam's Fall generally in NT).  Other examples below (see
     also "Genocide").  (Contra: Num 16:20, Deut 24:16, Ezek
     18:1-20).
God will punish the men by causing their wives to be ravished and
     their children to be "dashed to pieces" (Isa 13:16, 18, Zech
     14:2, Nah 3:10).
God's punishment of entire nations or cities by destroying every
     living thing naturally includes the destruction of babies
     and unborn embryos (e.g. Isa 34, the Flood, the plagues on
     Egypt, Sodom; Jesus also:  Matt 11:20-24).
An eye for an eye, etc. (Ex 21:24, Lev 24:18-20, Deut 19:19, 21,
     Matt 7:2; contra: Matt 5:38ff, 7:12, Luke 6:31).
God will punish any animal that kills a human (Gen 9:5), although
     God sometimes punishes humans by having animals kill them
     (e.g. 2 Kings 2:23-24, where 42 children are killed by
     bears; 1 Kings 20:35-36, where a man is killed by a lion for
     disobedience to a prophet).
Slavery for stealing (Ex 22:3).
Marriage is the punishment for seduction of a virgin (Ex 22:16).
Whoever divorces his wife and marries another or who marries a
     divorced woman commits adultery  (Matt 19:9, Luke 16:18).
Death for adultery (Deut 22:22-24, Lev 20:10).  But Jesus forgave
     one adultress (John 8:1-11).
Death by stoning to a bride who is not a virgin (Deut 22:20-21).
Death by fire to a harlot whose father is a priest (Lev 21:9).
Death to a witch (Ex 22:18).
"Cut off" for consulting a witch (Lev 20:6, Deut 18:11).
Death for blasphemy (Lev 24:16).
Death to a non-Levite for approaching the tabernacle (Num 1:51).
Death by stoning to a child who curses a parent or is rebellious
     (Lev 20:9, Ex 21:17, Deut 21:18-21; affirmed by Jesus, Matt
     15:3-9).  
Death by stoning for cursing (Lev 24:14, 23).
Death to the owner of a goring ox (Ex 21:29).
Death for disagreeing with a judge's sentence (Deut 17:12).
Death for not "hearkening" to a priest (Deut 17:12).
Death to a false prophet (Deut 13:5, 18:20).
Death for teaching a different religion (Deut 18:20, 13:1-10;
     also Gal 1:8-9).
Death by stoning for apostatizing from the true religion or
     practicing a different religion (Ex 22:20, Deut 17:2-5).
Total destruction to any city if any of its citizens apostatize
     (Deut 13:12-17).
Death to male homosexuals (Lev 20:13).
Death for bestiality, both to the offender and the animal (Lev
     20:15-16).
A woman who assists her husband in a fight by seizing his
     opponent's sex organ shall have her hand cut off (Deut
     25:11-12).
Sex during a woman's period: both shall be "cut off from among
     [the] people"  (Lev 20:18; but cf. 15:24).
Death by stoning for gathering sticks on the Sabbath, or any work
     on the Sabbath (Ex 35:2, 31:14-15, Num 15:32-36).
God will cause cannibalism as a punishment for sin (Jer 19:9, Lam
     2:20, Ezek 5:10, Lev 26:29, Deut 28:53-57, Isa 49:26, Rev
     16:6).
God will cause adultery as punishment (Deut 28:30).
God will cause drunkennes as punishment (Jer 13:12-13).
God will "spread dung upon your faces" as punishment (Mal 2:3).
Illegitimate children and their descendants are stig-
     matized, not allowed into the congregation  (Deut 23:2).
Abortion: punishable only if accidental, caused by a fight, and
     only by fine; i.e, it is not the same as killing a human
     being (Ex 21:22-25).
Whipping, up to 40 stripes, for losing a lawsuit (Deut 25:1-3).
"Cut off" for mixing perfume for yourself according to God's
     special formula (Ex 30:37-38).
"Cut off" for eating fat or blood (Lev 3:17, 7:23-27, 17:10-12).
"Cut off" for eating leaven, or even having it in the house,
     during Passover (Ex 12:15, 19).
For a description of hell, see Rev 14:11, 16:9  For a long and
     descriptive list of God's punishments see Deut 28:15-68, Lev
     26.

PARTICULAR EXAMPLES OF GOD'S PUNISHMENTS:

CONTRADICTIONS

GENEALOGICAL CONTRADICTIONS

List of descendants of Cain is almost identical to the
     descendants of Seth. 
     Cain > Enoch > Irad > Mehujael > Methusael >
          Lamech   (Gen 4:17-18)
     Seth > Enos > Cainan > Mahalaleel > Jared >
          Enoch > Methuselah > Lamech  (Gen 5:6-29)
Esau's wives:  Gen 26:35 says his wife Bashemath was the daughter
     of Elon the Hittite.  But Gen 36:2-3 says she was the
     daughter of Ishmael, sister of Nabajoth, and that his wife
     Adah was daughter of Elon the Hittite.  Gen 28:9 says that
     it was his wife Mahalath who was the daughter of Ishmael and
     sister of Nabajoth.  Did he marry a lot of sisters and women
     with identical names?
Eliphaz' sons:  Gen 36:11 and Gen 36:15-16 list four, but with
     differing names.  1 Chron 1:35-36 lists seven.
Who was Moses' father-in-law?  Ex 3:1, 4:18 say Jethro.  Ex 2:18
     says Reuel.  Num 10:29 says Raguel.  Judg 4:11 says Hobab.
The Twelve Fathers of the Twelve Tribes:  Gen 49:2-28 includes
     Dan, but not Manasseh.  Rev 7:4-8 lists Manasseh, but not
     Dan.
Who was Shealtiel's father?  Matt 1:12, 1 Chron 3:17 say Jeconi-
     ah.  Luke 3:27 says Neri.
Who was Zerubabbel's father?  Shealtiel (Haggai 1:1, 12, 14, 2:2,
     23, Ezra 3:2, 8, 5:2 and Nehemiah 2:1)?  Or Pedaiah (1 Chr
     3:19)?
Matthew says it was 14 generations from the Captivity to Jesus,
     but he only gives 13 (Matt 1:12-17).  Matt 1:17 says it was
     28 generations from David to Jesus, but Luke 3:23-31 gives
     43.
Jotham is the grandson of Joram, say Matt 1:8, 2 Kings 8:25,
     15:32.  But 2 Chron 3:11-13 inserts three more generations
     between Jotham and Joram.
Luke has Jesus' genealogy Arphaxad > Cainan > Sala.  Luke
     3:35-36.  But Gen 10:24, Gen 11:11-12, 1 Chron 1:18, 24 all
     omit Cainan.
Jesus is the son of Joseph, not of God (John 1:45, Luke 2:48:
     testimony of Mary).  Genealogies give Joseph as his father
     (Matt 1:16, Luke 3:23).  Peter, at Acts 2:29-30, says God
     made an oath to David that Christ would be the "fruit of
     [David's] loins."  Gabriel referred to Jesus as a son of
     David (Luke 1:32; also Rev 22:16).  This could not have been
     through Mary, who was probably of Levi through Aaron (Luke
     1:5, 36).
Jesus is descended from David through David's son Solomon, says
     Matt 1:6-7.  But Luke 3:23-31 says it is through David's son
     Nathan.
Who was the father of Joseph?  Luke 3:23 says Heli, Matt 1:16
     says Jacob.
Jesus as quoted by Matthew says that Zacharias (Zechariah) was
     the son of Barachias.  This Zechariah was the supposed
     author of the Book of Zechariah, and Jesus here identifies
     him with the Zechariah who was slain in the Temple (Matt
     23:35).  But 2 Chron 24:20 says that the Zechariah slain in
     the Temple was the son of Jehoiada.  (Luke 11:51 does not
     say that Jesus identified which Zechariah he meant.) 

CONTRADICTIONS IN DETAILS OF EVENTS - OLD TESTAMENT

Elohim created the heaven and earth (Gen 1:1).  But Gen 2:4
     says it was Jehovah.
Man was created (male and female) at the same time (Gen 1:27). 
     But the male was created first, and the female only later
     (Gen 2:7, 20-23).
Plant and animal life was created first, then man (Gen 1:20-27). 
     Man first, then plants and animals (Gen 2:7-20).
Birds were created from the water (Gen 1:21).  From the ground
     (Gen 2:19).
Creation took six days, says Gen 1:31.  Only one, says Gen 2:4.
God created the "lights in the firmament of heaven" to divide the
     day from the night (Gen 1:14).  But he had already made this
     division in Gen 1:4.
How many of each species on the Ark?  Gen 6:19, 7:8-9, 7:14-16
     say two of every kind; Gen 7:2-5 says seven of clean ani-
     mals.
God created the differences in the world's languages at Babel
     (Gen 11).  But each nation already had its own language (Gen
     10:5, 20, 31).
Hagar cast Ishmael under a bush (Gen 21:14-16), but he was
     already 14 years old (Gen 17:23-26, 21:5).
Who sold Joseph into slavery?  The Midianites (of northern
     Arabia), says Gen 37:36.  The Ishmaelites (of the Syrian
     desert), says Gen 37:28, 39:1.  His brothers, say Gen 45:4,
     Acts 7:9.
When and where did God change Jacob's name to Israel?  At Peniel,
     crossing the Jabbok?  (Gen 32:28-30).  Or at Padanaram? 
     (Gen 35:9-10).
Jacob's burial:  Gen 50:13 says he was buried in a cave at
     Machpelah bought from Ephron the Hittite.  But Acts 7:15-16
     says he was buried at Sychem (Shechem), in a tomb bought
     from the sons of Emmor (Hamor).
Was it God or an angel in the burning bush (Ex 3:2, 4)?
All livestock in Egypt were killed by plague (Ex 9:3-6).  But
     some survived to be saved from the plague of hail (Ex 9:19-
     21).  Later, all firstborn of the cattle are destroyed
     again (Ex 12:12, 29).  But Pharaoh pursued Israel
     with 600 chariots drawn by horses (Ex 14:7-9).
Hail destroyed all herbs and trees (Ex 9:25).  But not all
     (10:15).
Israel was "more and mightier" than the Egyptians (Ex 1:9), but
     "fewest of all people" (Deut 7:7).
It was Moses' idea to appoint judges (Deut 1:9-17).  It was
     Jethro's idea (Ex 18:1-27).
God went before the Israelites (Ex 13:21, 14:24, 16:10-11).  It
     was just an angel (Ex 23:20-23, 14:19).
None of the original Israelites (except a very few) survived to
     enter Canaan (Deut 1:34, 39, 2:14, Num 26:64-65).  It was
     the same Israelites that left Egypt (Deut 5:2=3, 8:2, 4,
     11:2-10).
Where did Joshua's twelve stones end up?  In the middle of the
     Jordan (Josh 4:9)?  Or in Gilgal (Josh 4:20)?
Who captured Debir?  Joshua (Josh 10:38-40)?  Or Othniel (Judg
     1:11-14)?
Joshua conquered "all" of the promised land, and "left none
     breathing" (Josh 10:40-43, 11:6-17, 23, 12:1-24, 21:43-45). 
     But not all of the nations he was supposed to conquer were
     conquered (Josh 13:1-6, 15:63, 16:10, 17:12-13, Judg 1:1-36,
     2:3, 21-23, 3:1-6).  They even defeat Israel (Num 14:45,
     Judg 4:1-3)
Sisera was sleeping when he was killed, says Judg 4:21.  He was
     standing, says Judg 5:25-27.
The Amalekites are utterly destroyed by Saul, every Amalekite
     except the king (1 Sam 15:1-8, 20).  Then they are utterly
     destroyed again, by David (1 Sam 27:8-9).  David utterly
     destroyed them again, only 400 escaping (1 Sam 30:1, 17-18).
David killed Goliath, says 1 Sam 17:50.  Elhanan killed him, says
     2 Sam 21:19 (KJV has inserted "the brother of").
Saul's anointing:   The anointing of Saul is reported three
     times: once as a private ceremony (1 Sam 9:27-10:1) and
     twice as a public ritual (1 Sam 10:17-24 and 11:15).
Saul inquired of God, but got no answer (1 Sam 28:6).  Saul did
     not inquire, and so God punished him with death (1 Chron
     10:13-14).
Who ordered the numbering of Israel?  God, says 2 Sam 24:1; Sa-
     tan, says 1 Chron 21:1; God, says Num 26:1-2.
Dedication of Solomon's temple:  cf. 1 Kings 8:50 ff. with 2
     Chron 6:40 ff.
Words of God to Solomon:  2 Chron 6:5-6, 1 Kings 8:16 are
     slightly different.
Fire from heaven at dedication of temple:  2 Chron 7:1; not
     mentioned at 1 Kings 8:54-55.
How did Saul die?  1 Sam 31:4 says suicide.  2 Sam 1:10 says
     killed by an Amalekite.  2 Sam 21:12 says killed by a
     Philistine.
Saul appoints David his armorbearer (1 Sam 16:19-23).  But
     neither Saul nor Abner know him afterwards (17:55-58).
Who killed Jabin?  Josh 11:2 says Joshua.  Judg 4:2- says Barak
     (these may be different Jabins).
Who was priest when David ate the shewbread?  Ahimelech (1 Sam
     21:1-6)?  Or Abiathar (Mark 2:26)?
Did Michal have sons?  2 Sam 6:23 says no; 21:8 says yes (five).
Asa removed the high places, says 1 Kings 15:14.  He did not,
     says 2 Chron 14:2-3.
Jehoshaphat removed the high places, says 2 Chron 17:5-6.  He did
     not, says 1 Kings 22:42-43.
Ahaz was conquered by Syria and Israel, says 2 Chron 28:5-6.  He
     was not conquered, says 2 Kings 16:5.
Josiah died at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29-30); at Jerusalem (2 Chron
     35:24).
Jehoiakim was succeeded by his uncle Mataniah, renamed Zedekiah,
     says 2 Kings 24:15-17.  Zedekiah was his brother, says 2
     Chron 36:10.
Writing on the wall is MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN, but Daniel
     gives the interpretation for MENE, TEKEL PERES (Dan
     5:25-28).
Esther conceals her Jewish origin (Esther 2:10, 7:3ff), but
     Mordecai, who is known to be Jewish and is known to be
     Esther's cousin, inquires about her every day (2:11).

CONTRADICTIONS IN DETAILS OF EVENTS - NEW TESTAMENT

Annunciation was before Mary conceived, says Luke 1:26-31. 
     She was already pregnant, says Matt 1:18-21.
Annunciation was made to Mary, says Luke 1:28.  It was made to
     Joseph, says Matt. 1:20.
Flight into Egypt:  Matt 2:13-23 says Joseph and Mary took the
     infant Jesus to Egypt.  Luke 2:21-39 says they went
     immediately to Jerusalem.
Nazareth:  Luke 2:39 says Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth. 
     Matt 2:23 implies they were not.
Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness immediately after his
     baptism (Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13).  But John 2:1-11 says
     he was at the wedding in Cana three days after his baptism. 
Did John the Baptist recognize Jesus as the Messiah?  Matt 3:14-
     17, John 1:29-34, Mark 1:10-11 say yes; Luke 7:18-20, Matt
     11:2-3 say no (he apparently had forgotten the dove and the
     voice).
Jesus begins his ministry before John's arrest, says John 3:22-
     24.  Afterwards, says Mark 1:14
Herod believed John had risen from the dead (Mark 6:16).  Herod
     did not believe this (Luke 9:7).
Calling of Peter:  Matt 4:18-22 and Mark 1:16-20 tell one story,
     Luke 5:1-11 tells a different one, and John 1:35-42 tells
     still a third.
Time of Jesus naming Simon "Peter":  Matt 16:16-18, John 1:29,
     41, are different.
Peter was not to be an apostle to Gentiles, says Matt 10:2-6.  He
     was, says Acts 15:7.
The lists of the Twelve Apostles do not coincide:  Luke 6:13-16
     and Acts 1:13 list Judas the brother of James as the 12th;
     Matt 10:3 and Mark 3:14 list instead Thaddeus as the 12th.
Jesus' greatest sermon was delivered on a mount (Matt 5:1ff).  It
     was on a plain (Luke 6:17ff).  Mark, John and Paul are
     unfamiliar with any such sermon.
Did Jesus' disciples fast?  Yes (Matt 6:16).  No (Mark 2:18).
Jesus healed all the sick (Matt 8:16, Luke 4:40). He
     healed many, but not all (Mark 1:32-34).
Feeding of the Multitude made no impression on the people (Mark
     6:52).  They were so impressed they wanted to make Jesus
     their king (John 6:14-15).
Gadarene swine healing was of one man possessed, say Mark 5:2-16
     and Luke 8:26-36.  There were two, says Matt 8:28-33.
The centurion went personally to summon Jesus, says Matt 8:5-13. 
     Luke 7:2-10 says he sent messengers.
Jairus told Jesus his daughter was dead, says Matt 9:18-25.  Luke
     8:42 says she was still alive.
Two blind men were healed by Jesus, says Matt 20:29.  Mark 10:46
     and Luke 18:35 both say it was only one.
Jesus gives the disciples the power to heal (Matt 10:1-8).  But
     they cannot heal (Matt 17:14-16).
James and John ask Jesus for a favor (Mark 10:35-37). Their
     mother asked (Matt 20:20-21).
Were disciples allowed by Jesus to take a staff?  Matt 10:10 says
     no.  Mark 6:8 says yes.
The donkey ride into Jerusalem:  Matt 21:7 says Jesus rode both a
     donkey and a colt.  Mark 11:7, Luke 19:35, and John 12:14
     say only the colt.  John says Jesus "found" the animal him-
     self; the others say the disciples found it according to
     Jesus' instructions.
Withering of fig tree:  Matt 21:19-21 says the disciples saw it
     wither immediately.  Mark 11:13-21 says it only withered the
     next day.
Cleansing of the temple:  Matt 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-19, and Luke
     19:45-48 say it occurred after the triumphal entry into
     Jerusalem.  John 2:13-16 says it was early in Jesus'
     ministry.
Jesus' Anointing:  Matt 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3, say it was in
     Bethany at the house of Simon the leper.  John 12:3 says it
     was in Bethany at Martha's house.  Luke 7:36-38 says it was
     in Galilee at the house of a Pharisee.  Matt and Mark say
     his head was anointed; Luke and John say his feet.  John
     says Mary anointed him; the others don't say who the woman
     was.
Peter and Thomas each ask where Jesus is going (John 13:36,
     14:5).  Jesus says later that no one has asked him that
     (John 16:5).
Last Supper: Jesus tells of his betrayal before the bread and
     wine, say Matt 26:20-29 and Mark 14:17-28.  Afterwards, says
     Luke 22:14-23.
Bread and wine:  Bread before wine, say Matt 26:26-29 and Mark
     14:22-25.  Wine before bread, says Luke 22:17-20.  John
     doesn't mention either.
Jesus washes the disciples' feet, says John 13:4-10.  The other
     gospels don't mention this.
Disciples fall asleep once, says Luke 22:45.  Three times, say
     Matt 26:40-45 and Mark 14:37-41.  Not at all, says John.
Jesus' betrayal: Matt 26:49-50, Mark 14:44-46 say by Judas' kiss. 
     Luke 22:47-48 says Judas did not actually kiss him.  John
     18:2-9 says Jesus identified himself; Judas did nothing to
     identify him.
Judas' bargain to betray Jesus:  made before the last supper, say
     Matt 26:14-25, Mark 14:10-11, and Luke 22:2-23.  After the
     supper, says John 13:21-30.
Severed ear:  Matt 26:51, Mark 14:47, Luke 22:50-51, and John
     18:10 all describe the severing of the ear of the high
     priest's servant.  Only Luke says that Jesus healed it. 
     Only John knows the names of the victim (Malchus) and of the
     perpetrator (Peter).
Jesus is taken first to Caiaphas, say Matt 26:57, Mark 14:53, and
     Luke 22:54.  He is taken first to Annas, then Caiaphas, says
     John 18:13-24.
Jesus' first interrogation is at night on Passover, say Matt
     26:13-20-57-68, 27:1-2, Mark 14:16-18, 53-72, 15:1.  It was
     in the morning on Passover, says Luke 22:13-15, 54-66.  It
     was on the day before Passover, says John 18:28, 19:14.
Jesus' trial is before the Sanhedrin, say Matt 26:59-66, Mark
     14:55-64, and Luke 22:66-71.  John 18:13-24 has no trial,
     only interrogation by Annas and later Caiaphas.
Pilate's examination:  Jesus remained silent, say Matt 27:11 and
     Mark 15:2-5 (Luke 23:1-4 similar).  Jesus answered every
     question, says John 18:33-37.
Herod's examination of Jesus:  Luke 23:7-15 describes this.  The
     other gospels don't mention it.
Simon carries Jesus' cross, say Matt 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke
     23:26.  John 19:17 says he carried it himself.
Time of crucifixion:  Mark 15:25 says 3rd hour; John 19:14-15
     says the sixth.
The two thieves reproach Jesus, say Matt 27:44 and Mark 15:32. 
     Only one reproaches him, says Luke 23:39-43, and the other
     is promised to be with Jesus in paradise.  Matt and Mark
     don't mention the promise to the thief.
Jesus is offered vinegar to drink, say Matt 27:48, Luke 23:36,
     and John 19:29.  It was wine and myrrh, says Mark 15:23.
Those present at crucifixion:  Matt 27:55, Mark 15:40-41, Luke
     23:49, John 19:25-26 all differ.
Jesus' last words:  Matt 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, John
     19:30 are all different.
Earthquakes at Jesus' death.  Matt mentions two: one when Jesus
     dies (27:51) and one which rolls the stone from the tomb
     (28:2).  No other gospels or records mention these
     earthquakes.
The centurion recognizes Jesus as the son of God, say Matt 27:54,
     Mark 15:39.  Luke 23:47 has him say only that Jesus was
     innocent ("righteous").
Was there a guard posted at the tomb?  Matt 27:62-66, 28:4, 11-15
     says yes.  The other gospels do not mention a guard.
Who discovered the empty tomb?  Matt 28:1 says Mary Magdalene and
     the other Mary.  Mark 16:1 says Mary Magdalene, Mary the
     mother of James, and Salome.  Luke 24:1,10 says Mary
     Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and "other
     women."  John 20:1 says only Mary Magdalene.
The stone:  Matt 28:2 says an angel rolled it away during an
     earthquake while the two Marys were there, and then sat on
     it.  Mark 16:4, Luke 24:2, and John 20:1 say it was already
     rolled away, and no angel was sitting on it.
When was the empty tomb first discovered?  Dawn, says Matt 28:1. 
     After sunrise, says Mark 16:2.  Early dawn, says Luke 24:1. 
     Still dark, says John 20:1.
Who looked into the tomb first?  Nobody did, says Matt 28:6,8. 
     The women, say Mark 16:5, Luke 24:3 (but different women
     than in Mark).  Peter, then the "other" disciple, then Mary
     Magdalene, says John 20:1-11.
The discoverer(s) of the empty tomb entered it, say Mark 16:5,
     Luke 24:3.  No, say Matt 28:1-8, John 20:1-2.
Personages at the tomb:  Matt 28:2 says one angel, who descended
     from heaven in an earthquake, rolled away the stone, then
     sat on it, outside the tomb.  Mark 16:5 says one young man,
     already sitting inside the tomb.  Luke 24:2-4 says
     two men appeared suddenly standing inside the tomb. 
     John 20:12 says two angels appeared suddenly sitting
     in the tomb.
What the personage(s) said:  Matt 28:5-7, Mark 16:6-7 say, He is
     risen, tell the disciples to go to Galilee to see him.  Luke
     24:5-7 quotes Jesus' prophecy about his crucifixion.  John
     20:13: "why do you weep?"
The women were fearful and joyous about the empty tomb, says Matt
     28:6-8.  They were frightened by the young man in the tomb
     (no joy), says Mark 16:8.  Mary thought the body had been
     stolen (no joy), says John 20:2.
The discoverer(s) of the empty tomb ran and told the disciples,
     say Matt 28:8, Luke 24:9.  Only Peter and one other, says
     John 20:2.  They told nobody until after Jesus appeared to
     Mary, says Mark 16:8-10.
Disciples who went to the empty tomb:  Peter and the "other"
     disciple, says John 20:3-10.  Only Peter, says Luke 24:12. 
     No disciples went, say Matthew and Mark.
What happened to Judas Iscariot?  Matt 27:5 says he hanged
     himself.  Acts 1:18 says he died in a fall.
What happened to the 30 pieces of silver?  Acts 1:18 says Judas
     bought a field.  Matt 27:3-7 says he returned the money, and
     the chief priests bought the field.
Where was Jesus' first appearance after resurrection?  On the way
     from the tomb to the disciples, says Matt 28:3-9.  At the
     tomb, says John 10:13-14.  Near Emmaus, says Luke 24:13-15.
To whom did Jesus first appear after resurrection?  To Mary
     Magdalene and the other Mary, says Matt 28:9.  To Mary
     Magdalene only, say Mark 16:9 and John 20:14-15.  To Cleopas
     and another man, says Luke 24:13-31, but he had already
     appeared to Simon, says Luke 24:34.  (Mark 16:12 says this
     appearance was after the appearance to Mary.)  To
     Peter, says 1 Cor 15:4-5.
Touching the resurrected Jesus:  The two Marys touch him at his
     first appearance to them, says Matt 28:9.  Thomas touches
     him a week later, says John 20:27.  No one can touch him
     until he has ascended to heaven, says John 10:17.
The disciples believed immediately in the resurrection, says Matt
     28:7-10, 16.  They all doubted at first, say Mark 16:11,
     Luke 24:11.
The disciples were frightened, says Luke 24:37.  They were glad,
     says John 20:20.
Sequence of the appearances of Jesus after resurrection: Matt
     28:1-18 says, To the two Marys, then the eleven disciples. 
     Mark 16:9-14 says, To Mary Magdalene, then two others, then
     the rest.  Luke 24:15-36 says, To Cleopas and another man,
     then to the disciples.  John 20, 21 says, To Mary Magdalene,
     then to ten disciples (without Thomas), then to all the
     disciples, then to some disciples again at the Sea of
     Galilee.  Acts 1:3 says, To all the disciples and women
     frequently for 40 days.  Paul at 1 Cor 15:5-8 says, To
     Cephas (Peter), then the twelve (!), then 500 brethren, then
     James, then all the apostles.
Mary Magdalene:  Matt and Mark say Mary recognized Jesus
     immediately.  John says she did not, until he spoke to her. 
     Luke and Paul (1 Cor 15:3-8) do not mention any appearance
     to Mary at all.
The Ascension:  when and where?  From outdoors at Bethany,
     immediately after the appearance to two near Emmaus (just
     after the resurrection) and the meal with the disciples,
     says Luke 24:36-51.  Mark 16:14-19 says the same, but from
     Jerusalem while disciples were eating (indoors?).  Acts 1:3-
     12 says from Mt. Olivet, 40 days later.  Matthew and John do
     not mention the ascension.
Jesus founds his church on Peter and gives him the keys of the
     kingdom (Matt 16:18).  But James seems to be in charge (Acts
     15:1-21).  Mark, Luke and John seem to know nothing of
     Peter's special position, even though tradition says that
     Mark was secretary to Peter.
Conversion of Paul:  Did his companions see the light but not
     hear the voice, or hear the voice but not see the light? 
     Did they stand or fall?  And what did the voice say?  (Acts
     9:3-7, 22:6-10; see also 26:12-18).
Paul's trip to Jerusalem:  Soon after his conversion and recovery
     in Damascus; he spent some time with the Apostles (Acts
     9:19-28).  Not until three years later, and he only saw
     Peter and James (Gal 1:15-20).

CONTRADICTORY DOCTRINE, COMMANDMENTS

Good and evil:  should we want to know the difference?  No,
     that was the sin of Adam (Gen 2:15-17, 3:4-6).  Yes, that is
     the only way to become perfect (Heb 5:14).  Deut 1:39 says
     little children do not have this knowledge.
For or against Jesus:  Matt 12:30 says if you are not for him,
     you are against him.  Mark 9:40 says if you are not against
     him, you are for him.  (These are contradictory as to the
     indifferent or undecided.)
Suffering: It is caused by sin (Deut 28:15-68, Eccl 2:26, Amos 9:
     esp v 10, Ezek 18:13, 20, Jer 31:30, Job 4:7-8, 7:20-21,
     8:4, 6, 20, 11:6).  A good man finds favor with God and thus
     does not suffer.  (Job 4:7, Prov 12:2, Ps 34:9-10, 145:20,
     Rom 8:28).  Suffering is not caused by sin (John 9:1-3). 
     The godly will be persecuted (1 Tim 3:12).  God afflicts the
     righteous with the wicked (Ezek 21:3-4, Job 9:22, 16:11-17,
     Ps 42; contra: Ps 32:10).  God causes afflictions (Ps
     119:75, Lam 2:17-23, 3:32-33, Nah 1:12).  God feeds the
     people bread of tears and gives them tears to drink (Ps
     80:5).  God afflicts to teach us and to punish us (Deut
     8:16, 8:5, Job 5:17-18, Ezra 9:13, Jer 29:17-19, 31:18, Isa
     30:20-21, Ps 89:30-32, 106:40-43, Pr 3:12, Hos 5:12-15, Heb
     12:5-11, Rev 3:19); or to test us (Deut 8:16, Ps 66:10-12);
     or simply to demonstrate his power (Ex 7:5, 9:14-16, 10:1-2,
     8:10, Ezek 6:9-14, 20:37, 21:5, Jer 24:7, John 9:1-3, 11:3-
     4).  God can choose to end our afflictions at any time (Nah
     1:12, 1 Pet 5:10, Ps 34:19, Job 34:29).
Burdens and troubles:  God will relieve our burdens (Matt 11:28,
     30).  God will give us troubles and tribulations (Heb 12:6,
     John 16:33).  God does both (Deut 32:39, 1 Sam 2:6-7).
Sickness:  It is inflicted by God (Num 11:33).  By Satan (Job
     2:7).
Are we punished only for our own sins?  Yes (Num 16:22, Deut
     24:16, 2 Kings 14:6, 2 Chron 25:4, Ezek 18:20, Jer 31:30). 
     But God punishes many for the sins of one, or for the sins
     of one's ancestors (Ex 13:15, 20:5, 34:7, Lev 26:22, Num
     14:18, Deut 5:9, 28:32, 41, 46, Josh 22:20, 2 Kings 5:27, Ps
     109:9-10, 137:8-9, Isa 14:21-22, Jer 6:11, 18:21, Hosea 2:4-
     5, 12:2-3, where God will punish the entire tribe of Judah
     for Jacob taking Esau's heel when they were born, Mal 2:3). 
     "Original sin" generally, which means that all humanity is
     punished for Adam's sin (e.g Rom 5:12, 19, 1 Cor 15:22; see
     also "Punishments").
When will we be punished for sin?  OT says in this life, by
     death, destruction or suffering (Deut 6:24, 16:20, 28:15-68,
     30:16-20, Josh 23:16, Ps 55:23, 92:12-14, Prov 2:22, 10:2-3,
     27-31, 12:2, 21, Job 36:6, which says God does not preserve
     the life of the wicked, Amos 9: esp v 10, Isa 34, Jer 31:30,
     Ezek 8-9, 18:13, 20, 31.  Deut 28:20 says punishment is
     quick death; but v 15-68 imply long agony.)  But the godly
     suffer and the wicked prosper (Job 2:3-6, 21:7-13, 2 Tim
     3:12).  So the NT invents Hell as place of punishment for
     sin after Last Judgment.
Does God want blood sacrifices?  Yes (Gen 15:9, Ex 20:24, 29:10-
     42, Lev 1:1-7, 3:2, 4:6-7, 8:23-24, with detailed
     instructions in Ex, Lev, Num, Deut).  He enjoys the "sweet
     savour" (Gen 8:21, Lev 1:9, Ezek 20:40-41).  Sacrifices
     atone for sin (Num 15:24-28).  The keystone of his plan of
     salvation, according to NT, is the blood sacrifice of his
     son, the Lamb of God, as the only acceptable atonement for
     Adam's sin.
          But God did not tell Moses to sacrifice (Jer 7:21-22;
     also Amos 5:21-26, Hos 8:13, Mic 6:6-8, Isa 1:11-13). 
     Sacrifices do not atone for sin (Heb 10:11).
Priest's Portion?  Shoulder, cheeks, maw (Deut 18:3).  Breast,
     right shoulder (Lev 7:30-34).
Jesus said to honor father and mother (Matt 15:4; see also Ex
     20:12, Deut 5:16, Matt 19:19, Mark 7:10, 10:19, Luke 18:20),
     but he required his disciples to hate father and mother
     (Luke 14:26), and said that he came to turn the children
     against their parents (Matt 10:35, Luke 12:51-53).  "Call no
     man your father" (Matt 23:9).  But you should provide for
     your family (1 Tim 5:8).
"Bear one another's burdens" (Gal 6:2), but "Every man shall bear
     his own burden" (Gal 6:5).
Divorce:  Divorce is permitted in Deut 24:1, Jer 3:8, Isa 50:1,
     Luke 16:18, Mark 10:11-12 (but no remarriage), Matt 5:32,
     19:9 (only for wife's fornication); but condemned in Mal
     2:10-16, Matt 19:6, Mark 10:9, 1 Cor 7:10, 27, Rom 7:2-3.
Married to an unbeliever:  do not divorce (1 Cor 7:13-16); but be
     not yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14).
Life: where is it in the body?  In the breath (Gen 2:7).  In the
     blood (Deut 12:23).
Wine:  A blessing from God (Gen 27:28, Deut 7:13, Ps 104:5, Jer
     13:12, Micah 6:15).  It "cheers God and man" (Judg 9:13). 
     Jesus' first miracle was making wine (John 2:9-10).  Wine
     was at the last supper and became a sacrament  (Matt 26:27-
     29, Mark 14:23-25).  Paul recommends a little (1 Tim 5:23). 
     But wine is a mocker (Pr 20:1, also Hosea 4:11).  Many pas-
     sages against wine forbid it only under certain circumstanc-
     es, to people under special laws (priests, Nazarites), or
     only in excess (Lev 10:9, Num 6:3, Judg 13:4, Prov 21:17,
     23:29-32, 31:4-5, Isa 5:11, 22, 24:9, 28:1, 3, 7, Jer 23:9,
     Ezek 44:21, Luke 1:15, Rom 14:21, Eph 5:18, Tit 2:3).
What does wisdom bring?  Prov 3:13 says happiness.  Eccl 1:18
     says grief.  Salvation, says 2 Tim 3:15.
Is temptation a good thing?  No, say Matt 6:13, Luke 11:4.  Yes,
     says James 1:2
Fear vs. love:  Fear of God keeps us from doing evil (Ex 20:20,
     Prov 16:6, Ps 145:19, Jer 32:39-40).  But fear and love
     cannot coexist (1 John 4:18).  Love of God leads us to keep
     his commandments (1 John 5:2, 2 John 1:6).  We should fear
     God because he can put us in hell (Matt 10:28, Luke 12:5,
     Heb 10:31).
Hate vs. love:  If you hate your brother you are a murderer and
     cannot love God (John 3:15, 4:20).  You must be willing to
     hate your brother (and your family) to be a follower of
     Jesus (Luke 14:26).
Should one enjoy the pleasures of this life, the wealth that one
     has accumulated?  Yes say Deut 7:12ff, 8:7-18 (wealth comes
     from God), Eccl 3:13, 22, 5:18-20, 8:15, 9:7-9, 10:19, Prov
     3:9-10, 16-17, 10:15.  No, say Eccl 4:6, 8, 5:12-17, Matt
     6:19-21, 13:12, 19:16-24, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 6:20, 24,
     16:19-31 (parable of Rich Man and Lazarus), 21:1-4.
Sex/Marriage:  God's first words to Adam are the command to
     multiply (Gen 1:28).  It is not good for the man to be alone
     (Gen 2:18).  But any sexual activity causes uncleanness, as
     does childbirth (Ex 19:15, Lev 12, 15:16-18).  The
     conception of a child is sin (Ps 51:5).  Better alone than
     with a cantankerous woman (Prov 19:9, 25:24).  Paul says to
     avoid marriage and sex (1 Cor 7:1, 8, 37).  But it is better
     to marry than to burn (v. 9).
Eunuchs:  They are unworthy to enter the congregation (Deut
     23:1).  But they are worthy to enter heaven (Matt 19:12) and
     they will have a special place there (Isaiah 56:3-5).
Is all scripture inspired of God?  2 Tim 3:16 says yes, but Paul
     says some of his words in the Bible are not (2 Cor 11:17, 1
     Cor 7:6, 12, 25).  The scriptures do not bring salvation
     (John 5:39).
Are there any who are righteous?  No (1 Kings 8:46, Mark 10:18,
     Rom 3:10, 23, Ps 14:3, 1 John 1:8-10).  Paul says he is the
     chief sinner (1 Tim 1:15).  But James 5:16 says yes (also
     Gen 7:1, Job 1:1, 8, 2:3, Luke 1:5-6, 15:7).  Ezek 18 lists
     what one must do to be "just" (=righteous?).  God only pro-
     tects the righteous (1 Pet 3:12), although Jesus died both
     for the just and the unjust (3:18).  True Christians do not
     sin (1 John 3:6-9).  A man of God is perfect (2 Tim 3:17). 
     Noah was perfect (Gen 6:9).
Where is Satan?  Chained in hell (2 Pet 2:4, Jude 6).  Walking
     about in the earth (1 Pet 5:8 and Job 1:6-7; Job also says
     he occasionally visits heaven).  He is the god or prince of
     this world (John 12:31, 2 Cor 4:4, Eph 6:12).  He was "cast
     out" at the time of Jesus (John 12:31).
What is Hell?  It is darkness (Lam 3:6, Ps 143:3, Job 10:22, Matt
     8:12, 22:13, 25:30).  It is the grave, Hebrew Sheol
     or Gehenna, Greek Hades (Ps 16:10, Acts 2:27,
     31, 32), inside the earth (Pr 15:24, Ps 86:13, Isa 44:23,
     Eph 4:9), a "pit" (Ps 28:1, 30:3, Ezek 32:18), a place of
     inactivity (Ps 6:5, Eccl 9:10, Isa 14:10, 38:18) and silence
     (Ps 88:10, 94:17, 115:17).  Everyone goes there (Pr 27:20,
     Ezek 32:21), both soul and body (Job 14:22).  It is the
     "land of forgetfulness" (Ps 88:12) where there is no pain,
     excitement, comfort or joy (Job 3:13-19, 17:16, 10:22). 
     Only the wicked go there (Matt 5:29ff, 10:28, Mark 9:43,
     Luke 16:22-25).  It destroys both soul and body (Matt
     10:28).  It is a place of torment, of "wailing and gnashing
     of teeth," a "furnace" or "lake" of "fire" (Matt 3:12, 5:22,
     13:42, 22:13, 24:51, 25:41, Luke 16:23, 2 Thess 1:8, Jude
     1:7, Rev 16:10; and "brimstone" Rev 14:10, 20:14, 21:8)
     which is "unquenchable" (Mark 9:43, 45, Isa 66:24).  The
     fire and its punishment are "everlasting" (Matt 25:41, 46, 2
     Thess 1:9), whose purpose is to punish unbelievers while
     Jesus and the angels watch (2 Thess 1:8, Jude 1:7, Rev
     14:10).
Earth:  It is everlasting (Gen 49:26, Deut 33:15, Ps 78:69,
     104:5, Eccl 1:4, 3:14).  It will be destroyed (Ps 102:25-26,
     Isa 24:19, 65:17, Matt 5:18, 24:3, 6ff, 35, also Mark 13:31,
     Luke 21:33, 2 Cor 5:17, 2 Pet 3:10-12, Rev 21:1, Heb 1:10-
     11).
Whose is the Earth?  Satan's (John 12:31, 14:30, 2 Cor 4:4, Eph
     6:12).  Jesus' (1 Cor 10:26, Rev 1:5).  God's (Ex 9:29,
     19:5, Deut 10:14, Ps 24:1, 50:12, 89:11).  Mankind's (Ps
     115:16).
Was Jesus the first to rise from the dead?  Acts 26:23 says yes. 
     Contra:  1 Kings 17:17-22 (Elijah raises a dead child), 2
     Kings 4:32-35 (Elisha raises the son of a Shunammite woman),
     2 Kings 13:21 (Elisha's bones revive a dead man), 1 Sam
     28:7-15 (Saul calls up Samuel), Luke 9:28-30 (Moses and
     Elijah come back at the Transfiguration), Matt 9:18-25
     (Jesus raises Jairus' daughter), Luke 7:11-15 (Jesus raises
     widow's son), John 11:43-44 (Jesus raises Lazarus).  Jesus
     tells the parable of Lazarus, who is taken to heaven
     ("Abraham's bosom") at Luke 16:19ff (this indicates that
     Abraham is already in heaven).
Should we "run"?  1 Cor 9:24 says yes.  Rom 3:10 says no.
Should we boast?  No (Luke 18:9-14, Rom 11:20, 1 Pet 5:5).  But
     Paul boasts of his faith and says one should be proud of it
     (Rom 15:17, 2 Cor 1:12, 2:14, 5:12, 11:17, Heb 3:6).
Should we show our good works?  Yes, say Matt 5:16, 1 Pet 2:12. 
     No, says Matt 6:1-4, 23:5
Should we abstain from eating flesh?  Yes, if it offends, says
     Paul (Rom 14:21).  But let no one pass judgment on you in
     matters of food and drink (Col 2:16, 1 Tim 4:3-4, see also
     Gen 9:3).
Should we worry about the future?  No, say Matt 6:25-34, Luke
     12:22-31.  Yes, says Prov 14:8, 1 Tim 5:8.
Should we curse our enemies?  Yes (Ps 35:1-9, 69:23-28, esp Ps
     109, Esther, passim, Lam 3:65-66).  The righteous rejoices
     at vengeance (Ps 58:10-11).  God destroys his enemies (Deut
     7:9-10, Luke 19:27).  Jesus curses his enemies (Matt 6:15,
     12:34, 16:3, 22:18, 23:13-15, 17, 19, 27, 29, 33, Mark 7:6,
     Luke 11:40, 44, 12:56).  Paul curses his enemies (2 Tim
     4:14).  But Jesus says love your enemies (Matt 5:39, 44). 
     Do not rejoice when your enemy falls (Prov 24:16-18).  But
     shun Gentiles, Samaritans, non-believers (John 1:9-11, Matt
     10:5).
Should we please?  Paul does (1 Cor 10:33) and Paul doesn't (Gal
     1:10).
Should we swear oaths?  It appears acceptable in Num 30:2, Gen
     21:23, 24, 31, 31:53, Matt 23:20-22, Heb 6:13.  But Matt
     5:34-35 forbids it.
Should we call anybody a "fool"?  Jesus says no, we would be in
     danger of hell-fire (Matt 5:22).  But he does so (Matt 7:26,
     23:17, 19, 25:2, 38, Luke 11:40), and so does Paul (1 Cor
     1:23, 3:18, 4:10, 15:36, Gal 3:1).
Stealing:  Is it always a sin?  Yes (Ex 20:15, Lev 19:13).  But
     God told the Israelites it was all right to steal from
     Egyptians (Ex 3:22, 12:35-36).
Killing:  Is it always a sin?  Yes, says Ex 20:13, Gen 9:5-6
     (whoever sheds human blood will have his blood shed) etc. 
     But not if you kill your own slave (Ex 21:20-21).  Or if God
     commands the killing (as at Ex 82:27, 1 Sam 6:19, 15:2-3,
     Num 15:36).  There is "a time to kill" (Eccl 3:3).  (See
     also "Genocide", "Punishments")
Sabbath:  Must we keep it?  Yes, under penalty of death (Ex 20:8,
     31:15-17, 35:1-3, Jer 17:21-27, and many other passages). 
     No (Isa 1:13, Hos 2:11).  Jesus did not keep it (Mark 2:27-
     28, John 5:16, Math 12:1-8).  Paul says commandment was not
     permanent; decide for yourself (Rom 14:5, Col 2:16).
Slavery:  Is it all right to own slaves?  Yes (Lev 25:45-46, Gen
     9:25, Ex 21:2,7, Joel 3:8, Luke 12:47, Col 3:22; see
     "Slavery").  No, says Isa 58:6, Matt 23:10.
Prayer: Is it always effective?  Yes, if you ask in faith (Matt
     21:22 and Mark 11:24).  Or if you ask in Jesus' name (John
     14:4 and 16:23).  Ask, and it will be given (Matt 7:7-8,
     Luke 11:9-10).  Yes, if you are a righteous man or keeping
     the commandments (Prov 15:29, James 5:16, 1 John 3:22,
     5:14).  But none are righteous (Rom 3:10)).  Yes, if two
      believers ask together (Matt 18:19.  Not always (Jer
     7:16, Lam 3:44, Ps 10:1, 22:1-2, Isa 1:15, Mic 3:4, John
     7:34).  Prayer must not be long (Matt 23:14).  Only if it
     you request something that God wants anyway (1 John 5:14-15,
     which implies that your prayer has no effect on the
     outcome).  Many who ask to enter the kingdom will be refused
     (Luke 13:24).
"Seek, and ye shall find" (Matt 7:7), especially if you seek the
     Lord (2 Chron 15:2, Ps 9:10, Isa 55:6, Jer 29:13).  But
     Jesus' followers will not find him if they seek him (John
     7:34, 8:21; also Amos 8:12).
Are all apostles commanded to baptize?  Jesus says yes at Matt
     28:19.  Paul says no at 1 Cor 1:14-17.
Should Christians "contend"?  Jude 3 says yes.  Paul contended
     (Acts 17:2-4, 17ff).   Answer a fool (Prov 26:5).  Answer an
     unbeliever (1 Pet 3:15).  Exhort "with all longsuffering" (2
     Tim 4:2).  Do not contend (Prov 18:6, 1 Tim 6:20, 2 Tim
     2:14-16, 24, 3:1-7). Do not argue with an unbeliever or
     answer a fool (Prov. 26:4).  Anyone who speaks to an
     unbeliever shares his evil (Matt 10:5, John 1:9-11, 2 John
     1:10-11).
What do we reap?  Some sow but reap nothing (Micah 6:15).  Some
     sow wheat but reap thorns (Jer 12:13).  Some reap without
     sowing (Matt 25:26, Luke 19:22).  You reap what you sow (2
     Cor 9:6, Gal 6:7).
Was Jesus perfect?  Jesus said he was not (Mark 10:18).  The
     apostles said he was sinless (2 Cor 5:21, 1 Pet 1:19, 2:22,
     1 John 3:3, 5).
Will fulfilment of prophecy be delayed?  There will be no more
     delay (Ezek 12:21-28).  Woe to those who want quick
     fulfilment (Isa 5:19, Jer 17:15).
Kings:  it is evil to ask for a king (1 Sam 12:17, 19, Hos
     13:11).  But you should obey the king (Eccl 8:2, 10:20, Rom
     13:1-4, 1 Pet 2:13-17) and pray for him (1 Tim 2:1-2).  God
     will choose the king (Deut 17:14-20).  But you do not have
     to obey the secular law (Acts 5:19, 29, 40-42, 12:6-11).
     Jesus will be our king (NT passim).
Genealogies:  All Israel was reckoned by their genealogies (Num
     1:18, 1 Chr 9:1, 22; see also Job 8:8).  Paul says to avoid
     them (Tit 3:9, 1 Tim 1:4).
Jesus said his message was only for Israel (Matt 15:24, 10:5-6). 
     But then he tells his disciples to preach to all nations
     (Matt 28:19).  This is also implied by "other sheep I have,
     which are not of this fold" (John 10:16).  Once you become a
     Christian you are "Abraham's seed" (Gal 3:29).
Hidden teachings:  Nothing is hidden (Mark 4:22, John 18:20). 
     God's word is in books that are sealed (Dan 12:9, Rev 5:1). 
     God conceals (Prov 25:2, Deut 29:29).  The truth has always
     been completely evident (Job 27:11-12, Rom 1:18:20). 
     Salvation through Jesus can be learned from the scriptures,
     i.e., the OT (Luke 16:29-31, 2 Tim 3:15).  But the Gospel
     had been kept hidden until Jesus (Rom 16:25-26, Col 1:26). 
     Jesus uses parables so that the meaning will be hidden (Matt
     11:25, 13:10-15, Mark 4:11-12, Luke 8:10; cf Isa 6:9-10). 
     But he came to bring the truth (John 18:37).
Wisdom:  Should we be wise?  No, say Gen 2:17 (Tree of Knowledge
     is forbidden), Gen 3:6 (a sin to be "wise"), Eccl 1:18, 6:8,
     7:16, 8:16-17, 12:12, 1 Cor 1:19-27, 1 Cor 3:18-20, 8:1,
     14:38, Col 2:8, Tit 3:9, 2 Tim 2:23-24.  Yes, say Job 13:1,
     6, 22, Prov 3:13, 4:7, 8, 9, 12:1, Ps 19:2, 8, Eccl 7:12,
     19, 23, 25, 9:18, 10:12, Hos 4:6, Luke 2:40, 52, James 1:5,
     2 Pet 1:5).
Do miracles (signs) prove God's power or the authority of his
     prophet?  Yes (Ex 4:8-9, 10:2, Num 14:11, Judg 6:17-23, 36-
     40, 2 Kings 20:8-9, Isa 7:11, 55:13, Ezek 12:6, Joel 2:30-
     31, Mark 16:20, John 2:23, 3:2, 10:25, 20:30, 5:36, Acts
     2:22, 5:12, 8:13, Heb 2:4).  But even false prophets can
     produce miracles (Ex 7:11-12, 8:7, Deut 13:1-3, Matt 24:24,
     Mark 13:21-22, 2 Thess 2:9, 11, 2 Cor 11:14-15, 1 John 4:1,
     Rev 13:11-14, 16:14, 19:20).  It is wicked to expect a mira-
     cle as proof (John 4:48, Matt 12:38-39, 16:1-4, 1 Cor 1:22). 
     Jesus will give no such sign (Matt 12:39, Mark 8:12, Luke
     11:29, also Luke 16:27-31).  One should have faith without
     seeing signs (2 Cor 5:7, Heb 11:1).  Speaking in tongues is
     a sign for non-believers (1 Cor 14:22).  It is not a sign
     for non-believers (1 Cor 14:23).  Raising someone from the
     dead will not convince people (Luke 16:30-31).  But it does
     (John 11:45).  It is the basis of the Gospel (1 Cor 15:16-
     17, Rom 1:4).
Must Christians obey the Mosaic Law?  Yes, says God, at Deut 4:2-
     6, 12:32, 27:26, 30:19 ("thou and thy seed" must obey it),
     Lev 16:34, 24:8-9, Num 25:13, 2 Chron 12:1, Jer 6:19, 9:13,
     Ps 78:10, 105:8-10, 119:1, Isa 5:24, 24:5, 30:9, 40:8, Hos
     4:6, Amos 2:4; Jesus says yes, at Matt 5:17-19 ("not one jot
     or tittle shall pass away" [but see Luke 24:44 on meaning of
     "fulfilled"], "whosoever ... shall break one of these least
     commandments, and shall teach men so ... ), Luke 16:17, Mark
     7:8-13, Matt 23:2-3; Paul says yes, at Rom 2:12-13, 1 Cor
     7:19, Gal 3:7-9, 29 (Christians are "children of Abraham"),
     3:10, citing Deut 27:26; Paul circumcised Timothy at Acts
     13:1-3; James 2:8-12 says yes ("whoever shall keep the whole
     law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all");
     also 1 Pet 1:25, James 4:11, Rev 12:17, 22:14, 1 John 3:4,
     22-24.  Covenant of circumcision is everlasting (Gen 17:7-
     11).  God's statutes last forever (Ps 119:138, 142, 144,
     152).   All scripture is from God and profitable for
     doctrine (2 Tim 3:16).
          No, says Paul, at Gal 3, (the Law is a curse), 2:16,
     5:1-14, 6:15 (circumcision is unimportant), Rom 3:20, 28,
     4:-, 6:14, 7:4-6, Acts 13:39 (the Law "cannot justify"); the
     apostles say no at Acts 15; Heb 9, 10 says no; Jesus says
     temple worship will be abolished (John 4:21-24) and he
     modified the provisions of the law (e.g., eye for an eye,
     Matt 5:38).  Jesus abolished the Law (Eph 2:13-15, Rom 7:4-
     6, Heb 7:18-19).  All foods are now clean, no ban on fat or
     blood (Matt 15:11, Mark 7:14-19, Col 2:20-22, which says
     that the Mosaic Law is of men, not of God, 1 Tim 4:4; this
     contradicts Lev 3:17, 10:8-11:47, Deut 14:3-21).
          Jesus violates Deut 4:2, 12:32, the prohibition against
     adding to or diminishing the law, when he embellished the
     law on divorce and was lax in obeying others.  Paul is also
     a gross violator of Deut 4:2, 12:32 and Matt 5:19.
Food offered to idols:  May Christians eat it?  Yes (1 Cor 8:1-
     13, 1);19-23).  No (Acts 15:22-29, Rev 2:18-23).
Salvation: how is it gained?  Not many are saved (Luke 13:23-24). 
     Moses and the prophets are sufficient for salvation (Luke
     16:29-31).  It is only through Jesus, and not through the
     Law of Mose (Acts 4:12, 13:39, which means that all those
     who died before his time, or who do not hear his gospel, are
     excluded).  Salvation is: 

     By Faith (belief) only (Luke 7:50, John 3:14-16, 18,
          36, 5:24, 6:29, 35, 40, 47, 70, 10:25-28, Acts 13:39,
          16:31, Rom 1:16, 3:20-26, Rom 4, 9:32, Gal 2:16, 3:11,
          14, Eph 1:13, 2:8-9, 1 Tim 1:16, 2 Tim 3:14-15, 1 Pet
          1:9, Heb 10:38-39, and 11:17, where Paul gives as an
          example Abraham offering Isaac).  But mercy can substi-
          tute for unbelief (1 Tim 1:3).  
     By Works only (including obedience to commandments)
          ("do the will" of God, Matt 7:21, "keep the command-
          ments," 19:16-20, Luke 10:36-37, 12:47-48, 19:8-9, John
          14:15; also Lev 18:5, Ps 65:12, 103:17-20). Paul also
          says works ("law") (Rom 2:5-6, 13, 2 Cor 5:10), and
          says we must "work out" our own salvation (Php 2:12). 
          James also says works, giving the example of Abraham
          offering Isaac (James 2:20-24).  James also says "faith
          without works is dead" (James 2:14-26), and "be doers
          of the word," which you must also know (so that knowl-
          edge is also required; James 1:22-27).  Also Ezek 18:1-
          22, 30, Rev 20:12-15 ("judged according to their
          works"), 22:12-14, 2 Pet 1:10, 1 John 2:3-5, Ps 62:12,
          Jer 17:10, 2 Tim 3:17, Heb 5:9 (obedience).  Paul says
          charity is more important than faith (1 Cor 13:2, 13). 
          Those who do not help the needy are condemned (Matt
          25:34-46).  
     By Grace only, i.e., it is a "gift" (John 6:44, 65,
          Isa 43:25, Jer 30:21, Acts 15:11, 22:14, Rom 3:24,
          5:15-21 (a "free gift"), 6:23, 9:16, 11:5-6, Eph 2:5-9,
          1 Pet 1:10, 2 Tim 1:9, Tit 2:11, 3:5-7). 
     By confession of sin (Ps 32:1-5). 
     By Repentance (Isa 55:6-7, Matt 3:1-6, 4:17, 9:10-13,
          Luke 13:1-5, Acts 17:30, Rom 6:23, James 4:7-10, 2 Pet
          3:9, Rev 3:19-21).  
     By repentance plus baptism (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Acts
          2:37-38, 22:16).  
     By Baptism (Matt 3:1-17, 28:19-20, Luke 7:28-30, John
          3:5, Acts 10:47-48, 16:25-33, 22:10-16, Gal 3:27, Heb
          6:1-2, 1 Pet 3:21).  
     By Belief and baptism (Mark 16:16). 
     By repentance, faith, baptism, and laying on of hands
          (Heb 6:1-2).  
     By Calling on the Lord's (or Jesus') name (Joel 2:32,
          Acts 2:21, Rom 10:13; but Matt 7:21 says "not everyone
          that saith Lord, Lord shall enter;" also Luke 13:25).  
     By stating aloud a belief in Jesus and his resurrec-
          tion (Rom 10:9). 
     By Enduring to the end (Matt 10:22, 24:13, Mark
          13:13).  
     By Poverty (Matt 19:21-24, Mark 10:21-24, Luke 18:24-
          25, Luke 19:8-9).  
     By losing our life for Jesus (Matt 16:25).  
     By eating Jesus' flesh (John 6:48-58) and/or by
          being "born again" (John 3:3).  
     By justice, mercy, humility only (Micah 6:8).  
     But God decides, regardless of what we do (Matt
          20:23, John 6:44, 65, 17:2, 6, 9, Acts 2:39, 47, 4:28,
          13:48, Eph 1:4-5, 11, 2:10, Ps 133:3, 139:16, 1 Thess
          5:9, 2 Thess 2:11-14, Pr 16:4, 9, Job 23:14, Joel 2:32,
          Rom 2:4, 8:29-30, 9:11-18, Cor 12:18, Php 2:13, 2 Tim
          1:9, 1 Pet 2:8, 5:10, Rev 17:8).

Are we really free to determine our own fate, or is it pre-
     determined from the beginning?

     We have free will (Josh 14:15 "choose you this day
          whom ye will serve;" Josh 24:22 "ye have chosen you the
          Lord, to serve him;" Deut 11:26-28, 30:19, choose life
          rather than death; Ps 16:9 "a man's heart deviseth his
          way;" Rev 22:17 "whosoever will, let him take the water
          of life freely"; "law of liberty allows us to do good
          work," James 1:25; "He that hath power over his own
          will..," 1 Cor 7:37, John 5:38-47, 8:32, 36, Gal 5:1). 
          
     Our fate is predetermined (Eph 1:4-5, 11, "he hath
          chosen us in him before the foundation of the
          world...having predestinated us... according to his
          good pleasure;" Rom 8:29-30 "whom he did foreknow, he
          also did predestinate;" also Acts 2:39, 47, 4:28,
          13:48, Eph 1:11, 2:10, Ps 139:16, 1 Thess 5:9, 2 Thess
          2:13-14, Pr 16:4, 9, Job 23:14, Matt 20:23, John 6:44,
          Rom 9:11-18, Rev 17:8, 2 Tim 1:9, 1 Pet 1:2, 2:8, 5:10,
          Jude 4; also verses with the theme that "man proposes,
          God disposes":  Pr 19:21, 16:33, Ps 37:23, Job 14:5,
          Acts 17:26).

Do we have to "accept" Jesus' sacrifice, or is its effect
     automatic?  
     Automatic (John 1:29, 1 Cor 15:3, 22: "as in Adam all
          die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive," Heb
          2:9, 17, comparing it to the Jewish high priest making
          atonement for all the people, Rom 4:15, 5:12-19,
          no sin where there is no law given [contra: Rom 2:12],
          1 John 1:7, 2:2, 1 Tim 4:10, Jesus is savior of
          all, especially those who believe, Rom 5:18); he
          died for all, the just and the unjust (1 Pet 3:18). 
          Atonement sacrifices in OT were not conditional on
          repentance or acceptance (e.g. Lev 16:16-18, 21, 24,
          30, 34).  
     You must do something (see above: have faith, do good
          works, keep commandments, be baptized, or call on
          Jesus' name, or some combination)
Will any, once saved, be lost?  None will be lost (John 10:27-
     29).  Some will backslide and be lost (1 Cor 9:27, 1 Tim
     4:1, Heb 6:4-6, 2 Pet 2:20-22).  The former righteousness of
     a sinner will be forgotten (Ezek 3:20, 18:24, 26, 33:12,
     18).
Was there the possibility of death before the Fall?  Adam would
     not live forever unless he ate from the Tree of Life (Gen
     3:22).  If he didn't, he and all other life (the command to
     multiply had already been given) would presumably die even-
     tually, even though he had not sinned; otherwise the world
     would soon have been full of immortal creatures.  But Paul
     says death came only because of the Fall (Rom 5:12, 6:23). 
     Sin causes death (James 1:15).
Can death be avoided?  If you keep Jesus' words, you will never
     see death (John 8:51).  Enoch did not die (Gen 5:24, Heb
     11:5).  Elijah did not die (2 Kings 2:11). But all men die
     (Heb 9:27), even followers of Jesus  (Matt 24:9).
Is there life after death?  Generally NT says yes:  All will come
     forth out of the grave (John 5:28-29).  Also Isa 26:19,
     Hosea 13:14, Job 19:25-27 (but this verse may be spurious:
     it is not in LXX).  But that is contradicted by Gen 3:19, 2
     Sam 14:14, Ps 6:5, 30:3, 30:9, 33:19, 78:39, 88:10, 115:17,
     Job 7:9 (who goes down to the grave will come up no more),
     14:1-22, 16:22, Eccl 3:19-21, 6:6, 9:5, 9:10.  1 Tim 6:15-16
     implies only Jesus is immortal.  
Jesus is always with his disciples (Matt 28:20).  He is not
     always with them (Matt 16:11, Mark 2:20, 14:7, John 12:8).
The Holy Spirit:  Jesus gave it to the disciples in his first
     appearance to them after the resurrection (John 20:22).  It
     did not come to them until after Jesus left (John 7:39,
     16:7, Acts 1:3-5, 2:1-4).  But some had it before:  Gideon
     (Judg 6:34), Samson (Judg 13:25), Isaiah (Isa 61:1), John
     the Baptist (Luke 1:15), Elizabeth (Luke 1:41), Zechariah
     (Luke 1:67), Simeon (Luke 2:25).  It is had for the asking
     at any time (Luke 11:13).  All flesh has it (Prov 1:23, Joel
     2:28).
Unbelief:  It is caused by the devil (Luke 8:12).  But sometimes
     by God (2 Thess 2:11-12) or by Jesus (Mark 4:11-12).
Was there sin before the Law?  Paul says yes (Rom 5:13) and no
     (Rom 4:15).
Forgiveness:  Will all sins be forgiven to the believer?  Yes
     (Acts 13:39, Col 2:13, 1 John 1:9).  Not all (Matt 12:31-32,
     Mark 3:29).  If sin is forgiven, Got forgets it (Isa 43:25,
     Jer 31:34, Heb 8:12).  God still remembers it (Ex 34:7).
Coming of the Kingdom:  You will see great signs and miracles
     (Joel 2:30-31, Matt 24:29-33, Mark 13:24-29).  You will see
     nothing: it is within (Luke 17:20-21).
Who will be judged?  Believers will not be judged (John 5:24). 
     Everybody will be judged (Matt 12:36, 2 Cor 5:10, Heb 9:27,
     1 Pet 1:17, Jude 1:14-15, Rev 20:12-13).
Who judges?  God judges (Ps 62:12, 82:1, 98:9, Jer 17:10, Joel
     3:12, Rom 2:2-5, 3:19, 14:12, 2 Thess 1:5, 1 Pet 1:17).  God
     does not judge; Jesus judges (John 5:22, 27-30, 9:39, Acts
     10:42, 2 Cor 5:10).  God judges through Jesus (Acts 17:31). 
     Jesus does not judge (John 3:17, 8:15, 12:47).  Jesus says
     he cannot judge (Matt 20:23, Luke 12:14).  The disciples
     will judge (Matt 19:28, Luke 22:30).  The saints will judge
     (1 Cor 6:2).  Ten thousand of the saints will help the Lord
     judge (Jude 14).
When is judgement?  In Jesus' time (John 12:31).  After Jesus'
     death (Acts 17:31).  After each person's death (Heb 9:27). 
     After the earth is destroyed (2 Pet 3:7-12).
Should we judge?  No (Luke 6:37, Matt 7:1).  Yes (John 7:24).
Heaven has always been prepared (Matt 25:34).  Jesus is going to
     prepare it (John 14:2-3).