Bible is harmonious throughout

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Contents 1 Claim 2 Source 3 Responses 4 Fallacies contained in this claim 5 References 6 Further Reading 7 Related claims 8 Acknowledgments

Claim

The Bible's internal harmony around a central theme testifies to its divine authorship. It is 66 books written over 16 centuries by some 40 different writers of diverse backgrounds, but every part follows the same theme.

Source

• Anon, 1985. Life--How Did It Get Here?, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., p. 215.

Responses

1. Any "harmony" the Bible has is greatly enhanced after one comes up with rationalizations to account for what would otherwise be obvious contradictions. Because you can always come up for a justification for any discrepancy, the concept of the Bible being harmonious is almost circular.
2. The official Bible was hand-picked by the Council of Nicea several centuries after the death of Jesus. When a group of established religious leaders is able to choose which books are a part of the Bible and which books are not, it is a simple matter to ensure that the theme and content are consistent throughout.
3. Parts of the Bible speak about one's enemies are God's enemies, also, and that one should slaughter one's enemies, down to the last man, woman, child, and beast. Other parts speak of how all people are beloved of God, and deserve respect, even if they are one's enemies. How is this harmonious?
4. The first chapter of the Bible states that the Earth was created in seven days, with humans created last. In the second chapter, it states that humans were created first. Even on the topic of creation, it contradicts itself.
5. add more responses

Fallacies contained in this claim

• Red Herring (harmony does not imply accuracy)
• Suppressed Evidence (of contradictions)
• Misrepresenting the Facts (of the Bible's origin)

References

1. Friedman, R.E., 1987. (see below)

Further Reading

• Friedman, Richard Elliott, 1987. Who Wrote the Bible? New York: Summit Books.

Related claims

• The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it
• The Bible is inerrant
• The Bible is literal
• Bible claims inspiration
• Prophecies prove the accuracy of the Bible
• The Bible must be accurate because archaeology supports it
• Bible's accuracy on other scientific points shows overall accuracy
• Bible is unique in other ways

Acknowledgments