There are contradictions in the Bible

1. Circle of the eartha. I broke down the verse in Isaiah and explained the possibilities which were (1) this was a scientific statement (2) this was a metaphor. I explained why it was more reasonable to believe this is a metaphor given that the rest of the verse (and the rest of Isaiah) is metaphors and simile. Isaiah is probably conveying the appearance of the horizon. From a human perspective, one may look 360° around and see a flat and circular landscape. Isaiah is not trying to convey the geological structure of the earth.b. In the last round, I concluded that this account of Jesus and Satan is probably not literal either. Firstly, it's illogical that Jesus could have literally seen all the earth from a mountain. Secondly, Jesus often speaks in parables. Thirdly, however Jesus actually did see all the earth would be so unexplainable in human terms it must be done in a way the disciples could understand. Its true in a symbolic sense and not a literal sense. Evidence for this can be found in Luke which tells the same story more literally:And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (Luke 4:5)Obviously this feat is not possible by physical means. The reason why Luke doesn't say anything about a mountain is becuase Luke was looking for the literal facts. Matthew is far more symbolic as evident in Matthew's account of the same story.2. The parable of the mustard seedHere is a better way to understand this. The smallest seed on the 1st century farm was a mustard seed. The seed grew to be one of the largest herb-like plants. So in context, yes, the mustard seed was the smallest seed and largest herb.3. The earth does not moveConsider the phrase, "the sun rises early in the morning." Does the sun actually rise? Isn't that statement contradicting science? Actually, this is just a figure of speech. I would like my opponent to prove that these verses are not merely using figures of speech relative to that period.4. The Bible says that heaven has got pillarsI think this an extremely obvious example of metaphor. I'm not sure how my opponent perceived this as literal.5. John the BaptistVerse in context:"For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come." Matthew 11:13-14They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." John 1:21During John's ministry, many thought he was literally Elijah sent directly from Heaven. This was not true. Jesus refers to John as Elijah symbolically. Throughout the Old Testament, there is an astonishing amount of similar symbolism. For example, Joseph can be paralleled to Jesus in at least 200 ways, but they are not literally the same being.6. Does evil happen to the just?Finally I am faced with a good question and a significant matter in the Bible. This is the only good argument my opponent has presented so far.No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Proverbs 12:21Hebrews 12:6 speaks of discipline which is not evil so we may disregard this verse. But my opponent brings up Job, one of the more unique characters in the Bible. Job is seemingly a direct contradiction to this proverb, but it is actually an exception.exception – an instance that does not conform to a rule or generalizationPro's argument comes form a misinterpretation of the book of Proverbs, which consists of a number of general statements. For example, Prov. 20:13 says, do not love sleep, or you will become poor. This is a general statement, but there are exceptions. Not everyone who sleeps too much is poor, but generally the lazy are poorer than those who work hard. Likewise, the righteous will generally be protected by God. There are exceptions such as Job. Here, at Satan's request, God tested the righteous man to see if Job really loved and trusted God.In everyday speech and writing, general statements are made. For example, teachers say, 'if you work hard in school, you will get good grades." This is a true statement for the most part, only there are exceptions. A person could have a mental disability and get bad grades despite their valiant efforts.I see no reason that the Bible cannot use symbolism, hyperbole, and make general statements like every other book and not be contradictory. People seem to think that if a book is Holy it must be entirely literal, but this is false. So far, the Bible has no true contradictions. We have still only seen one argument pertaining to Christian doctrine, which I would personally like to see more of.