There are contradictions in the Bible

This is a little bit rushed, and since it is, I have been able to fit everything within the character limit. "Who are you to say what is and what isn't the word of God?" "How can we know the difference between a metaphor and a literal verse?" The answer is, common sense. For example, we know the phrase, "The pillars of heaven tremble"ï¿½ is descriptive symbolism because (1) Heaven does not have pillars (2) the rest of the sentence conveys a sense of metaphor. Pillars do not tremble or become scared. We know that the "the rocks will cry out"ï¿½ is not literal either for similar reasons. Let's move on to your 'better contradictions.' 1. Order of creation What we have in Genesis are two chapters entailing the same creation story. One describes the chronology of the actual creation. It is also meant to show the grandness and power of Elohim (it's actually translated as singular in the Bible). The second chapter gives a description of several points in the creation account that would be out of place in chapter one. Its not really meant to be chronological. The second chapter is leading into morality and the fall of man; hence Yahweh is used (referring to the nature and holiness of God). 2. Righteous live Yes folks, most people will physically die at some point. I see no contradiction. 3. Genealogy of Jesus There is much uncertainty among Bible scholars on this issue. However, that does not mean archeologists will not find an answer to this in coming years. For the time being, it is theorized that one is Mary's and the other is Joseph's. How can this be considering Luke explicitly started with Joseph? Consider the times and the fact that instead of using the mother's genealogy, authors would traditionally put the father's genealogy. The problem is Jesus was not the physical father of Jesus, so Luke decided to use Mary's genealogy. In accordance with the times, the genealogy was placed under Joseph's name even though it is Mary's genealogy. 4. When was Jesus born? Many scholars consider Luke to have made an error in this statement. However, there may not actually be an error here. First of all, while it may not be in the Josephus' account, it is theorized that the first census of Quirinius occurred at the time of Jesus' birth and is separate from the first census that is in the archives. My opponent makes it out that, "Quirinius did not become governor of Syria until well after Herod's death." Yet Luke does not use the official word for governor, "legatus" but uses "hegemon" which is a broader term that would mean a ruling officer or procurator. At this time, Quirinius may not have been an official governor but would still be in charge of the census. Also, it doesn't make sense to attribute such an error to Luke who was one of the most diligent historians of the time. It is not like him to get such a fact like this wrong. 5. Two robbers Firstly, I see no source on this 'historical fact.' I am struggling to find this on the internet or anywhere else. The verses do not say they were only robbers. It is very possible they did other deeds to merit crucifixion. Crucifixion was the worst punishment reserved for non-Romans, and if a non-Roman committed an atrocity that deserved worse than the typical punishment, crucifixion would likely be administered. 6. Who found the empty tomb? The likely explanation is that Mary Magdalene and Mary mother of James found the empty tomb along with several others. No where does it say that ONLY Mary Magdalene or ONLY the two Marys found the tomb. The other women present were omitted in several cases. But since all these propositions can be true, then we have no contradiction. 7. Rapture My opponent refers to Mark 13:30, Matthew 24:34, and Luke 21:32 which exclaim that "truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place." This may mean that Christ was incorrect in His prediction or it may mean that He was not talking about the disciples themselves. He could be referring to the new generation of Christians in the New Testament church. For example, there may be no more "new covenants" anymore until the end of time. "Generation" might refer to a number of different things. The point is, Jesus made many claims that weren't understood at the time, but turned out to be true prophecies. We may not understand precisely what He is saying here, but that doesn't mean it is a contradiction. I do not think Paul is referring to the end times in 1 Cor. 7:29-31. Regarding 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we must remember that the Bible is supposed to be written not just to those who lived at that time but for all times. If we look at this verse as directed to Christians today, it makes perfect sense. He is saying that those who will not be around when Christ returns will remain "asleep in Jesus." This is not much different then being re-united with Christ in Philipians. Paul still holds that the Kingdom of God will come on earth. I do not think my opponent's argument suggests that Jesus never intended to start any type of church, nor does it prove that Jesus was wrong about when he was coming back.