The big idea
The claim is almost always inherited rather than examined. One question tests that.
This is usually said with confidence and rarely with specifics. That is not a criticism of the person — it is how most of us hold most of our secondhand beliefs, and Christians do exactly the same thing with claims that favor us.
So ask, warmly: "Which one bothers you most?" Sometimes there is a real answer and you get to have a genuine conversation. Often there is not, and the person notices on their own that they are repeating something they have not checked. That realization is far more valuable than anything you could have told them.
When you do get a specific example, run the three-question method from the Bible path: same event, same purpose, difference or denial. And if the example is genuinely hard, say so. "That one is difficult and here is how I currently think about it" is a much stronger position than a forced resolution.
Key argument
Specify before evaluating
- 1A general claim about contradictions cannot be examined.
- 2A specific example can be tested against the definition of contradiction.
- 3Therefore asking for a specific case is the necessary first step.
The objection
"There are lists of hundreds of them online."
Best response
There are, and some of the entries are worth thinking about. Most collapse under three questions: is it the same event, the same purpose, and is it a difference or an actual denial? Pick the one you find strongest and let us walk through it.
Mistake to avoid
Asking "name one" in a triumphant tone. Same words, completely different conversation. It should sound curious, not like a trap.
Conversation move
"Which one bothers you most? I would rather look at a real example than talk about it in general."
Memory line
"Ask for one. Then actually deal with it."
Practice
Practice saying "which one bothers you most?" in a tone that invites rather than challenges.
Self-check
2 questions to check the idea stuck. This one is just for you — it is not scored and does not affect your quiz accuracy. The path quiz is the graded one.
Someone says the Bible is full of contradictions. Best first response?
You should have a resolution ready for every alleged contradiction.
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