Answers Quote by Rachel Held Evans
““Invariably, I will be referred to Gleason Archer's massive Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, a heavy volume that seeks to provide the reader with sound explanations for every conceivable puzzle found within the Bible - from whether God approved of Rahab's lie, to where Cain got his wife. (Note to well-meaning apologists: it's not always the best idea to present a skeptic with a five-hundred-page book listing hundreds of apparent contradictions in Scripture when the skeptic didn't even know that half of them existed before you recommended it.)””
About This Quote
Source Book: A Practical Guide to Biblical Interpretation, 2015
The author warns that giving skeptics a massive list of alleged biblical contradictions can be counterproductive, as it may overwhelm and alienate them rather than persuade.
In simple terms: Overloading skeptics with detailed contradictions can backfire.
Key Takeaway
Present clear, concise evidence when discussing faith.
Themes
faith
dialogue
apologetics
communication
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- interfaith discussions
- teaching
- public debates
Key Concepts
argumentation
persuasion
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the most effective way to address doubts?
- How can we balance thoroughness with clarity?
A Different Perspective
Too much detail can reinforce resistance.
