Answering the Hard Questions in Scripture

Editor, Wisconsin Christian News:

   In his article last month, (The Dangers of ‘Spirituality’:  Can we Talk to the Dead? -- WCN Volume 12, Issue 7), Dr. Connor opted not to discuss some “hard” texts due to a lack of space and the idea that the Bible cannot contradict itself.  I’d like to look at just a few of them here.

   Deuteronomy 18:10-11 states, “Let no one be found among you who ... consults the dead.”  This verse at least suggests that it is possible to speak to the dead, or else why prohibit it?

   I Samuel 28 contains the story of King Saul going to the witch of Endor and calling Samuel up for consultation.  Since both the woman and King Saul recognized him as Samuel, and the Bible says it WAS Samuel, I believe it WAS Samuel.  Samuel had knowledge of what was to come for Saul and shared it and it came to pass just the way Samuel said it would.

   In Luke 16, we find the story of the rich man and Lazarus.  Jesus says that upon his death, Lazarus was taken to Abraham’s bosom and that from there he could see the rich man in torment in Hades.  I have a hard time believing that Jesus would in any way mislead us.

   In Matthew 17, Moses and Elijah joined Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.  Is the Bible misleading us again?

   In Matthew 2 ...