Scoffers
Scoffers and students may ask the same question, but one asks to argue, the other to learn.
Often is is easy to just give an answer. But one way to respond separates the student from the scoffer. Give the answer in a short study guide. The scoffer will not take the effort to learn. The student will.
"Why are there two accounts of creation, that contradict? " This may be asked by either, though a careful student would use "appear to" so as not to suggest doubt of God's word.
The study outline might suggest:
1. Identify the pattern in the first account heaven and earth, light, water, dry ground, as ABCDABCDA. What verses identify the pattern?
2. If the final A were a book end, does it refer to the first or second A? How do you know?
3. Read 2.5 as part of 2.4. Now which A does it refer to?
4. If v 5 ends the first account. Where is the contradiction?
5. When were the verse numbers and chapter numbers added? Who did the pericope divisions? Are they scripture?
6. Why would someone make it look like the Bible contradicted itself? Ignorance or intentional... neither is acceptable.
