Continuing the critical examination of biblical reliability, this second part digs deeper into the specific contradictions within the Gospel accounts — particularly around the most pivotal event in Christian theology: the crucifixion. If the Bible cannot provide consistent testimony about the most important event it claims to record, the entire doctrine of atonement is built on a foundation that cannot withstand honest scrutiny.
Contradictions at the Cross
The four Gospels disagree on virtually every detail surrounding the alleged crucifixion. Matthew says Jesus wore a scarlet robe; John says it was purple. Matthew says he was given sour wine mixed with gall; Mark says it was mixed with myrrh. Mark says the crucifixion was before the third hour; John says about the sixth hour. Luke records Jesus’s last words as “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” while John records them as “It is finished.” If followers of famous people hang on to every word at the moment of death, how could the most important event in Christian history produce such conflicting accounts?
“We have four gospels anonymously written, conflicting with one another on huge details, and we’re asked to believe it. Three gospels fail to mention an angel descending and an earthquake — these aren’t minor details.” — Dr. Laurence Brown, exposing the contradictions that undermine the crucifixion narrative.
Did Jesus Actually Teach the Atonement?
Jesus (peace be upon him) never said he was going to die for the sins of mankind. In fact, he taught the opposite. He followed the Mosaic Law, which explicitly states: “The father shall not bear the iniquity of the son, and the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father.” He told his followers that children have the kingdom of heaven — which would be impossible if they bore the stain of original sin. It was Paul, not Jesus, who abolished the law and established the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
“Jesus Christ taught accountability and keeping the law. Paul came along, abolished the laws, and established the concept of the atonement. This is the conflict between the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of Paul.” — Dr. Laurence Brown, identifying the origin of Christianity’s departure from Jesus’s actual message.
What Islam Teaches About Jesus
- Muslims believe a crucifixion did happen, but that Jesus (peace be upon him) was not the one crucified — he was raised up by Allah, and another was substituted in his place
- Many early Christian sects shared this belief and did not accept the crucifixion as described in later orthodoxy
- Jesus prayed to be saved from the crucifixion, and the Bible says God heard his prayers because he was righteous — “heard” means accepted, not rejected
- God does not “need” a sacrifice — He is self-sufficient and can forgive whomever He wills by His own mercy, without conditions
Every prophet taught the Oneness of God, personal accountability, and obedience to His law. The doctrine of atonement contradicts all three of these principles. If you are searching for the truth about Jesus, read what he actually said — not what was written about him by anonymous authors centuries later — and compare it with the clear, preserved message of the Quran. The truth is waiting for every sincere heart willing to receive it.
