When the Bible Disagrees With Itself — and the Verses Used to Harm

What do we do when the Bible seems to contradict itself? And what happens when Scripture is used not to heal—but to harm? In this sermon, Rev. David Wheeler explores two foundational questions many people are quietly asking today: how to read biblical contradictions with honesty, and how to confront verses that have been weaponized against LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and women. Drawing from Genesis 1–2 and Acts 15, this message shows how the Bible itself models faithful disagreement—and how the early church chose love over control when Scripture was contested. We examine how certain passages have been misused to justify slavery, racism, exclusion, and patriarchy, and why those interpretations were always more about power than faithfulness. This sermon is especially for: • People who love the Bible but struggle with it • Those who have been hurt by how Scripture was used against them • Anyone seeking a faith they won’t need to deconstruct from later Rather than defending or dismissing the Bible, this message invites listeners into a more honest, humane, and life-giving way of engaging Scripture—one rooted in justice, humility, and love. Because love is the point.