xfrodobagginsx,
But you yourself have said:
So how can it then be the 'Word of God'? You have also quoted an essay which states the contradictions in the Bible are expected because it was written by a number of people over a long period of time. So then how can this be the Word of God?
I am not well versed in these discussions but it seems pretty straightforward to me.
I don't believe that there ARE any contradictions in the bible. I believe that it is the very word of God. It was written by several people through the Holy Spirit (God).