It's awkward for Christian/Islamic/Judaic fundamentalism, no doubt, but it's not awkward for a number of other varieties of spiritual belief.

Good quote from Walt Whitman, Peter. I would say from my observations all through life that everyone I know contradicts himself or herself....and quite frequently too! And so do I. ;-) It depends on the moment you catch them in, what mood they are in, what point they are trying to make, what argument they are pushing, etc. This is particularly evident with family members, spouses, and people one is in close relationship with. They contradict themselves thousands of times over in various ways, large and small, and they never even notice it, because they are always, after all, caught up in the moment... ;-)

If one were to sift back through the posts of any member of this forum and search for times when he or she has contradicted a previous statement, one could find many examples of it...but why spend the time to do that? It would be pointless, unless one was fighting a court case...or on a political campaign. ;-) Politicians are forever leaping with glee on something the other guy said that apparently contradicted something else he said, because the business of a politician is to destroy the other guy by any means, fair or foul.

Whitman was relaxed enough about himself...and forgiving enough...to freely and good-humouredly admit to the fact that he contradicts himself. He was also wise enough to recognize that he "contains multitudes" (as do we all). We are each not just a single version, a single outlook, or a single statement on reality, we are many and various. The only thing that never contradicts itself is a machine. That's because a machine doesn't think at all. It is lifeless. A machine would make the perfect defendant in a courtcase, wouldn't it? ;-) No inconsistencies whatsoever. It might also make the perfect politician. Hmmmm......!!!