Q&A: Sources
Sources
Question
Hello Rabbi, when the Rabbi argues that he thinks evolution is a correct theory, does the Rabbi have sources for this from the medieval authorities (Rishonim), or at least from earlier sources before the publication of Darwin's book, that hint that evolution happened? Because what I know about the creation of man describes how the Holy One, blessed be He, created man from the dust. In Midrash Tehillim: in the first hour it arose in thought, in the second He consulted with the ministering angels, etc.
Sabbath שלום
Answer
I did not understand this strange question. Do you have proofs for the value of the gravitational constant or for electromagnetic field theory? Since when are scientific facts, or facts in general, determined by proofs from the medieval authorities (Rishonim) or from any other person? Such things are decided by scientific tools, and those are full of evidence for evolution.
Discussion on Answer
For every interpretation you propose, do you need to bring sources? How was the first interpretation created? Or any new interpretation?
Indeed, every time something does not fit, people look for a new interpretation.
Of course it is possible to offer new interpretations, but to base them on interpretations of the medieval authorities (Rishonim), who interpreted with divine inspiration, that leave room for such an interpretation. But if there are no places where the medieval authorities (Rishonim), or other people who interpreted with divine inspiration, gave an interpretation that leaves room for it, then it is a problem to give such an interpretation that seemingly contradicts what is written.
I hope my words are clear; if not, I would be happy to know where, so that I can clarify.
You have strange assumptions about people's divine inspiration, and I do not accept them. It seems to me there is no point in continuing the discussion.
Since the theory of evolution seemingly contradicts the plain meaning of the Torah, you need to bring sources hinting that an evolutionary process could have happened and that man was not created directly from the dust of the earth. Because if not, then who says what is written is true? Every time something comes along that does not fit with the Torah, I will give my own interpretation of how it works out? That does not make sense.
Thank you very much, and have a good week.