Q&A: The Age of the World
The Age of the World
Question
Hello Rabbi, What, in the Rabbi’s view, is the explanation for the apparent contradiction between the age of the world that the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) tells us and what science claims, and perhaps also proves?
Answer
I don’t have a settled opinion. In general, if there is a conclusion that is compelled by the scientific findings, I accept it. The tradition has to be worked out accordingly (as Maimonides writes in the Guide for the Perplexed regarding the eternity of the world and corporeality). There are several possible directions for explaining this contradiction, and since I have no way to decide between them, I don’t find much point in dealing with it.
There are claims that each day of creation lasted many years. There are claims that the world was created fully formed. There are claims that the rate at which time passed changed (general relativity), and when that time is translated into our terms today, we are talking about something on the order of thousands of years.
Discussion on Answer
It certainly is reduced. Every difficulty reduces it. The question is whether that is significant enough. In my opinion, absolutely not.
Hello.
You wrote that “since I have no way to decide between them, I don’t find much point in dealing with it.” The question is whether there is a reasonable and plausible explanation, because if not, the credibility of the Jewish tradition is reduced.
I would be glad to hear your opinion, thank you very much.