Were the 7 creative days of Genesis 24 hour days? If so, we appear to have a big problem. Most scientists believe the Universe is over 14 billion years old and that the earth is over 4 billion years old.
The Bible does not say how long a period elapsed between the beginning when God created the heaven and the earth, and the beginning of the creative week used in perfecting it for man.
From this point of view, there would be no contradiction between the the age of the earth being over 4 billion years.
HOW LONG IS A BIBLE DAY?
The days in Genesis are not 24 hours days. As a matter of fact, each day could be thousands or even millions of years long.
We quote from the book, “Science and Creation,” which can be found on DawnBible.com.
“Some have been misled by the word “day” used in this statement. It is a translation of the Hebrew word yowm, pronounced, yome. While often in the Old Testament this word is applied to a literal day of twelve or twenty-four hours, the sacred writers did not thus limit its use.
“In Exodus 13:10, Leviticus 25:29, Numbers 9:22, and in other places, the same Hebrew word is translated “year.” In Genesis 40:4 and Joshua 24:7 it is translated “season.” In Genesis 4:3 and 26:8, and many other places, yowm is translated “time.” These references reveal clearly that the meaning of this Hebrew word is not limited to a twenty-four hour day.
“Besides, the Bible often uses the word “day” in a broader sense. The period of forty years the Israelites spent in the wilderness is referred to as “the day of temptation in the wilderness.” (Ps. 95:8) Isaiah refers to the era of Christ’s kingdom on earth as a “day.” (Isa. 11:10) And in Genesis 2:4 the entire period of creation is “the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.”
“It is clear, then, that the Hebrew word yowm simply denotes a time, season, or era during which certain events take place, or a particular work is accomplished.”
AGE OF UNIVERSE
How do scientists determine the age of the Universe? By the late 1920s the pioneering work of Edwin Hubble in his observations of galaxies and their associated “red shift” established that the universe was expanding and argued for a “beginning” and a “stretching,” just as the Bible asserts in Job 9:8; Job 38:31.
When the light from a galaxy which is moving away from us is observed the wavelength appears longer, it moves towards the red end of the light spectrum. This is called RED SHIFT. The further away the galaxy the greater the red shift.
The Hubble telescope has helped to measure the speeds and distances of galaxies. Because all of the galaxies in the universe are generally moving apart, scientists infer that they must all have been much closer together sometime in the past. Knowing the current speeds and distances to galaxies, coupled with the rate at which the universe is accelerating, allows scientists to calculate how long it took for them to reach their current locations. They calculate the Universe to be about 14 billion years old.
RADIOMETRIC DATING
How do Scientists determine the age of the earth?
Fossils form when organisms are buried in sand and mud. As layers of deposits build up, older sediments are compressed into rock. The organisms form fossils within the rock. The younger the rock, the higher it is in the rock layers. The fossils within the rock layer are the same age as the rock itself.
Scientist attempt to calculate the age of fossils by using Radiometric Dating methods. Radiometric dating is a method of determining the ages of fossils using radioactive isotopes. In the process of emitting radiation, radioactive isotopes decay into different isotopes, eventually producing elements that are not radioactive. For example, the radioactive isotope Uranium-238 decays into the stable isotope Lead-206. Each radioactive isotope decays at a unique constant rate described by its Half-Life.
Half-life is the time it takes for half of a given quantity of a radioactive isotope to decay into another isotope. For example, the half-life of Uranium-238 is believed to be 4.5 billion years. Scientists believe it takes 4.5 billion years for half of a sample of this isotope to decay away. Consider a rock containing Uranium-238 that formed at the time of the earliest known fossils, calculated to be about 3.5 billion years ago. Today, it would contain about 58% of the original quantity of Uranium-238. An isotope with a shorter half-life would be better for calculating the age of a younger rock, because it would decay more significantly in a shorter time. The greater change in the amount of isotope would allow a more accurate measurement of the age of a younger rock. By measuring the remaining the remaining about of radioactive isotope, scientists believe they can determine the age of the fossil.
ARE SCIENTISTS RIGHT?
Among the Christian community are many scientists with points of view in conflict with secular evolutionists. However, these issues are, as the expression goes, “above my pay grade.” I am an accountant, not a scientist and I am not qualified to render an expert opinion.
I do however take note that when the Hubble space telescope scanned the heavens outside of earth's atmospheric distortions that various established theories were radically changed or abandoned. Later, after realizing that the Hubble was damaged and then repairing it, they had a better view of the heavens and once again rejected some of their more revised understandings of the Universe.
Hence, science is only as good as the instruments and tools available AND is flawed at times by previously published conclusions and biased grant money.
Some creationists feel that the radiometric dating methods are unreliable for pre-flood dating since conclusions are not based strictly on the half-life of radioactive materials, but are rather more on what is called "Field Relationships" in which a starting date range is assumed based on predetermined assumptions about what age should reasonably be expected (based on their ideas). In other words, some believe it to be a rigged system
There are a number of technical details associated with these dating methods which render them invalid if we accept the canopy theory.
Carbon-dating assumes that the production of Carbon-14 has been constant for the past several hundred million years. If the canopy theory is correct (and the Bible strongly supports it) then there was virtually no production of Carbon-14 prior to the Flood. Therefore everything that died and was buried before the Flood appears to be millions of years older based on flawed assumptions.
CANOPY THEORY
Page 2 of the Photodrama of Creation says, "The Earth was once molten, as indicated by the igneous rocks of the Azoic period: so called by scientists, but not discussed in the Bible. When the Earth was molten, its water and minerals were thrown off a great distance in gaseous form. As these cooled and took shape, they constituted great rings at a distance from the Earth. Gradually the motion of the rings became different from that of the Earth in proportion to the distance from the center of gravity. These rings of water and mineral gradually approaching the Earth would be kept off by centrifugal force, particularly strong at the equator."
Scientists do not generally take into consideration the Photodrama concepts, that the Earth was still relatively molten at the start of the 1st Creative Day. Yet such great molten heat might invalidate the radiometric methods of dating. Perhaps it was the descent of the canopy layers (near absolute zero) which rapidly cooled the Earth's surface, formed all the sedimentary layers, and allowed for surface water to exist.
Perhaps this is a related thought at this link: http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/global-cooling-somebody-tell-al
“Metamorphic rock, by contrast, is formed from earlier rock through intense heat and pressure. Metamorphism can reset some radiometric clocks (Potassium-Argon is particularly susceptible), so that radiometric dates record the time of alteration rather than the date when the earlier rock first solidified from magma or was deposited as sediment. Other parent-daughter pairs are less susceptible to alteration.”
As I am not able to render an expert opinion on science, I can only share ideas for consideration.
There are some fairly good reasons to think that "day" in genesis means one 24 hour day. Firstly, the bible uses it to mean 24 hours in the vast majority of passages. In the bible, when the word day is used in conjunction with a number..ie 3 day's travel...it means 24 hours time period. In Exodus 20:11, God states that the whole of creation took 6 days. Even each day is bounded with an evening and a morning.
Now I agree that the earth is 4.3 billion years old. But in this bit of history, the bible is simply wrong. Make of it what you will...
Thanks uvas. I enjoyed reading your comments.
Genesis 2:4 (NKJV) "This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day [Hebrew: yowm] that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens"
In this verse, all seven days are described as one day. Would you agree that the word "day" in the Bible can be taken either way? Either as a 24 hour day or as an undefined period of time? If so, in this regard, would you agree there is no contradiction with science if it is possible the Bible is describing long epochs of time by the use of the Hebrew word "yowm" translated "day?"
Thanks again for your stimulating thoughts.
There a a few passages that day is used as a undefined amount of time. But when it is used in that way there is no number attached, as per your example. Most passages have a number attached..ie 3 days travel... and all of those refer to a 24 hour day. And in Genesis, the days are used with a number, first day, second day, and so on. And on top of that, each day is bounded by evening and morning, so I don't think it is likely that a Gen:1 day is some large geologic time denomination.
Uvas,
Thanks. That is an excellent point. Evening and morning sounds like a 24 hour day. However, I could also see it used to demonstrate progression (i.e. from dark to light or from chaos to organization.
To attached a number would mean that each period of time (Hebrew: yowm) would be equal in length like a 24 hour day. Otherwise for example, three "yowm" of different lengths would make no sense to be categorized together in that way. So when we speak of the day ("yowm" of Israel in the Wilderness, that was just one period of 40 years. We would not look for more periods of time.
However, let's assume you are correct that the days in Genesis are 24 hours periods of time. Would you then feel that looking to science for evidence of creation would be a waste of effort? Do you have a thought on how long it took to create the universe? Again, should Christians look to the evidence of science? If not, then why not? After all, don't we look to archaeology to confirm Bible stories and history?
You are welcome to answer, but don't feel compelled. These are just questions that come to my mind.
Yes, my point being is that the days in Genesis are attached to numbers, so as in all other parts of the bible where this happens, it is referring to 24 hour days.
I think looking for evidence of creation is a viable part of science. Indeed cosmology is involved in this. How long did creation take? Well, our best estimates is that our universe is just under 14 billion years old. So it took that long for the universe to reach its current state. Should a Christian look to the evidence of science? I personally believe that one should believe in as many true things as possible, and science seems to be our best way to understand the truth of our reality.
Uvas,
Thanks. I appreciate hearing your perspective.
There are basically two thoughts in the Christian realm as to the age of the earth. The millennialist view holds that the day is 24 hours as based on the statement "and the morning and the evening was the first day." However, based on that, a day would have only been 14- 16 hours. Also note that the 24 hour time scale was developed thousands of years after Genesis was written.
The second thought, "The day age theory" supports the idea that the earth is millions of years old. Scriptural support for this are; psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and 2 peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Always remember: when debating the creation of the universe, keep the discussion relegated to either biblical or scientific. Mixing the two will automatically loose many readers, as they are adamant about their beliefs and will not acknowledge arguments from an apposing view.
Thanks roswellrockman,
I think it good for Christians to have both a strong faith and an open mind to what the Bible actually teaches, along with a kindness and tolerance in communicating our views. I will share some scriptures which impress me in this way:
Acts 17:10, 11: Immediately by night the brothers sent both Paul and Silas out to Be-roe’a, and these, upon arriving, went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thes-sa-lo-ni’ca, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so. – NWT
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand. – NWT
2 Tim 1:7 (Amplified Bible) – For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but He has given us a spirit of power and of love and of calm {and} well–balanced mind {and} discipline {and} self–control.
Gal 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. NKJV
Gal 5:13 – For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. NKJV
2Co 3:17 – …where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. NWT
John 8:31, 32 – And so Jesus went on to say to the Jews that had believed him: “If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free. NWT
If 1 John 4:8 says “God is love,” then shouldn’t love, not fear, be our motivation to serve Jehovah? Are you serving Jehovah in a certain way because you are afraid/fearful of being destroyed in Armageddon?
Hebrews 13:6 (Amplified Bible) – So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?
Amen! Thank you for your response and your eagerness to share the word. Please be assured that my comments were meant solely as an encouragement and to share what have been my experiences in discussions pertaining to this matter. I firmly believe it is our duty as Christians to encourage, exhort and/or admonish fellow brothers in Christ with love and respect, as per required in scripture. I am a firm believer in Creation as opposed to evolution. But I was raised with a scientific mindset. Which is to say that I was taught that evolution and "The Big Bang" were facts. It was later in life that I learned these were not so. As far as the age of the universe is concerned, I try to be as objective as I can, steer away from vain and useless arguing. If some one wants to have a constructive and edifying discussion on the matter, I am open to it. I will not however engage in a conversation that involves solely on changing my or someone else's view.
God Bless
Don & Andrea
Thanks Don & Andrea,
I am a Christian and an accountant. So I am really not qualified to make scientific pronouncements. However, I think it's good to do the best we can to explore the evidence. Honestly, I have a hard time understanding why God would have taken billions of years to create the universe. Scientists tend to calculate time based on conditions today. Yet just as on there earth, there were catastrophes like a world wide flood, so I wonder if there was the same in the creation of the universe that scientists can't see and maybe it happened much faster than they think. I can only speculate. Those like yourself with a more scientific background may have better insight than myself. Thanks again for the very friendly conversation.
Why God does anything the way He does is one of his greatest mysteries. An interesting note: in all the miracles mentioned in the bible, there is always form of physical manifestation associated with them.
I suppose any form of physical manifestation is for our benefit.
Amen! I will not pretend to know the mind of GOD.