What is the age of the earth?

Answer

On certain subjects, the Bible is very clear. For instance, it thoroughly discusses our moral responsibilities towards God and the process of salvation. However, on other subjects, the Bible does not offer as much information. Upon careful examination of the Scriptures, one discovers that the Bible directly addresses topics that are more crucial. In essence, “the main things are the plain things.” One topic that the Scriptures do not explicitly cover is the age of the earth.

There are various methods used to estimate the age of the earth. Each method is based on certain assumptions that may or may not be accurate. These methods range from biblical literalism to scientific literalism.

One approach to determining the age of the earth assumes that the six days of creation described in Genesis 1 were literal 24-hour periods and that there are no gaps in the chronology or genealogy of Genesis. The years recorded in the genealogies of Genesis are then totaled to estimate the time from creation to specific Old Testament figures. By using this method, an approximate age of Earth of around 6,000 years is calculated. It is crucial to note that the Bible does not explicitly state the age of the earth—this is a calculated figure.

Another method of estimating the age of the earth involves utilizing resources such as radiometric (carbon) dating, geologic cycles, and similar techniques. Scientists compare different methods and assess their alignment to determine the planet’s age. This method yields an estimated age for Earth of about 4 to 5 billion years. It is important to understand that there is no direct means of measuring the age of the earth—this is a calculated value.

Both of these methods for estimating the age of the earth have potential limitations. Some theologians do not believe that the text of the Bible necessitates the creation days to be literal 24-hour periods.

Periods. Similarly, there are reasons to believe that the genealogies of Genesis have intentional gaps, only mentioning certain men in the lineage. Some measures of the age of Earth do not seem to support it being as young as 6,000 years, and denying such evidence requires the suggestion that God made virtually every aspect of the universe “appear” to be old, for some reason. Despite claims to the contrary, many Christians who hold to an old earth view take the Bible to be infallible and inspired, but they differ on the proper interpretation of a select few verses.

On the other hand, radiometric dating is only useful or accurate back to a certain point, far less than the scale involved in dating the earth. Geologic time scales, fossil records, and so forth are highly dependent on assumptions and subject to modeling errors. The same is true of observations of the greater universe; we can only see a tiny fraction of all that exists, and much of what we “know” is theoretical. In short, there are ample reasons to believe that secular estimates for the age of the earth are inaccurate, as well. Relying on science to answer scientific questions is fine, but science cannot be treated as infallible.

In the end, the chronological age of the earth cannot be proven. Unfortunately, there are voices on both sides of the issue who claim theirs is the only possible interpretation—theologically or scientifically. In truth, there is no irreconcilable theological contradiction between Christianity and an old earth. Nor is there a true scientific contradiction in a young earth. Those who claim otherwise are creating division where none needs exist. Whichever view a person holds, what matters is whether or not he is trusting in God’s Word to be true and authoritative.

Got Questions Ministries favors the young earth perspective. We believe that Genesis 1–2 is literal, and young earth creationism is what a literal reading of those chapters presents. At the same time, we do not consider old earth creationism.

It is deemed heretical to question the faith of our fellow believers in Christ who hold a different view on the age of the earth. Embracing old earth creationism does not compromise the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith.

Paul advised against causing discord among believers over matters not explicitly addressed in the Bible, such as the age of the earth (Romans 14:1-10;Titus 3:9). The Scriptures do not definitively address the age of the earth. Furthermore, one’s stance on the earth’s age does not inherently impact their beliefs regarding sin, redemption, ethics, the afterlife, or damnation. While we can glean insights into the Creator, His purpose in creation, and our relationship with Him, the Bible does not explicitly specify the timing of creation.