Re: Age of the Earth

Josh R. Friedman (friedmaj@mail.med.upenn.edu)
Mon, 27 Oct 1997 20:19:06 -0500

RMPCTA@aol.com writes:
<<Also consider: Different radiation levels and other changes in
environmental conditions (Hashem shortened age spans from 1000 years to 120
(ozone levels?), flood waters (some boiling from volcanic and or meteoric
activity) circulating at speeds to cover the highest mountains and change
the landscape, and the tremendous varity of species and DNA that
proliferated from creation until the flood, when only a small sample was
spared.>>

In addition, several previous posts have made reference to a mysterious
change in "pressure" which may effect rates of radioactive decay....

I must take issue with the approach being advocated here: namely, the
rejection of well-accepted and well-documented scientific knowledge on the
basis of cryptic, nonsensical objections. Of course, this is not the forum
for a scientific debate, but doesn't this type of approach hinder more
creative, insightful resposes to modern challenges to the Torah history of
the world?

I respect the faith in Torah reflected in the post quoted above, and
certainly science does not merit the same devotion. Nonetheless, the
rejection of basic scientific information comes far to easily to RMPCTA -
does he have the same potent doubts in science when he drives a car, uses a
computer, or visits a doctor?

This question deserves a more objective and informed approach.

Josh R. Friedman
Philadelphia, PA
friedmaj@mail.med.upenn.edu