The question of the age of the earth is debatable. There are two primary options to choose from for the date of the earth, they are: the “old earth” position, which agrees with the consensus of modern science that says the earth is 4.5 billion years old, and the “new earth” position, which says that the earth is 10,000-20,00 years old, furthermore, this position would completely dismiss secular scientific dating schemes.

The Old Earth Theory 

The proposition for the “old earth” theory is based around the notion that the six days of creation don’t refer to a period of 24 hours, rather to longer periods of time, perhaps even millions of years. Those who hold this position would state that the Hebrew word that is translated as “day” is sometimes used to refer to a longer period of time. This translation can be seen in Genesis 2:4, Exodus 20:12, Job 20:28, Proverbs 24:10; 25:13, and Ecclesiastes 7:14. Further factors which may support the old earth theory include the fact that the genealogies of the Bible contain gaps, and that the evidence for the antiquities of the universe, such as the formation of coral reefs, continental drifts, and astronomical measurements, etc, seem to offer indisputable proof.

The Young Earth Theory 

The proposition for the “young earth” theory is based around the notion that the six days referred to in Genesis 1 represent a literal twenty four hour period of time. Those who maintain this theory back their notion up by highlighting that Scripture time brackets each day by using the phrase “And there was evening, and there was morning...” (Genesis 1:5). Some people who maintain the young earth theory would also object to certain scientific dating processes, and would question the reliability of radiometric dating, and would query the assumed rate of decay of certain natural elements. In order to back up these objections, those who propose a young earth theory would claim that the natural forces that were unleashed at the time of the flood (Genesis 6-9), would significantly alter the face of the earth, exerting extremely high pressures on the earth and deposition fossils in layers of incredibly thick sediment all over the earth’s surface.

What should a Christian believer believe about the age of the universe?

Whilst almost indisputable scientific facts seem to point to an “old earth” theory, an overviewed reading and interpretation of scripture would seem to suggest a “young earth” theory. So what should a Christian believer believe about the age of the universe? It’s a tough one.

To move on from the stale-mate we have found ourselves in, with integrity, we perhaps need to begin by acknowledging that there are heavenly mysteries which will remain unclear this side of Christ’s return. We must also encourage greater humility and less arrogance amongst Christian scientists and theologians who maintain either side of the debate. Collaboration, cooperation and communication must also be encouraged.