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(→The Bible Dictionary does not represent Church doctrine: Expanding (Midgley response)) |
(→Answer: Expanded and paraphrased (Midgley response)) |
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It is the opinion of some that the statements of 1,000 years in D&C 77 are not meant literally, but in a more figurative sense of "large spans of time." This follows the Hebrew use of "thousand" (’elef), which sometimes meant a literal 1,000, and other times was more generically used to indicate "a large amount." A hyper-literal reading of the Bible misses much of its allegory and symbolism, things which are incorporated into LDS temple experience but are too often viewed as literal "documentary" history. | It is the opinion of some that the statements of 1,000 years in D&C 77 are not meant literally, but in a more figurative sense of "large spans of time." This follows the Hebrew use of "thousand" (’elef), which sometimes meant a literal 1,000, and other times was more generically used to indicate "a large amount." A hyper-literal reading of the Bible misses much of its allegory and symbolism, things which are incorporated into LDS temple experience but are too often viewed as literal "documentary" history. | ||
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+ | ==Conclusion== | ||
+ | The language in our scriptures from which such dating of the "age of the earth" is drawn is clearly not intended to provide the kinds of information that some people insist on having. The best answer to questions about the date of Adam or the age of the earth is simply that we do not know. It is also important to bear in mind that having or not having such information is not crucial for our salvation. | ||
==Endnotes== | ==Endnotes== |
This article is a draft. FairMormon editors are currently editing it. We welcome your suggestions on improving the content.
This page is based on an answer to a question submitted to the FAIR web site, or a frequently asked question.
Regarding the Bible Dictionary, at least, the Church has been explicit that it is not to be taken as a statement of revealed Church doctrine. The heading to the Bible Dictionary includes the following statement:
Robert J. Matthews, who was part of the committee in the late 70's to create the LDS editions of the scriptures, including the study aids, said:
and other matters found in the Bible.[1]
And lastly, Elder McConkie had this to say regarding "the Joseph Smith Translation items, the chapter headings, Topical Guide, Bible Dictionary, footnotes, the Gazeteer, and the maps
To summarize, the entry in the Bible Dictionary is merely the opinion of whoever wrote it. It is not part of the canon of scripture and is not binding upon anyone.
The Encyclopedia of Mormonism article "Earth," states unequivocally:
There are varying opinions on this issue. There are some Latter-day Saints who believe in a "young earth," but they may represent a distinct minority. Many Saints accept an old earth closer to the scientific calculation of 4.6 billion years or so.
It is the opinion of some that the statements of 1,000 years in D&C 77 are not meant literally, but in a more figurative sense of "large spans of time." This follows the Hebrew use of "thousand" (’elef), which sometimes meant a literal 1,000, and other times was more generically used to indicate "a large amount." A hyper-literal reading of the Bible misses much of its allegory and symbolism, things which are incorporated into LDS temple experience but are too often viewed as literal "documentary" history.
The language in our scriptures from which such dating of the "age of the earth" is drawn is clearly not intended to provide the kinds of information that some people insist on having. The best answer to questions about the date of Adam or the age of the earth is simply that we do not know. It is also important to bear in mind that having or not having such information is not crucial for our salvation.
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