Better in the Bible: Culture

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How Old Is The Earth According to the Bible?

June 11, 2023

How Old Is The Earth According to the Bible? This intriguing question has captivated the minds of scholars, theologians, and curious individuals alike. As we delve into the realms of religious perspectives and scriptural interpretations, we embark on a journey to explore the biblical understanding of the Earth's age. Delving into the rich tapestry of biblical texts and genealogical records, we aim to uncover the insights and varying viewpoints that shed light on this age-old inquiry.

How old is the Earth according to the Bible?

According to the Bible, determining the exact age of the Earth can be challenging due to interpretational differences among scholars and theologians. However, some Bible scholars have attempted to estimate the Earth's age by tracing back the genealogical records mentioned in the Old Testament. One well-known estimation is based on the biblical genealogies from Adam to Jesus Christ. By adding up the ages of individuals mentioned in these genealogies, some have concluded that the Earth is approximately 6,000 years old.

It's important to note that this interpretation is not universally accepted and has sparked debate within Christian circles. The genealogical approach assumes a strict chronological reading of the Bible, taking into account the ages of individuals and the events mentioned. However, there are alternative interpretations that consider factors such as symbolic meanings or gaps in the genealogical records. As a result, the Bible does not provide a definitive answer regarding the precise age of the Earth.

How old is the Earth according to science?

In contrast to the biblical perspective, scientific research suggests that the Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old. Scientists have arrived at this estimation using a variety of dating methods, such as radiometric dating, which measures the decay of radioactive isotopes found in rocks and minerals. These dating techniques allow scientists to analyze the age of the Earth's rocks and the minerals they contain, providing valuable insights into our planet's history.

Radiometric dating methods, including uranium-lead dating and potassium-argon dating, have been instrumental in determining the age of the Earth. By studying the ratios of parent and daughter isotopes in rocks and minerals, scientists can calculate the time that has passed since their formation. These methods have been extensively peer-reviewed and have stood up to rigorous scientific scrutiny, leading to a consensus among the scientific community that the Earth is billions of years old.

Arguments for the Earth being 6,000 years old:

Despite the scientific consensus, there are arguments put forth by some individuals who believe in a young Earth, primarily based on biblical interpretations. One argument often cited is the concept of "apparent age," which suggests that God created the Earth with the appearance of age. This viewpoint asserts that the Earth may have been created with geological features that make it appear older than it actually is.

Another argument is based on the belief in a global catastrophic event, such as Noah's Flood, which could have significantly altered the Earth's geological processes and dating methods. According to this perspective, the flood could have caused rapid sedimentation and other geological changes, making the Earth appear older than it truly is.

Additionally, some proponents of a young Earth argue that scientific dating methods are flawed and unreliable. They claim that assumptions made in radiometric dating techniques, such as the constant decay rates of isotopes, are not necessarily accurate or consistent. They propose alternative models that suggest rapid decay rates or other mechanisms to explain the observed data.

No Written Language before 6,000 Years Ago:

The absence of written language before approximately 6,000 years ago is a significant point to consider in the discussion of the Earth's age. Writing is a fundamental tool for recording and transmitting knowledge, culture, and history. The earliest known writing systems, such as cuneiform and hieroglyphics, emerged around 3,500 BCE in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, respectively. These systems marked a major milestone in human civilization, allowing for the preservation of information over long periods.

If there were humans living on Earth prior to the development of writing, it is reasonable to assume that they would have left some form of written records or inscriptions. However, the absence of such evidence raises intriguing questions. Could it be that human civilization, as we understand it today, did not exist or had not reached a stage where writing was necessary? Alternatively, it is also possible that any early forms of writing may not have survived the ravages of time due to their perishable nature or the lack of preservation.

While the lack of written language before 6,000 years ago does not definitively prove the Earth's age, it does provide a valuable piece of evidence to consider within the broader discussion. It emphasizes the significance of written records in understanding and unraveling human history and prompts us to explore other forms of evidence, such as archaeological discoveries and oral traditions, to piece together the puzzle of our ancient past.

Conclusion:

The question of the Earth's age has been approached from both biblical and scientific perspectives. While the Bible does not provide a definitive answer, some interpretations based on genealogical records suggest a relatively young Earth of approximately 6,000 years. On the other hand, scientific research utilizing radiometric dating methods suggests that the Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old.

It's important to respect and understand differing viewpoints on this topic. Both the biblical and scientific perspectives offer valuable insights into our understanding of the Earth's age. As our knowledge and scientific advancements continue to progress, it is possible that new discoveries may shed further light on this intriguing question. Ultimately, the exploration of the Earth's age serves to highlight the diverse ways in which we seek to comprehend the world around us.

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How to Break Cell Phone Addiction

May 28, 2023

If you're finding yourself having a hard time breaking up with your cell phone, and are wondering how to break cell phone addiction, hopefully, these tips, tricks, and my own experience can encourage you to know you're not alone in this battle.

My Experience with Cell Phone Addiction:

For years I've had a really hard time managing my screen time and scrolling my phone for hours and hours on end. I think in some ways it was a way for me to avoid things that were going on in my life whether it was personal life struggles, mental health, hard seasons with kids, etc... It's so simple to just turn to your phone and scroll Instagram or TitkTok, and before you know it, an hour or more of your life is gone in the blink of an eye.

I think I denied that I had a problem for a really long time. As someone who works in marketing, I would tell myself it was part of my job to be on my phone, and that my four hours a day of screen time was part of my job. In reality, I didn't need to be on my phone that much, and my actual work accounted for about 30 minutes of those 4 hours each day. If I was stressed, I would scroll on my phone, if I was bored, I would scroll on my phone, if I was at a red light, I'd check my email. There was so much time throughout the day that I was mindlessly grabbing my phone for no reason.

This all came to a head for me when I went on a mission trip to India in the winter and didn't have access to my cell phone. I essentially didn't use my phone for a week and a half, and was so proud when I got home and averaged 15 minutes of phone use a day, which was mainly me using my camera for pictures and videos.

The week I had gotten home though, my screen time was up to 5 hours a day and I kind of snapped and decided enough was enough. I started treating my phone like the plague on my life that it really was. From that moment I decided my screen time was never going to be that high again, and three months later I can say the highest average of screen time in a week that I have had on my phone has been an hour and a half per day, although most weeks I'm averaging under an hour per day.

How to Break Cell Phone Addiction:

Now that you've heard about my experience with cell phone addiction you might be thinking, "But how did you actually break the addiction?", there were a few things that I did, and still do, and hopefully some of these tips will be practical for your life as well.

Turn Screen Time On:

If you have an Apple phone, go into the settings and make sure screen time tracking is turned on. That way you can get a notification at the end of each week telling you how long you were on your phone each day. I also like to look at this throughout the day to see how I'm doing on my screen time for that day in particular so I can convict myself and know where I'm at for the day.

Tell Yourself You Will Not Touch Your Phone At All Costs:

Just simply put, consider your phone to be the enemy in this equation, and mentally tell yourself that you will not touch it. I leave my phone near me all day when I'm working because I do need it for work, and when my kids are at school I like to know if the school is trying to contact me, but for the most part, I do not touch it, and that is just a clear boundary that I have for myself. I only reach for it if it's essential, and if it's not, I don't touch it.

Do What You Need on A Computer:

If I'm reaching for my phone, but know that I can do the same task on the computer, then I will opt to hop onto my computer for that task instead. Scrolling is just way less fun and addicting for me on my computer than it is on my phone, so I know that even if I hop on Instagram on my computer to read my messages, I won't stay for the scroll because the desktop version just isn't as great.

Put Your Phone in Another Room:

If you can, and you feel you need to, put your phone in another room. Out of sight out of mind. Do this while you work, while you read your bible, while you read a book, etc... just get away from your phone and find something else to do.

Do Something Outside:

Spend time in silence and solitude outside. Lay in a hammock, get some sun, and just sit in your own thoughts. This can be hard for some people, but it's something that I've come to really enjoy. Our minds don't always need to be stimulated by something, and it's okay to just sit with your own self.

Replace the Scroll with Another Activity:

As mentioned a little earlier, if you catch yourself going for the scroll, replace it with another activity. Read a book, get some exercise, turn to your bible, go outside, and find something else to replace your time. If you don't find something to replace the scroll then you'll have no chance of breaking the addiction. Explore new hobbies and simply be conscious of the times you're reaching for your phone.

Delete Apps That You're Likely to Scroll:

Delete the apps that are most tempting for you to scroll. For me, it was Instagram and TikTok. I deleted TikTok from my phone and haven't downloaded it since. I need IG for work so it had to stay on my phone, but for the most part, I try to post as fast as I can and get off as fast as I can.

Turn Off Notifications for Apps:

If you have notifications turned on for any non-essential apps, turn them off. Even if they aren't for IG or another app. The reason is, anytime you get a notification, it's just a temptation to grab your phone and start scrolling. Avoid the temptation by making your phone make the least amount of distractions in your life as possible.

Set Goals:

Set a time goal that you want to stay under each day, and do everything in your power to make it a reality. For me, I wanted to be under an hour every single day. Some weeks I'm great, some I'm slightly over, but less than an hour per day is the goal. For you, it might be two hours, or simply cutting whatever you're currently doing in half. Whatever the goal, set the goal, and then check in on your screen time throughout the day and adjust accordingly to make sure you're on track for your goal.

Set App Timers:

Set an app timer for the apps you're most likely to use excessively. I have a friend who has a time limit set for IG each day, and only her husband knows the password to bypass the timer, so once she is locked out, she is locked out for the day. This is a great way to practice accountability too.

These are the ways that I have helped myself overcome my phone addiction. I will admit, once I was adamant about changing the habit, actually implementing it was pretty easy for me to accomplish. I hope that some of these tips and tricks can be helpful for you as you're working through this as well. Remember that you can also pray for the strength and power to be equipped to overcome any habit or challenge you face and that the Holy Spirit can strengthen you when you call upon the Lord for help.

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Is Keeping the Sabbath Relevant Today?

May 09, 2023

In a world that seems to never slow down, the concept of taking a day of rest can seem like an outdated notion. However, the Sabbath has been a significant part of many religious traditions for centuries. So, is keeping the Sabbath relevant today? Let's explore this question and see what the Bible says about it, examine some studies on the importance of rest for our health, practical tips for implementing the Sabbath, how to teach kids to sabbath, and different ideas around the Sabbath.

Bible Verses that Reference the Sabbath:

The Sabbath is first mentioned in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day of creation and set it apart as a day of rest. The Sabbath is also included in the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Exodus 20:8-11 states, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

The Sabbath is also mentioned in the New Testament, where Jesus says in Mark 2:27, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." This statement reinforces the idea that the Sabbath was given as a gift to humanity for our benefit.

Studies About Needing One Day of Rest Per Week:

In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research into the importance of rest for our health. One study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that people who take regular breaks during the day are more productive, experience less fatigue, and have better overall health. Another study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that people who take time off from work have lower levels of stress and better mental health.

There is also evidence to suggest that taking a day of rest each week can improve our physical health. One study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who take a weekly day of rest have a lower risk of heart disease. Another study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that taking a day off work each week can reduce the risk of burnout.

Practical Tips for Implementing the Sabbath:

Implementing the Sabbath into our lives can be challenging, especially if we are used to being constantly busy. Here are some practical tips to help make the transition easier:

Plan ahead: Decide on a day of the week that works best for you and plan ahead to ensure that you have everything you need. This might mean doing some meal prep in advance or making sure that you have enough reading material to keep you occupied.

Disconnect: Turn off your phone, computer, and any other devices that might distract you. This will help you to disconnect from the outside world and focus on the present moment.

Practice self-care: Use your Sabbath day as an opportunity to take care of yourself. This might mean taking a long bath, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones.

Do something restful: The Sabbath is not just about avoiding work; it's also about doing things that are restful and rejuvenating. This might mean reading a book, taking a nap, or spending time in nature.

Teaching Kids to Sabbath:

Teaching kids about the importance of rest and Sabbath can be challenging, but it's essential to help them develop healthy habits and values that they can carry with them into adulthood. Here are some ideas for teaching kids to Sabbath:

Make it fun: Kids are more likely to enjoy the Sabbath if they see it as something fun and exciting. Plan activities that they will enjoy, such as going for a hike or having a family game night.

Keep it simple: Kids don't need elaborate plans or activities to enjoy the Sabbath. Keep things simple and focus on spending quality time together as a family.

Model Sabbath rest: Kids learn by example, so make sure that you are modeling Sabbath rest in your own life. If they see you taking time to rest and recharge, they are more likely to do the same.

Explain the why: Help kids understand why the Sabbath is important and how it can benefit them. Explain that it's a day to rest, spend time with family, and connect with God.

Implement Quiet Time: In our home we have a two hour quiet time every Sunday. This is a time where we all go into our rooms, close the doors, disconnect from technology, and truly rest. The kids might spend this time quietly playing with toys, reading, or actually resting. My husband and I usually take this time to nap, or I'll read a book or spend time in my bible.

Different Ideas Around Sabbath:

There are many different ideas around what it means to Sabbath today. Some people believe that it's essential to avoid all work and spend the day in solitude and silence, while others see it as a day to spend time with loved ones and do things that bring them joy. Here are some examples of how different people choose to Sabbath:

Sabbath in nature: Some people prefer to spend their Sabbath in nature, whether that's going for a hike or spending the day at the beach. Being surrounded by nature can be restorative and help to recharge our batteries.

Digital detox: For many people, the Sabbath is a day to unplug and disconnect from technology. This can be a great way to reduce stress and focus on being present in the moment.

Creative pursuits: Some people use their Sabbath as an opportunity to explore their creative side, whether that's painting, writing, or playing music. Engaging in creative pursuits can be restful and rejuvenating.

Community connection: For some people, the Sabbath is a day to connect with their community, whether that's attending church or spending time with friends and family.

In conclusion, the concept of Sabbath has been around for centuries, and there is evidence to suggest that taking a day of rest each week can have significant benefits for our health and well-being. While the idea of Sabbath might seem outdated in today's fast-paced world, there are many practical tips and different ideas around what it means to Sabbath today that can make it relevant and meaningful for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you choose to spend your Sabbath in nature, engage in creative pursuits, or connect with your community, the important thing is to prioritize rest and recharge your batteries for the week ahead.

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What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos in Revelations?

May 07, 2023

Ever find yourself wondering, "What does the bible say about tattoos in Revelations?" There are a few verses that allude to the concept or the idea of tattoos in this book of the Bible, which may seem contradictory to Old Testament beliefs held by individuals who practice Judaism and other orthodox sects of Christianity who believe the Bible to teach against the practice of tattoos.

What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos in Revelations:

Three key verses in Revelations refer to the possibility of tattoos. This is not meant to say that this is directly what the verses are saying, but it does provide a possible implication for tattoos that will be addressed later on.

Revelation 7: 2-4 says: "Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given the power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:" ESV

Revelation 9: 2-4 says: "He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft. Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads." ESV

Revelation 9:16 says: "On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords." ESV

What Can Be Learned About Tattoos from Revelation:

Two things about tattoos can be learned from these verses that we read in the book of Revelations. One, the servants of God, and those who accept and consider themselves adopted into the family of God could be marked with the seal of God on their foreheads. In chapter seven we see that the angel who had the seal of God told the other angels to cause no harm until he had sealed all the servants of God on their foreheads. Later on in chapter nine when the locus are released, they're specifically told to not destroy those who have the seal of God on their foreheads. To me, this indicates that they were specifically marked and set apart so that the locus knew to not destroy them.

The second thing to note is the inscription on the thigh of Jesus. It would appear that in Revelation 9:16 that Jesus possibly has a tattoo on his thigh that reads, "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

What Does the Old Testament Say About Tattoos:

One verse in the bible that people often refer to as an implication that tattoos are sinful is Leviticus 19:28 which reads, "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD."-ESV All translations of the bible are pretty clear about this verse and all tend to point to "tattoos" as the thing we're trying to avoid.

When considering verses in the bible like this, it is important to remember who was being spoken to, the culture, and what was happening. In this time of the Israelites before Christ, it was common to get a tattoo as a symbol of your tribal identity. What God is trying to teach the people of Israel in these verses is that their identity is found in God and not in their tribes and culture, and to not mark their bodies as such.

Jesus' Death on The Cross and the New Covenant:

Jesus' death on the cross was a moment in time where the old covenant and the laws and regulations that were held in the Old Testament were no longer applicable and we became members of the new and everlasting covenant. This means that our salvation is not through our works and the things we do and don't do on this earth but through a belief in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. This isn't to say that Christians are free to get any and all tattoos and that they're able to live a lawless life. I do believe that there are certain implications that a Christian should consider when getting a tattoo, but making a modern decision about tattoos based on an Old Testament verse might not be the thing to base decisions on.

5 Considerations for Christians Who Want a Tattoo:

For Christians who are looking into getting a tattoo, there are a few considerations that one should keep in mind if they're wondering if a tattoo is right for them:

Don't get a tattoo if it is of something evil/satanic, etc...
Don't get a tattoo as a punishment, self-deprivation, or to feel pain
Consider where you're going to place the tattoo... avoid getting a tattoo on part of your body that also might suggest or mean something inappropriate, explicit, or sexual.
The number of tattoos you have. Are you covering yourself head to toe in tattoos as a form of punishment, to cover parts of your body you're insecure about?
What are you trying to say with the tattoo you're getting?

Cultural Reasons to Get a Tattoo:

Proverbs 16:2 reads: "All the ways of man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit."-ESV When looking at this verse through the lens of getting a tattoo, I think it's important to consider the intention behind the tattoo and the spirit behind getting it. I believe there are some cultural implications that would make getting a tattoo completely fine, especially if you're trying to set yourself apart from the rest of your culture as being a part of the family of God.

Personally, I think that if a Christian is getting a tattoo and that tattoo is representing Jesus and the gospel, and they're doing it to be able to wear the name of Jesus wherever they go, then that is a great reason to get a tattoo if it is something that has been given a lot of consideration and they feel it is the right choice for them.