Friday, April 4, 2008

Perhaps the Two Biggest Issues

I spent some more time today on both Rabbi Slifkin's and Rabbi Gil Student's sites. At this time, I believe that two of the most important questions to ask are:

One: When you read something novel in Tuesday's Science Times - an idea stated by scientists that seems to be in conflict with Chazal - do you first question the legitimacy of the scientists or that of Chazal? In other words, whose ideas do you feel need to be reconciled with the others'?

Two: If you believe that the world is older than 5768 years and you do not consider that position to be heretical, do you also believe that one who believes that the world is exactly (or approximately; let's not get into the "missing years" debate here) 5768 years old is a fool? In other words, do you accept the possibility that the universe is in fact much, much younger than you believe?

1 comment:

Reframing said...

I think that the most important questions are as follows:

1) When you read something novel by the Gedolim - a ruling stated by Gedolim that they are paskening against the Rishonim - do you first question the legitimacy of the Gedolim or that of the Rishonim?

2) If you believe that the world is 5768 years and you consider any other position to be incorrect, do you also believe that one who believes that the world is older than 5768 years old is a heretic? In other words, do you accept the possibility that the universe is in fact much, much older than you believe?