youngEarth

Young Earth, often referred to in the context of young-Earth creationism (YEC), is a position within creationism that asserts the Earth and the wider universe are relatively young. Proponents generally base their age estimate on a literal reading of biblical chronology, especially genealogies in Genesis, and they commonly argue for a recent Creation and a global Flood that shaped much of Earth’s geology.

In contrast to mainstream science, which places the age of the Earth at about 4.54 billion years based on radiometric dating, isotope systems, meteorites, lunar samples, and cross-disciplinary dating methods, YEC claims of a young Earth are typically in the range of about 6,000 to 10,000 years. Proponents often interpret geological features as resulting from rapid, catastrophic events rather than long geological timelines, though interpretations vary within the movement.

Scientific reception and critique: the vast majority of scientists consider YEC to be scientifically unsupported because its core claims conflict with extensive, independently verifiable evidence across geology, astronomy, physics, and biology. Critics argue that YEC theories rely on selective use of data, unverifiable assumptions, or non-repeatable experiments, and that they do not constitute testable, predictive scientific theories in the same way as conventional geology.

Cultural and educational context: YEC has had influence in certain religious communities and has been central to debates over science education and the teaching of origins in public schools. It is one of several positions in the broader discourse on science, religion, and scriptural interpretation.