![]() What occurs when the principles of Torah are seemingly contradicted by natural science? The Torah asserts that the presence of scales indicates that the creature has fins. Natural science had identified a species of aquatic creature that has scales but not fins. First, how can the observable facts be reconciled with the Talmud's principle that scales are always accompanied by fins? Second, what is the status of these creatures that have scales but not fins?Įssentially, these questions seem to suggest a contradiction between the Torah and natural science. They noted the existence of aquatic creatures that have scales but other appendages rather than fins. Is it true that every aquatic creature that has scales also has fins? The commentators, based on observation, questioned the validity of this assumption. The table below summarizes the assumptions of the Talmud: Observed characteristic Some creatures with fins also have scales some do not. The Talmud explains that it is assumed that a creature with scales will have fins. ![]() Those which do not have both of these characteristics are prohibited. The Torah explains that among aquatic creatures those which have fins and scales may be eaten. This instance is interesting because the various proposed resolutions provide a survey of the common approaches to resolving such perceived conflicts. Parshat Shemini provides an important instance of an apparent conflict between observational data and a halachic assumption. Some of these continue to conform to the views of contemporary science but other directives are apparently not in conformity with modern science. Another example is the health and medical directives in the Talmud. Science posits that the universe’s age should be measured in the billions of years. For example, the Torah describes a universe that is thousands of years old. There are various instances in which the position of the Torah seems to contradict observable data or conflict with the conclusions of science. Torah and science sometimes seem to contradict one another.Whatsoever has no fins nor scales in the waters, that is a detestable thing unto you. And they shall be a detestable thing unto you you shall not eat of their flesh, and their carcasses you shall have in detestation. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that swarm in the waters, and of all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are a detestable thing unto you. These may you eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them may you eat.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |