The appearance of age
theory states that the
universe was created
to look as if it is old (the universe looks like it is 12-17 billion years old).
This theory is used by
young earth creationists to keep their belief
looking somewhat reasonable. However, while the theory is
usually used to prove the universe is between 6000 to 50000 years old, it can also
be used equally to prove that the universe was created last
Tuesday.
While this theory may be true, it is unscientific because there really
is no way to prove it false. Those creationists who reject this theory
are known as old earth creationists. A Biblical basis for rejecting
appearance of age is to look at the character of God. Would God create
a Universe which both "declares his glory", yet at the same time deceives
scientists into seeing the Universe as billions of years old?