Do Evolutionary Theory And Scripture Contradict Each Other?

Yes, Jonathan, I understand that. I am pointing out the difficulty in connecting the two using two separate and not equal concept forms.

Let me take the first one which connects to the second.
Evolution does not directly connect to Genesis, excepting my opinion that only Genesis 1:1-2 is talking about the actual material creation. Al else after is an ancient Mid-eastern Cosmic Temple explanation for the creation. Whatever cosmological explanation of creation must take place in Physics and Biological sciences.

The structure of why and how it functions is the purview of the Creation account. Neither YEC, OEC, MN?MT, or Evolution can state Why it happened the way it did. The can only explain how. East is east and west is west and never the twain shall meet (Rudyard Kipling).

However, having said that, the evolutionary model requires populations that change and grow into new forms. I don’t see this happening without some kind of Intelligent design (at the very least and which is woefully lacking). this is where scripture comes in to explain WHY evolution works the way it does. It requires a creating intelligence, loving crafting deity that only Christianity can provide. Adam and Eve as an archetype fulfills much in this role. They are the generic “man & woman” embodied in the work of evolution, as described in poetic form in Genesis.

However Christianity also requires an actual Adam & Eve to “create” the first “mortally aware” couple to fulfill the purpose of the Biblical creation as described. Otherwise there could be no sin or redemption.

Take a look at my post here: https://discourse.biologos.org/t/our-odd-view-of-the-tree-of-knowledge/35612/22?u=rlbailey where I try to describe my view of the sin and the fall (though I do not talk about sin directly. I assume it is sim by the act of eating. I am talking about the result of that sin and mortality.

Genesis 3 is required for the morality and mortality of humankind as created. The final act of creation in Genesis 2-3 was to create this awareness.

Let me know what you think!

\Jonathan, have your read John Walton’s “The Lost World of Genesis One”? If you haven;t you won;t get much of the conversations around here. It and “The Language of God” are “basic” to our arguments.
The Language of God
The Lost World of Genesis One