@Raymond_Isbell Mr Isbell, Thanks for your thoughts. I wonder if I’m missing the real problem–one we all struggle with. It’s whether Genesis really fits with evolution or not. I am certain I don’t know all the answers, but I have learned a lot from reading in the last 2 years. Here are some resources I have benefited from.
There are some great resources on this–1) Deb and Lauren Haarsma, “Origins,” talks about the various ways in which people believe Genesis jives with evolution (or not). they deal with concordance, strict and figurative.
2) “Evolution of Adam” and “Inspiration and Incarnation” --Pete Enns (his first is my favorite)The Evolution of Adam Video Course - The Bible For Normal People.
3) Denis Lamoureux, like Augustine, became convinced that Genesis was figurative; Augustine did it on his own in the 4th century, and Lamoureux at Regent College in Canada (I believe J I Packer was one of his teachers).Lamoureux's Evolutionary Creation - #3 by Randy
4) See Biologos, “Is Genesis Real History?” for another position. Is Genesis real history? - Common Question - BioLogos
5) Four Views on the Historical Adam (see review; the Counterpoints are my favorite series) An Evolving Evangelical Debate: A review of "Four Views on The Historical Adam" - Randal Rauser
It’s hard to understand from our Western point of view, but Genesis wasn’t made to answer the question of “how,” but “who” and “why.” It’s just not the way things were written back then–and it’s not even the genre of later parts of the Old Testament and New Testament.
.Thank you.