To say “in whatever way we understand creation” raises questions among Christians of firm faith, especially evangelical and fundamentalist brothers and sisters in Christ.  The Bible speaks of the days of creation. We think of days as 24-hour periods. To say “in whatever way” sounds like hedging one’s bets, or even questioning the truthfulness of scripture.

In his commentary on Genesis, the late and very much missed Presbyterian theologian, pastor, and author James Montgomery Boice, includes survey of five competing views of man’s origins:  evolution, theistic evolution, the gap theory, six-day creationism, and progressive creationism.  For those interested in a concise summary of the pros and cons of each position, chapters 5-9 of Volume 1 of Dr. Boice’s commentary may be helpful.

That said, isn’t the core issue this: “What is your view—what is my view—of God?” Do we agree God’s creative intent was neither subject to, nor could be thwarted by, chance? Do we agree that, in His omnipotence, God could have as easily spoken creation into existence in seven nanoseconds, as in seven days, or seven eras?

If so, then perhaps we also agree that Christians are called to genuine conversion, by God’s grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), which is to be accompanied by lives of virtue and service (Ephesians 2:10). If unending debate over interpretations of creation keep us from that, we’ve missed the point of God’s revelation.