This has be a remarkably well-behhaved thread.
And like so many of these discussions; the purpose, I believe, is to have a discussion - not to prove anything conclusively to anyone, nor to push a personal point
What I have learned about the Bible in these issues is this:
It is neither a scientific treatise, nor a book that explains the how.
What it claims to be is a book about Who started everything, and explains some of the reasons for Gods relationship with his creation.
Thank you Gary T or your comments; we really do need to use our minds to get at the hows, doing the best that we can in that area.
One final comment: in Romans chapter 14, there is a impassioned plea to let God do the judging, and man be understanding and accepting.
That is what drew me to join the Mudcat in the first place; and still keeps me here.
Thanks, Charles