Genesis – Is it the Literal Truth?

If the famous account of Genesis is read as it is written, then we come to the conclusion that the author of this book was trying to tell the reader that in 6 normal, 24-hour days God created all that we see and know – the universe, the solar system, the planet, the water and land, plants and trees, animals and people. There is no doubt that a plain reading of the first couple of chapters of Genesis tells us this.

But, is that actually what happened? Was the author really concerned about the scientific nuances that brought about life and all we see today? Or was he trying to paint an artistic, poetic allusion of a broader principle? What would that broader principle be? For many teachers in the church today, that broader principle is that ultimately God created everything but they allow for the possibility of Him doing this over millions or billions of years. Or they say that He used evolution to bring about the variety of what we see in the world now (theistic evolution).