The apparent conflict between the Genesis creation account and science is usually framed around a Young Earth or Old Earth interpretation. The claim runs like this: an Old Earth reading opens up the long timescales evolution needs, which then removes the need for God in creation.
This paper argues the opposite. On either reading, the Genesis account poses no scientific conflict for Christianity.
I grant the biblical and exegetical strengths of a Young Earth interpretation while acknowledging how thin the scientific evidence for origins actually is. But a Young Earth reading already assumes God’s involvement, so the harder and more useful work is showing that an Old Earth reading supports it just as well. The argument moves in two steps. First, that evolution, understood properly and with the distinction between micro‑ and macro‑evolution kept clear, is compatible with Christianity. Second, that an Old Earth view does nothing to make naturalistic, Darwinian macro‑evolution more favourable. A short exegetical section defends the Old Earth reading as a legitimate option for a Christian who takes Scripture’s authority seriously.
The aim is not to settle the age of the earth. It is to dismantle the false choice that a Christian must give up either good science or a faithful reading of Genesis.