John, I’ve been feeling a bit at sea with this discussion precisely because you have been revisiting premodern and modern theological speculations. Most of what was considered Christian Theology, especially anything smacking of being systematic has rightly been pulled onto the carpet for a closer look by our postmodern selves.

In fact there are large swathes of scripture (not just the creation stories) that can be happily jettisoned if what one is after is to retain an orthodox sort of theology. Such theological speculation has always been about using prooftexts as props with utter disregard for chronicity or context.

Live to serve : Serve to live