Yeah, well, if you look at Gen 1 and take it in a more flexible way than the literalists do, it generally follows a system of evolution. It provides a first cause, namely creation of primordial energy. It discusses the boundaries of the universe when it talks about firmament.
It mentions Jesus in the first sentence (not by name). And there are many other elements that are pretty close considering the primitive nature of the Hebrew language and the knowledge and culture of the time of writing.
Yes. It does. It is very easy to misinterpret. A span of infinity (gonna let me get away with that one?), and another of possibly 10-15 billion years is all explained in two paragraphs.
It mentions Jesus in the first sentence (not by name).The Bible is all about CONCEPTS. (The names were changed to protect the innocent). The real importance of the Bible is not in it's TRUTH. Trying to pin down and verify each story is like trying to dig a hole in water.
The CONCEPTS are what is important, and that is why everyone can find a different TRUTH in the Bible. Each person's concepts are different. Each person's understanding of the Bible should be between them and God.
The Bible is like the universe. Much more complicated than we imagine. There is a huge complexity in areas with few words. Areas of the Bible that run on, and on, provide the least content.
I am not saying that historical reference is not important. It is from the point of belief. I don't think belief and faith are the same, some do.
I think the root of all of this disagreement is that we all would like to think that everyone see's GOD the way we do.
The reality (i cudda subbed TRUTH... but I didn't think you would laugh) is that no one does.