So God called Jesus over at the beginning of the universe, and said: "You just HAVE to see this! I have taken this star and when I spin that planet, it gets alternating light and dark periods. Ain't that cool?"
Jesus replied: "Whoa, Father, that is WAY cool! What's next?
God: "Oh, I think I'll call it a day."
I believe that Strong's exhaustive concordance is where I got my initial information about the words used in Genesis. If taken literally, the time would have been only 8 hours as it really referred to the WORK day (time of warmth). In fact our day is divided up into three distinct parts: Evening, morning and day.
But either way, God seems to have chosen to talk on their level and not over their heads. Sure, he could have used the concept of "epoch" and they would have taken one look at each other and given up on God being some sort of kook. This whole day thing was far more believable than taking epochs to create something. Heck even some Christians today still rail against the idea. After all, God wasn't trying to create a nation of scientists. They were after all, the CHOSEN race and not the Geeky Race.
MikeFerrara:
Gee thanks Pete. I must have read about 15 papers on the subject and my head hurts.
If I have made you think and research what you believe, then my work is done here my friend (Cue "Happy Trails" music, send in trigger). It's time I mosey on down to San Antone, pardner!