While we believe in Adam and Eve, we also realize that parts of the Bible are based upon myths and legends that were passed down orally from generation to generation.
We believe in an ancient earth and universe. And while we do not necessarily know how evolution fully enters into the picture, or how Adam and Eve figure fully into it, we know that the Lord will someday reveal the full story to us.
Joseph Smith taught the earth was created from former earths/creations. He believed there were creation/destruction cycles that naturally occurred, which God uses to bring about his work. Brigham Young speculated that Adam and Eve were brought here from another creation. Other LDS have taken such concepts and suggested that our world has gone through several Creation/Destruction cycles (250M years ago, 65M years ago, 10,000 years ago with the last Ice Age). In each event, massive destruction opened the way for new lifeforms to govern the earth. It may very well be that the last Ice Age opened the way for modern humans (and Adam and Eve).
While some LDS believe that Adam and Eve were literally the first man and woman on earth, more and more are considering the concept that they were the adoptive head of the mortal family, just as through Abraham later generations would be blessed in his seed, and as Paul talked of the adoption into Israel. LDS focus much on spiritual adoptions, as we believe we are adopted into specific tribes of Israel, and through the priesthood can become the "sons of Aaron and of Moses, and the seed of Abraham" (D&C 84:33-34).
Whether God used evolution to create mankind or not, we do not know. For me, it is rather immaterial at this point. The important issue has to do with core doctrines of salvation.
|