For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Al Mari
Scientific data overwhelmingly support "old earth" theory. What CE about as "young earth" theory was a result of an interpretation of Genesis creation "sequence".
Gen. 1:1 categorically states that "in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth", meaning, including the moon, sun, planets and other universe As to when the "beginning" was, no one knows. But, the time of that "beginning" had to be before Gen. 1:2, i.e., before the earth became "tohuw"(desolate) and "bohuw"(indistinguishable ruin). As to why and how this came about, nobody knows. Presumably, this happened when there was " war in heaven" when Satan and a third of angels revolted against God.
The first 2 verses of Genesis suggest that the heavens and earth were already created, then became "desolate and indistinguishable ruin". The rest of the narrative occurred in 6 days (as re-forming) and God rested on the 7th day. "Let there be light" does not necessarily mean that Light was "created" on that day. Rather, it may also mean that " Light" was made to "shine" to divide "day and night". This "take" can also be used for interpretation of the "firmament".
But, whatever the truth is, "old or new earth", more important is the question of whether there were humans before and other than Adam. While scientific evidence proved the existence of humans prior to and other than Adam, it does not matter an iota as far as the "doctrine of imputation" is concerned.
All sins of mankind, whether before or after Adam, were imputed on Adam. This was so, for the death of Christ be imputed for all mankind.
Larry Wiseman
Let's let Moses answer this one: Exodus 20:9-11 AMP
[9] Six days you shall labor and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath [a day of rest dedicated] to the LORD your God; on that day you shall not do any work, you or your son, or your daughter, or your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock or the temporary resident (foreigner) who stays within your [city] gates. [11] For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and everything that is in them, and He rested (ceased) on the seventh day. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy [that is, set it apart for His purposes].
Moses obviously was referring to six literally 24 hour days...not eons of time. I think I'll believe Moses over all the experts listed, he has a little more credibility in my opinion!
Shirley H
One day, if we still care, God will tell us anything we ask. We have all the information we need. God is God. We probably wouldn't understand if He told us the intricate story of His creation. All we need to trust is that He said He did it. I believe Him. I don't understand how he did it. But I know He did! God is beyond my comprehension.