Platypus, I think the answer is in understanding that the Hebrews were a population of people which, like any large population had a culture. Cultures compose poetry, and songs and have a shared history, all of which we can find in the Bible itself.
Something else cultures share are stories, myths and legends. Just as we entertain our children with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings in movie theatres today, people told each other stories even in ancient times.
It would be absolutely unthinkable to except that the Hebrew people had no culture, and therefore no myths and legends.
The first five books are clearly a collection of such myths and legends. They read like fanciful stories full of magic and heros on epic journeys fighting incredible odds and overwhelming odds.
We find hero's like Noah, and David slaying Goliath, we find Moses leading the Hebrews from captivity against the Egyptians, Samson with his "super hair". These are all clearly myths and fables.
The contradiction resides not between Science and Religion, but in those who would deprive the Hebrews of their rightful identity with their own distinct culture. It robs them of part of their heritage.
Forbidden
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