Actual LDS doctrine on this verse says this does not include the time the earth was being prepared as a dwelling place for man. In addition, our doctrine does not give an actual age of the earth and says it's wrong to ascribe such to the Church. So the earth being 4.5 billion years old does not conflict with doctrine and a period of time in which evolution can operate before the Fall is also implied.
Even if that were true, it still doesn't fit with science.
I like how D&C suddenly isn't doctrine, though :D
Parley P. Pratt wrote:We must lie to support brother Joseph, it is our duty to do so.
Actual LDS doctrine on this verse says this does not include the time the earth was being prepared as a dwelling place for man. In addition, our doctrine does not give an actual age of the earth and says it's wrong to ascribe such to the Church. So the earth being 4.5 billion years old does not conflict with doctrine and a period of time in which evolution can operate before the Fall is also implied.
Serious question: where does one find the "actual LDS doctrine on this verse" that you're referring to? It sounds like you're describing some kind of commentary on the scriptures that constitutes official doctrine.
Can you look up the "actual LDS doctrine" on any verse of scripture? Or is it just lucky that in this case, some kind of official pronouncement had been made to clarify this particular verse?