How are you supposed to understand the creation story?

Answer 1

The story of the creation should be read in a straightforward manner just as it was intended. It is written in narrative form, and not as prose or any other figurative language which shows it is intended to be read literally.

Answer 2

There are Creationists and religious people who espouse a belief in God-guided Evolution, and explain the Creation-narrative accordingly (Old-Earth). Other Creationists, given the difficulties in Evolutionary theory, hold that this is unnecessary and that a recent and more direct Creation is the truth, as is apparent in Genesis.See also:

Is there evidence for Creation?

Can you show that God exists?

Seeing God's wisdom