How does the Yahwist or Priestly theory compare to the theory of creation?

There are two biblical creation stories (Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4b-2:20) that are quite distinct and even contradictory, and each should be read on its own terms, rather than assuming a single creation account. The idea that there is only one biblical creation theory arises because pious readers, believing that the text cannot contain contradictions, ignore the major disjunctions between the two creation stories and tend to treat the second story as the fuller, more detailed account of the creation of man that the first story simply reported.

The Priestly source is credited with writing the first biblical creation account, and the Yahwist is credited with writing the second biblical creation account. Thus the Priestly source and the Yahwist were responsible for the biblical concept of creation, although of course each of them was passing on older traditions which they had learnt.

Essentially the modern documentary hypothesis is not so much to be compared to the biblical concept of creation, but an explanation for its origin.

For more information, please visit:

http://christianity.answers.com/theology/the-story-of-creation

http://christianity.answers.com/bible/the-pentateuch-explained