The Bible is indeed not given as a 'history' or 'science' book. It is a book of redeemption. It is given us by God to show what He has done and will do in the areas of redeemption for man.
It touches on 'history' and 'science' at times. And when it does, it is completely accurate. But it is not given for that reason. It is for redeemption and to provide the people of God, which we believe are the Christians at this time, what they need to walk with God in this life.
So, as a Christian, I believe the creation story given in Genesis. I believe the flood of Noah's day was real as was Noah, and the ark, etc. etc.
Concerning the creation story, the 6000 years may be the time of mans existance on earth, but not the age of the earth, I believe. I hold to the six days of creation really being 'restoration' of the earth, and not the 'original' creation. That original creation would be Gen. 1:1. Gen. 1:2 describes the earth in a chaotic judemental form which is not part of God's creative ways. When he creates, it is perfect and good and complete.
Concerning the flood, the whole thing was from God and miraculous in its working out. For those who are not Christians then there is problems with that because they don't believe in God. We who are Christian, most anyway, have no problems with it because its of God. And God can accomplish His will however He wants to.
Quantrill