For those that don't believe the above theory, where do you propose that all the races came from and how this came about?
Some accounts propose that several score millions of years were involved in the first two stages (or
`races') of Human development. These two stages have terminologies that vary, depending on which esoteric tradition you are referencing. The Kabbalistic tradition, the Mystery Teachings of Ancient Greece (and Egypt), and the Vedic Wisdom of India, for example, each provide accounts that are interwoven with mythology, astronomy, astrology and a more conventional anthropology.
The Popul Voh, sacred wisdom of the Mayans (
Quiché), will also provide insight, but we could probably spend a lifetime and still not have a complete or accurate picture. Edgar Cayce, the `Sleeping Prophet,' gave indications in trance as to our pre-Atlantean origin, and these agree in broadest outline with the above sources, as well as with the teachings of the Wisdom Tradition (or Ageless Wisdom).
None of these accounts will be found incompatible with Christianity in terms of the general idea that all of Creation is God's handiwork. The differences will come in terms of the order of evolution, or both spiritual and material development (as people seem to be focused on in this discussion). Yet there is also a critical difference in these teachings when we try and line them up with current evolutionary theory as taught by mainstream science in the classroom. The latter tells us that we have an apelike ancestor. The Wisdom Tradition maintains that this was an offshoot, a de-evolution of the earlier races of Humanity. Many millions of years thus go by, from Humanity's first incarnation upon this planet to the much later inception of the
anthropoid ape.
Our original human presence on the planet has been called by some,
the Polarian race. The name refers to the homeland of this portion of Humanity, which was (and
is) in the region of the north pole. It has also been termed
`the Imperishable Sacred Land' (or
sveta-dvipa in Hindusim, Mt. Meru,
Shambhala). The second race was called the
Hyporborean by Theosophists, who borrowed the term from the
Greek mystery religions. We can learn much about these earliest races from Norse mythology, as well, with their legends of
frost giants, Asgaard, and the Bifrost Bridge. Read about Hyperborea at Wikipedia. 
Like the first race, the Hyperboreans lived in the extreme north, inhabiting
ethereal - though physical - bodies. There was no
intellect present in these beings as we understand the term (except as a latent spark). Though spiritual, having no body of flesh & blood, they were neither moral nor immoral. They were innocent, and thus are symbolized in Christianity by
Edenic, pre-Fall Humanity.
The Secret Doctrine of Theosophy speaks at length about the first two races,
from pages 66-131. Many hundreds of pages are devoted to
what happens next, taking us into the present.
And a glimpse of the future is also provided, since God's Plan, like a blueprint, must include a
finished result ... and is not simply be a random stab in the dark, or
afterthought.
The third race of Humanity dates back over 20 million years (perhaps several times this duration). It was during this period when
Humanity, as it now stands, might be said to have "begun." We became fully dense, physical flesh & blood. The mammalian species began to develop also, at this stage, and if we look, science will confirm that the
mammalian evolution (Cenozoic Era) was not until 65mya, and
after the dinosaurs ... yet clearly a
gradual evolution. This corresponds with the teachings of the Mystery Religions (and the Vedas).
But physically, we were crude, gigantic, animal-men ... not the more refined forms of today. Spiritually, we were unaware. Intellectually, we were not any smarter than the average domesticated animal ...
at best. And this is why what happened ~21,688,418 years ago is of such great significance today!
Who was standing there, with the proverbial chronometer, to
record what happened?
Who indeed?
I offer several links in this post, in case anyone is interested in chronologies, or in reading additional teachiings and commentary on the teaching that is provided,
in summary, or broadest, symbolic outline, in Genesis. Beyond stating that God is the Divine Architect, as well as the Divine Genius (or Source, Inspiration) for all that is, has been, or ever shall be ... what could we possibly hope to get out of quibbling over a few thousand, million/billion years, etc?
Does the Creationist believe s/he can disprove the evidence of science? We should hope not. It is wasted breath, time, effort, energy. Does the proponent of Darwinian evolutionary theory, or its modern-day descendents, believe s/he has somehow discovered proof positive that no Deity (or Divine Powers) exist(s)? This too, should be given up as a colossal waste of time.
Most of the people I know are able to embrace both the reality of a Divine Creator, as well as the amazing Plan which this Creator must obviously, surely has for the
well-being of all ... including learning, growth, and even the realization of
"all that we are meant to be" (to borrow the US Army's slogan from awhile back).
This is not
meeting in the middle, so much as it is accepting that we are looking at a false dichotomy. There are a lot of these, when it comes to science and religion, or "faith and reason." But it is not God who is the author of confusion.
We are.
~~~~~
If you want to glimpse an overview of the idea of Seven successive
races, or stages of Human evolution on this planet, I recommend the brief entries from an online glossary,
found here, under Root Race, and the sub-entires for First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth. The Sixth and Seventh Races, though not yet evolved, also have entries.
Peace,
~Zagreus epiphanos
