We celebrate Evolution Sunday on February 15th, marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, the father - along with Mr. Wallace - of the general theory of evolution.  Darwin's work is as earth-shaking in biology as Faraday's in physics and electricity or Newton's in mathmatics, especially calculus.  Yet Darwin still draws a strong reaction while the others are just in the textbooks as "fathers of science."  Darwin still challenges our notions of who we are and where we come from, or does he?

You may have seen many a local van with the Christian fish eating the Darwin fish.  I usually have an "evolve fish" - one with little legs - on my car, except that I've also put a cross on it, too.  I find no threat in God creating the world - especially human beings - through evolution.  God is supreme, and can do whatever God wants to do.  So the issue is not, "could God do things a certain way?" but "How did God create all that is?" and "Where do I belong in all that God has made?"

When asked to explain my views to both literalist Christians and skeptical humanists, I say, "God tells only the truth, never lies.  God has given us both the rocks and the Bible.  Our job is to figure out the message they contain."  For me, the geological and biological record is a wonderful description of the power and majesty of God.  The Biblical record is a lyrical account (actually 2 accounts) that state in ancient language and folk beliefs, "Our God did that!"  The biblical record then centers around God coming to Israel and the world in Jesus, calling us to new life, loving us despite rejection and death, and triumphing over death itself, bringing new life to all people.

Many folks want the technology benefits of science, but want to keep a non-scientific and magical view of life.  Even fundamentalist terrorists - totally against reason and freedom - use the technology of mobile phone communication to do their evil work.  While both science and religion are disciplines - organized areas of study - that have their limits and can only answer certain questions.  Some of the most important questions can only be answered by personal faith and commitment - in science and religion, both.  By faith and some knowledge, I believe God made the world according to the physical records we have.  By faith and some knowledge, I believe that the historical Jesus of  Nazareth is also the living Lord of today - who is calling you and me to follow him with our hearts and our brains fully employed.