February 11 is the 2nd anniversary of Evolution Sunday. Hundreds of churches have stood up against creationism and will hold special services for the purpose of opening up this topic. Over 10,000 clergy have signed The Clergy Letter (linked in text below) stating that religion and science do not cancel each other out (to oversimplify in my own words)Evolution Sunday:
On 11 February 2007 hundreds of congregations from all portions of the country and a host of denominations will come together to discuss the compatibility of religion and science. For far too long, strident voices, in the name of Christianity, have been claiming that people must choose between religion and modern science. More than 10,000 Christian clergy have already signed The Clergy Letter demonstrating that this is a false dichotomy. Now, on the 198th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, many of these leaders will bring this message to their congregations through sermons and/or discussion groups. Together, participating religious leaders will be making the statement that religion and science are not adversaries. And, together, they will be elevating the quality of the national debate on this topic.
Article in New Scientist (partial, will require reg. for whole article)
Flocks of the Christian faithful in the US will this Sunday hold special services celebrating Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The idea is to stand up to creationism, which claims the biblical account of creation is literally true, and which is increasingly being promoted under the guise of "intelligent design". Proponents of ID say the universe is so complex it must have been created by some unnamed designer.
Support for "Evolution Sunday" has grown 13 per cent to 530 congregations this year, from the 467 that celebrated the inaugural event last year. Organisers see it as increasing proof that Christians are comfortable with evolution. "For far too long, strident voices, in the name of Christianity, have been claiming that people must choose between religion and modern science," says Michael Zimmerman, founder of Evolution Sunday and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Butler University in Indianapolis.
Oh yes, and happy Charles Darwin's birthday on February 12. Are there e-cards for that? I'd like to say that I will spend the day evolving, but in reality I will be planted in front of the TV in the evening watching 24.
Graphic snagged from San Francisco Atheists.
Tags: evolution - Darwin - creationism
5 comments:
Thanks for the info.
While I'm not a believer, I do believe in the right to believer's liberty. Unitarian influence has sharpened my senses.
Let's hope this will enlighten the church people and not make them want to lynch teachers "from a sour apple tree".
Happy Birthday to Charles.
A timely reminder why marking Darwin's birthday (same exact day as Lincoln's birth, btw) should become more widespread.
BC: Oh boy! The man from Pampa strikes again! Is there no end to the damage this guy will do?
The final punchline delivered by the late Molly Ivins in the video you linked is priceless.
It's a corker if I ever heard one!
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