Jesus, Darwin, and Sarah Palin

Rev. Jacqueline Luck of the Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and I had a letter printed in today's Bristol Herald Courier. You can read it on-line and respond. Even Michael Dowd weighed in. Speaking of Michael Dowd, he and Connie Barlow are on their way to the Tri-Cities. Here is the schedule. And he posted the interview I had in the Elizabethon Star on his site. Here is our letter to the editor:

GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is on record with her belief that creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the public schools. When a public servant who could be the vice president or perhaps eventually the president of the United States does not understand the difference between theology and science, we have a serious problem.

Her position reflects a widespread misconception regarding the relationship between faith and science.

It also reflects a crying need for both religious and scientific literacy in our communities.

Many clergy professionals feel it is imperative to help people, especially people of faith, understand science. An excellent resource is coming to the Tri-Cities this weekend. Michael Dowd, author of “Thank God for Evolution!” and his wife, science writer and educator, Connie Barlow, will be making presentations that are free and open to the public.

They will present our 13.7 billion year cosmic history as well as evolutionary science in such a way that does not damage the integrity of science or faith. For information, individuals can call 543-7737 or 477-7661 or visit www.1stpres-eliz.org or www.hvuuc.org. Learn more about Michael Dowd at www.thankgodforevolution.com.

The Rev. Jacqueline Luck
Holston Valley Unitarian
Universalist Church
Gray, Tenn.

The Rev. John Shuck
First Presbyterian Church
Elizabethton, Tenn.

Michael's sermon at First Pres. on Sunday is entitled: "Why Jesus Loves Darwin and You Can Too!"