Evolution Weekend!

My favorite day of the year is approaching.  It is Evolution Sunday.  On the Sunday closest to Charles Darwin's birthday, February 12th, we honor the contributions of Charles Darwin and of science.     Dr. Julie Wade, retired professor of Biology at Milligan College will lead the Adult Forum.   Here is the scoop:

Evolution via natural selection was first introduced by Charles Darwin in 1859 with the publication of his book “The Origin of Species.” His research became the foundation on which generations of biologists have continued to build. In this talk we shall examine four major areas of research in the last 150 years that have strengthened his theory in ways he never dreamed possible. These areas include:

1. Darwin’s original theory of natural selection
2. The Modern Synthesis of the 1930’s and 1940’s that combined genetics with evolution
3. The discovery of DNA structure and the sequencing of several genomes, including our own
4. The role of evolutionary embryology and development which is referred to as Evo-Devo

Evo-Devo has revolutionized our understanding of the origin of species because it has explained how animals have evolved from the Cambrian Period (over 500 million years ago) to the present using many of the same basic “tool kit” genes!! Such an understanding of life on earth is critical if we are to be intelligent stewards of our planet.

The Adult Forum is at 9:45.

At eleven a.m., worship will celebrate our unique place in the cosmos and our unique responsibility to future generations.

After worship, the congregation will take a field trip to the Gray Fossil Site at 1 p.m.   This is for all ages.  There will be activities for children and a lecture by paleontologist, Dr. Blaine Schubert, about Darwin.

To get you in the mood, check my radio interview with Michael Zimmerman, founder of Evolution Weekend and the Clergy Letter Project.    You can listen via livestream Thursday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. on WETS, and via livestream Sunday at noon on WEHC.

Check out Symphony of Science!

May the spirit of Darwinmas provide clear thinking the year 'round!