Did God create the first humans in Adam and Eve as told in the Bible? Or was the scientist Charles Darwin correct in his theory that human beings evolved from animals?
While some might say that there must be a clear choice between these two beliefs, a group of evangelicals want to prove that it is possible to believe in God, while subscribing to the theory of evolution at the same time.
In fact, BioLogos, an organisation of pro-evolution Christians in the sciences founded by famed geneticist Francis Collins, is launching a new book entitled "How I Changed My Mind About Evolution" to show the world that evolution and faith in God should not be considered a dichotomy.
Astrophysicist Deborah Haarsma, president of BioLogos, said the new book—which contains 25 personal essays from clergy, scholars and scientists—was published in cooperation with InterVarsity Press "just to tell stories."
"Storytelling has a power. It engages heart and soul as well as the mind," Haarsma said in a report by Religion News Service (RNS).
In the book, she shares how she thoughtfully shifted her beliefs from the story of Creation when she was young, to believing evolution as she grew older.
Haarsma, however, maintained that she is not an atheist. She said that the more she studied scientific ideas, the more that she was driven back into her Bible, asking herself, "What was Genesis really teaching?"
"God is continually sustaining the universe he created with intention and for a purpose," the astrophysicist said.
Megachurch pastor and author John Ortberg of Menlo Church outside San Francisco also shared in the book the story of how he is able to believe in the Bible and evolutionary concepts at the same time.
"The more we are able to see the Bible through ancient eyes, the more we are able to see science through contemporary eyes," Ortberg also told RNS.
He also maintained that people, especially the young ones, should not be asked to choose between science and faith.
"We are losing too many bright young people who are getting misinformation about science or faith or both. It's a tragedy for many young people who think they have to choose," Ortberg said.
