Preaching Evolution in Church

Paul Wallace wrote an interesting article for the Religion Dispatches making the claim that evolution should be taught in church.  I agree wholehartedly with the premise.  Every week we hear news stories about laws proposed in state legislatures to bring creationism into the classroom.  While the seek to force their "truth" upon us, Wallace hopes to bring a sense of wonder to the pew.

If anything, we could at least get rid of these images.

Current in Divinity School, Wallace talks about his introduction to the wonders of nature and ultimately to God.  He sorts church-goers into two groups: those coming for the answers and those coming for the questions.

Most Fundamentalist Christians would fit in the Answers category.  They come to church, listen to the preacher, and read the Bible to find the answers to life's questions.  The Bible provides all the answers if we simply understand it.  With that view, Creationists pack the school boards, propose laws,  and otherwise subvert science education because they already have all the answers they will every need.  But at least they are willing to share the answers.

On the other hand, some people go to church to uncover more questions.  A reading of the Bible produces far more questions than answers and starts an intellectually fulfilling theology.  The Questioners find more enjoyment in not knowing, much like most scientists.  These Christians are much more open to understanding evolution as a path to further understanding God.

I think all Christians could benefit from learning about evolution (as could everyone, which is why it is in State Curricula).  Almost every argument I have heard against evolution comes from a deep, misconception about the theory itself.  Creationist documents routinely mischaracterize evolution and science itself.  As a high school teacher, I have heard many strange caricatures of evolution.  In church, I learned more of them.  Now that I have a better understanding of evolution, I can counter such problems by educating the others.  One place to do that is in the church.

I would love an opportunity to give an evolution lecture to a creationist crowd.  I would correct their misunderstandings by showing that Christianity has nothing to worry about from science.  Most importantly, I would answer their questions to the best of my ability.  In their questions, you can really find out what they think.  So let's preach evolution in church!