Hundreds of congregations across the country and around the world are marking Sunday, February 12th (International Darwin Day), as a day to reflect on what it means to balance a religious world view with the knowledge gained from scientific progress. The Fountains’ annual celebration of Evolution Sunday will include Evolution-themed messages at both the 9am and 11:15 services and a special presentation by Dr. Vern Meyer at 6 pm. Back by popular demand, Dr. Meyer will discuss Elizabeth Johnson’s book, Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love. The 6pm presentation is free (donations will be accepted).
Why Evolution Sunday? As our national dialogue becomes bogged down in “fake news” and the discrediting of scientific objectivity, it’s all the more important to declare one’s commitment to rational thought and evidence-based reality. Also, Evolution Sunday helps spread the word that the United Methodist denomination officially endorses evolution, especially to the growing number of young people who have stopped attending church because they consider Christianity to be “anti-science.” The United Methodist Book of Discipline not only states that “science’s descriptions of cosmological, geological and biological evolution are not in conflict with theology” but also encourages United Methodists to actively work to oppose “faith based theories such as creationism or intelligent design” in public school science curriculums.
“Those that cling to a literal reading of the Creation stories practice a very narrow ideology of the Bible that shows disrespect to both the Bible and science,” says Pastor David Felten, a signer of The Clergy Letter Project. “Denying evolution demands the rejection of both reason and experience — two important guidelines our founder, John Wesley, urged all Methodists to bring to bear in both their faith and life.”
Every day, new scientific discoveries are creating amazing opportunities to learn and grow and make the world a better place. Evolution Sunday is a day to affirm the work of the Spirit in the process of evolution and embrace the diversity and complexity of life as a gift of God.
The Fountains is located at 15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd. in Fountain Hills. Services are on Sunday at 9am and 11:15 with a special presentation by Dr. Vern Meyer at 6pm. For more information, call 480.837.7627.