On Saturday, Feb. 10, Illinois senator Barack Obama declared his intentions to run for the office of President of the United States. He wants to bring the country together, go beyond the color that a state has been labeled in a graphic on the show of some talking (shouting) head. This is an admirable goal, unity in the face of adversity is an empirically proven strategy. However, the very next day, Sunday, Feb. 11, many Christians turned to a book that some would not associate with the group. Kind of like how most would not associate Elvis and the Beatles with dads wearing horn-rimmed glasses in the 1950s.

According to an article in the New Scientist, 530 congregations supported “Evolution Sunday.” This is up 13 percent from last year, which was the commencement year for Evolution Sunday. Those quoted in the article say believers can have their faith in Creationism and have science. Believers should not have to choose between one or the other.

In Kansas, where we are the butt of Intelligent Design jokes, this is an interesting view, as some have stereotyped the Christian right as thumping their Bibles too loudly to listen to any other ideas. It is a view that could be taken to heart by all on any subject. Not every political or social issue is mutually exclusive. I would concede that most of them are, but when they are not, would it not be beneficial for both sides to work together. To clash ideas in a productive way and develop solutions that are stronger than either side could have discovered singularly. Apparently, the heathens, saints and those in between can get along.