The great debate pitting evolution against creationism has existed for generations. Perhaps longer. The two camps routinely face off, hurling their latest findings at each other like a game of intellectual volleyball. If we step back from the conflict, we might find that the reality is, in fact, a merging of both positions.

If we are truly going to apply logic to our pursuit of the truth of Christianity, we must face the reality that there are some discrepancies in the Bible. This does not mean we dismiss the concept that the Bible was inspired by God, rather it is an acknowledgement that these texts were recorded by human beings, using the language and knowledge available to them.

Perhaps the best example is the story of Cain and Abel. Following the murder of his brother, the Bible records that Cain is banished, and complains to God that anyone who finds him will kill him. A few verses later begins the story of Cain’s wife and children.

The immediate discrepancy is that Adam and Eve are portrayed as the very first human occupants of the world and their sons the first offspring. The question then becomes, “where did these other people come from who pose a threat to Cain in his exile?” Equally conflicting is the question of the origin of Cain’s wife.

The logical conclusion we must reach is that at least some of the Bible is symbolic. This does not diminish the ultimate message of the Bible as a whole. It merely means we must open our minds to possibilities that God has an enormous toolkit and may use whatever tool suits His purpose. He may, in fact, use a variety of tools to reach the variety of the human population over the centuries.

So, how does that help us embrace evolution?

We start by using this understanding to confront our own humanity and the handicaps we face in making our judgements. Most of us were educated in Bible lore as children. Without the ability to question what we were taught, we accepted these teachings as fact.

Then comes adulthood.

As adults, we have learned logic, we have learned science, and we have learned to question. What we may have failed to learn is how to merge Bible teachings with scientific theories. We probably also failed to grasp the intellectual capacity of the human mind as opposed to the mind of God. In doing so, we find ourselves putting human limits on God’s actions.

So, are evolution and creationism truly in conflict?

Perhaps the answer is staring us in the face.

The creation story is literally a mirror image of evolution. If we look at he sequence of events described in the book of Genesis, is sounds almost identical to the sequence of evolutionary events described in our science.

Once again we must ask “what are the odds that evolution is merely an accident of nature?”

Then we must ask ourselves – “Are we placing limits on God’s abilities, based on our human abilities?” What tools would God use to accomplish His goals?

Rather than being in conflict with creation, perhaps evolution is proof of God’s master plan. Perhaps evolution is simply the tool God used to plant the seeds that would ultimately produce the fruits of His labor.