The debate between those who believe in evolution and those who cling to the biblical story of creation has existed for generations. But perhaps the greatest divide began with the publication of Darwin’s  “On the Origin of Species” in 1859. The issue was finally brought into a U.S. courtroom in 1925 in what was known as the “Scopes Monkey Trial,” a landmark case that was portrayed in the 1960 film, “Inherit the Wind.”

And the debate continues.

The hard-core believers on both sides stand toe-to-toe in unshakable faith that the other view is wrong.

Logic favors the science and paleontology that supports evolution as factual.

So where does that leave us as as struggling Christians?

We find ourselves divided into two camps, without realizing that the two views could be compatible.

If we set aside our pride for a moment, we might recognize that from either viewpoint, we are putting limits on God. Who among us can state what tools God may or may not use to achieve His purpose? If God chooses to use evolution as a tool of His creative process, who are we to say that isn’t possible?

The Bible is full of illustrations of the ”natural” forces of nature as God’s tools. Whether we fully accept the story of Noah and the ark, it employs the force of a flood to illustrate a message.

The plagues of Egypt were all essentially natural forces. The parting of the red sea by means of a strong wind.

Whether it be flood, famine or earthquake, it seems as if the laws of physics and the forces of nature are tools of the Almighty, to use as He sees fit.

If God chose to enact evolution as a tool to modify the earth to prepare it for human occupancy, and do it on His timetable, who are we to doubt His choice of tools?

And to those who challenge evolution because the Bible contains scant reference to creatures such as dinosaurs, we must remember that the writers of the Bible texts would have had no direct experience with such creatures. Even if such tales were known by oral tradition, would the writers of the Bible chapters reject tales of creatures they had never seen?

Perhaps more importantly, in this whole debate, is the question, “where do you and I fit in God’s toolkit?” Could we be tools in God’s on-going artwork?

Have we been guilty of ignoring someone’s plea for help? Have you or I refused to reach out to someone who needed a few words of encouragement? Have we neglected to contribute to the food shelf or donate to the homeless shelter? Has someone in need crossed our path, only to be ignored?

Have we failed to realize that, just like the forces of nature, we too are tools of the Creator? Are we, once again, putting limits on God’s abilities?

In our struggle to reconcile logic with spiritual beliefs, perhaps we need to accept that a Higher Power, capable of creating all we survey, could easily be capable of using us for good, if only we use our free will to allow it. Then, we need to open our eyes and our hearts to see the work that needs to be done.

And if love and forgiveness is the cornerstone of Christianity, then perhaps we need to embrace our individual evolution toward that goal and look beyond our differences.

Logic demands it.

(Special Note – The inspiration for this series, the book “Faithful Logic, Logical Faith” is now available as a Kindle selection at Amazon.com at a reduced price. Order your copy HERE.)