E-Letter responses to:

n-focus: Jennifer Couzin EVOLUTION: Crossing the Divide Science 2008; 319: 1034-1036 [Summary] [Full text] [PDF]

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Published E-Letter responses:

Evolving Universe

Virginia A. Dell   (25 March 2008)

Evolving Universe 25 March 2008
Virginia A. Dell, Professor, Biology Department Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Respond to this E-Letter: Re: Evolving Universe	To comment on the News Focus article ("Crossing the divide" by J. Couzin, 22 February 2008, p. 1034), perhaps one way to ease the trauma of separation from old ways of belief and the disapproval of family members is to consider that an all-powerful God surely is almighty and creative enough to create a universe that evolves. The concept of a Supreme Being who creates a living system in which variability is built in is much richer than the brief story in Genesis. I doubt however, that such an idea will be taken seriously by literal interpreters of the Bible. The fact is that education of any kind can lead to disconnects from parents and family who just do not understand the need and the drive to learn more about the world around us. The discoveries made about the workings of our marvelous universe are the primary motivation for most scientists, religious or not. Godfrey has expanded his world; his family has not. Virginia A. Dell Biology Department, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.