By Michelle Mathews

It's surprising that Christianity didn't embrace the idea of evolution decades ago. Though they claim God is immutable, the church has had to constantly revamp its beliefs--evolve, that is--to remain in mainstream society. No, church, women are not the witch-vessels of Satan. No, the sun doesn't revolve around the Earth. Yes, it's wrong to keep slaves. Despite engaging in the evolution of theology, many Christians still won't embrace Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. (Maybe they just can't comprehend the argument; as the Bible says, "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards.") On the other hand, Michael Dowd, the author of THANK GOD FOR EVOLUTION, thinks Darwin's theory can bring Christians closer to "spiritual fulfillment." Is this just another twist on intelligent design, or can Dowd's ideas really reconcile science and religion? Find out for yourself when he speaks at Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free, but a "love offering" will be collected.