Merry Darmas

Once a year, Christianity celebrates the birthday of its Founder. A little more than 2,000 years ago a tiny babe was born in the small town of Bethlehem.

Come all ye faithful and join in a new celebration of another birthday. On February 12th, 2009 it will be 200 years since a tiny babe was born in small town of Shrewsbury, England.

Before the end of 2008, there were an amazing 102 celebratory events scheduled in 19 countries and it was hoped to make this an annual event "to celebrate science and humanity every year, on, or near, February 12, Darwin's birthday."

It does seem that evolution and established religion have other things in common besides wanting to celebrate the joy filled birth of their founders.

The Vatican claims to have the bones of Peter in their actual possession (although this has never been verified), and late in 2008, headlines read "Darwin's beard hair on display."

According to the BBC, the beard hair is now part of a Natural History Museum exhibition in London. Apparently it was taken from Darwin's desk in 1882 by female relatives (although this has never been verified).

After 200 years, Charles Darwin has been resurrected. Today, he is exalted among men and adored by millions of faithful believers who joyfully sing his praise.

Darwin has been deified, and so it won't be long until someone finds that his image has evolved on a grilled cheese sandwich.

Without a doubt, the theory of evolution has all the trimmings of a true religion. One day it may even get its own Bible...