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Life is complicated. How could something so detailed and delicate have come into being? Was it created by some freak accident of nature? Could a higher power, a great creator, be responsible for life as we know it? Scientists and theologians have long been debating the numerous answers to how life began and who, or what, created it. There are two main beliefs on this topic. These beliefs seem to be in constant conflict. What is to be believed?

The scientific explanation for the creation of life as we know it is called evolution. This theory is based on science. It claims that 3.4 billion years ago, a single one-celled creature was miraculously created by some complete accident. This single creature then proceeded to evolve, being shaped only by its environment. From it came all of the creatures on earth today, including humans. Evolution implies that life was created by chance; there was, and is, no purpose or plan for anything or anyone.

Charles Darwin popularized the theory of evolution. Although he was not the founder of this theory, he was known as the man that brought it to the public's attention. In 1859, Darwin published a book entirely devoted to this idea, called On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. This book sold out on the first day of its publication. It eventually went through six editions. Many people began to question where they really came from for the first time. Darwin's book is often referred to as "the book that shook the world."

There are two main beliefs of evolution today. First, there is microevolution. This theory states that there is simply potential for variation in animals and plants within their own species. An example of this would be the many different breeds of dogs that exist today. According to microevolution, plants and animals would eventually adapt to their environment, forming different colors, breeds, or related beings.

Then there is macroevolution. This takes the idea of microevolution a giant step further. Macroevolution states that this potential for variety within a species would eventually lead to animals and plants gradually evolving into totally different species. Microevolution has basically been proven. It explains why there are many different types of cats, birds, flowers, and so forth. However, the real debate lies in the question of macroevolution.

The other side of the life debate is Creationism. This is the belief that a higher power created the earth and all of its many diverse creatures.

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