Charles Darwin is the lightning rod for a branch of science that has moved inexorably forward since he wrote on the Origin of the Species. With each new bit of scientific evidence the tension has grown between those who place their faith in scientific method and those whose faith in the literal and absolute truth in the Bible is unwavering.

Here's a path to four articles in Scientific American that speak to the topic and here's an article that offers some reconciliation. The Roman Catholic Church seems to have reconciled it's views with science, rejecting both a literal interpretation of the Bible (creationism) and the more recent belief in intelligent design.

Take a tour of the place where it all began.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Darwin.