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Charles Darwin is coming to Chico State - at least in spirit.
The university is sponsoring Darwin Days in conjunction with The Northern California Natural History Museum.
The days are a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the noted scientist's birth and the 150 years since he published his book, "On the Origin of Species," which propelled the theory of evolution into scientific infamy.
The events will kick off with a discussion of Darwin's book at a book club meeting at Barnes & Noble today, with an actual birthday party for Darwin on Feb. 12 at Selvester's Cafe-by-the-Creek on campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The original idea for Darwin Days came from the Institute for Humanist Studies, which describes itself as a think tank whose mission is to promote greater public awareness, understanding and support for humanism.
The inaugural Darwin Day was held in 1995, spreading to many campuses. This will be Chico State's first time honoring the 19th-century author.
Christopher Ivey, an associate professor in biological sciences, thinks this recognition is long overdue.
"It's remiss of us not to celebrate Darwin every year," he said.
Diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV, as well as agriculture pests, have all been more easily understood because of Darwin's theories, Ivey said. But he understands not everyone shares his point of view.
"A lot of people tend to get caught up in conflict between evolution and religion," he said.
The word itself has become a trigger for conflict, Ivey said.
"As soon as you use the word 'evolution,' it's controversial," he said.
Priscilla Heredia, a kinesiology major, has some reservations about Darwin Days.
"I guess if you're an atheist, it's fine," she said.
But Greg Liggett, executive director of The Northern California Natural History Museum, doesn't see a conflict between science and religion.
The theory of evolution and religion can coexist, because the areas of thought are different ways of exploring the human experience, he said.
"By definition, a deity exists outside of our natural world - is supernatural - and science does not attempt to address issues that cannot be measured and observed in the natural world," Liggett said.
But he cautions against overlapping religious belief and science.
"The perceived problems between the two occur when people inappropriately apply one area to explore the other," he said.
Heredia isn't sure how the events will be received.
"Some people might be offended," she said.
Don Bunce can be reached at dbunce@theorion.com
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