THOUSAND OAKS — Some drivers paste footed fish stickers on their bumpers to show they believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. Others slap on footless fish to display their belief in Jesus and the Bible.
The battle over evolution vs. creationism takes place in science labs, churches and schools.
But if Linda Ritterbush had her way, she would design bumper stickers with a Christian fish and Darwin fish swimming side by side.
"Faith and science have a dialogue," Ritterbush said recently in her science lab filled with rocks and fossils. Ritterbush heads the geology department at Cal Lutheran University, where she has taught paleontology, geology and environmental science for 18 years.
Theologians and scientists throughout history have often fought bitterly, especially when discussing the origins of the universe and human beings.
Theologians may feel that science undermines their faith and reduces spirituality, the world and mankind to a series of biochemical reactions. Scientists complain that theologians blind themselves to facts to suit their faith.
But Ritterbush, a Lutheran who accepts evolution, is one of a growing number of scientists who find that the two fields both have something to offer.
"There's something each needs from the other," said Ritterbush, whose favorite quotes on the topic come from Albert Einstein:
"Religion without science is blind."
"Science without religion is lame."
What religion provides is a way for scientists to approach studies: with awe, reverence and humility, Ritterbush said. In return, she said, science provides answers about the ways to best protect the planet.
One afternoon in her paleontology lab at the university, Ritterbush peered through the microscope containing a slide of single-cell fossils scraped from rocks.
Although barely the size of pencil dots, the cells appear elaborate under the lenses. One looks like a chandelier ball. One resembles a disco ball with fine silvery spines. Yet another looks like a bull's horns.
Through her fossils, Ritterbush tries to better understand evolution. And she tries to avoid what she sees as one problem with scientists: that they sometimes become too filled with pride. Some, she said, can get to the point that they feel nature is theirs to control.
Religion, on the other hand, can help inspire awe and humility before nature, she said.
