In this issue we have made a concerted effort to tackle the issue of evolution in a way that is both helpful and honest. Although not strictly medical, we understand it to be of crucial importance to all Christian medical students. To many of our colleagues the edifice of Darwinism stands as a conscious or unconscious barrier to the consideration of the gospel. All too often the assumption is made that evolution has eradicated the need for or possibility of God. We need to be asking and answering some key questions. Does the theory fit the facts? If so, is the proposed mechanism incompatible with belief in God and the truth of the biblical account?

John Lennox's article is based upon the seminar he gave at the national conference in January, which proved to be very popular and received excellent feedback from those who attended. Here, as then, he gives an excellent introduction to the subject for those who have never considered it seriously before, as well as material that will benefit those with some previous knowledge. His account is sensitive both to Christians who reject evolution outright (creationists) and those who accept what they see to be fact and incorporate it into their faith (theistic evolutionists). This polarisation of Christian viewpoints on the subject often prevents it from being addressed; we hope that the problem has in the main been overcome here. The article is undoubtedly long and will require some effort but please don't be put off by this: it will be time well spent.

Jim Paul's treatment of surrogacy is the first in Nucleus for several years. The great leaps being made in fertility treatments make it an ever more relevant subject that is well dealt with. Here, as in many issues, we can find that our technological capabilities quickly outstrip our moral capacity to see the implications and judge the rightness of our actions. The article addresses the relevant questions and provides biblical insight before going on to suggest a framework with which to view the whole subject.

The life of Professor Verna Wright is celebrated here and should be an inspiration to all who read it. I had the privilege of knowing Verna to some extent and can testify personally to his great enthusiasm, wisdom, kindness and humility. We would all do well to follow his example.