Is Christianity true? (Science versus faith in God - Part 6)
This blog is part of my series titled “Is Christianity true?” The series addresses four common objections to the truthfulness of the Christian worldview, namely concerns about: (1) the trustworthiness of the Bible; (2) the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection; (3) the compatibility of faith in God with modern science; and (4) the incompatibility of Christian truth claims with those of other worldviews.
DO THE FINDINGS OF SCIENCE INCREASINGLY POINT TO GOD? (cont’d)
“They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them…Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities…So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”
EVIDENCE FROM BIOLOGY
As pointed out in the previous blog, the probability of a universe containing any planets conducive to life, let alone a universe existing at all as a result of purely materialistic causes, is mind-bogglingly infinitesimal. Therefore, the fine-tuning of a universe conducive to life points to the existence of a cause outside the universe itself.
The fine-tuned universe does not, however, explain the origin of life. But can this same macro- or cosmological-level argument concerning the likelihood of a transcendent cause be made at the micro or biological level? Note that this question of biological origins splits into two discrete queries. First, how did life arise from non-life in the first place? Second, how did the myriad life-forms around us arise?
Regarding the first question, Charles Darwin, the author of “On the Origin of Species,” admitted he did not have an answer. His starting point assumed the existence of primitive, single-celled organisms, and he proceeded from there. As it happens, Darwin had no idea of the sheer complexity of a single cell. In particular, he had no knowledge of DNA and its information-bearing properties. He simply posited a materialistic theory based upon chance, the passage of time, and survival of the fittest.
Paradoxically, it seems that the more scientists learn about physical reality, the more formidable are the obstacles to understanding life’s origin from purely materialistic causes.
Since Darwin’s time, scientists have attempted to apply his theory of evolution to explain the development of life from non-life, sometimes referred to as chemical evolution. According to many scientists who regularly attend international symposia concerning the origin of life, this entire field of scientific endeavor has hit a brick wall. Paradoxically, it seems that the more scientists learn about physical reality, the more formidable are the obstacles to understanding life’s origin from purely materialistic causes. Indeed, it is the view of Dr. James Tour, a synthetic organic chemist and world leader in the area of nanotechnology, that no one can explain or even conceptualize how life can emerge from non-life. On the other hand, the Bible answers that question with the assertion that life began as the work of the Creator. As God is not part of His creation, we could say that we are a miracle!
The problem of life evolving from non-life notwithstanding, we turn next week to the Darwinian assertion that complex life evolved from less complex ancestors.
Photo by Hans Reniers on Unsplash
