Haven’t you ever asked yourself how you got your nose, eyes, ears, fingers, toes and everything else? How did your DNA bring all this about?
Before we answer that question, we need to know just a few simple things about DNA.
DNA is the abbreviated name for the genetic code and it is exactly that — a code. It is a molecular string of chemical information.
DNA is located in the nucleus of our cells and is made up of smaller molecules called nucleic acids. These smaller molecules in DNA are arranged in a sequence, just like the letters in a sentence. The sequence of these nucleic acids tells the cells of our body how to build our nose, eyes, hands, feet, and everything else. If the sequence for a particular trait isn’t in our genetic code, then our bodies won’t build it.
The material our body uses to build new cells comes from the food we eat. Food is the lumber and bricks the body uses to build new cells.
When food is digested and broken down to its basic amino acids, the various amino acids are then rearranged in a certain sequence to form cells that make up the various tissues and organs. In what sequence these amino acids come together is determined by the sequence of the molecules in DNA.
When scientists study genes, they are studying segments of the DNA molecule.
No one has shown that DNA can come into existence by chance. It takes DNA to get DNA. Yes, it is true that the individual molecules that make up DNA have been shown to be able to come into existence by chance. But it has never been shown that those individual molecules can come together into a sequence by chance to form the genetic code.
The mathematical odds of even the simplest DNA molecule coming into existence by chance is comparable to a monkey typing the sequence of all the letters and words in a dictionary by randomly hitting keys on a computer keyboard.
Genetic information, like any other information, doesn’t happen by chance. Therefore, it’s far more logical to believe that the genetic similarities between all forms of life are because of a common designer or genetic engineer (God) who designed similar functions for similar purposes in all the various forms of life.
Microevolution, or variations within a biological kind such as the varieties of dogs, cats, horses and cows, is science, but not macroevolution. Macroevolution, variations across kinds, is not science but faith.
Science cannot prove the existence of God, but neither can science prove that we are here by chance.
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Both sides of the evolution/intelligent design controversy should have the opportunity to present their scientific arguments to students. No one is being forced to believe in God, so there is no real violation of separation of church and state.
Babu G. Ranganathan has his bachelor’s degree with concentrations in theology and biology from Bob Jones University and has been recognized for his writings on religion and science in the 24th edition of Marquis “Who’s Who In The East.”
