Part 7: The Existence of a Creator-God vs. Naturalism—Evidence from the information code found in DNA (The Teleological Argument continued)
(This blog is part of a series. You can start the series by going back to the September 1, 2014 Introduction called A Case for Christianity: Why do we need one?)
A while back a friend of mine gave me a DVD of a Christian pastor’s sermon. She said as a biology teacher I would be blown away at the science presented. At first I was reluctant to watch it because most pastor’s sermons are preachy and usually not that intellectual (so I thought). But, when Louie Giglio took the stage at the “How Great Is Our God” tour, I was blown away. It was not only his presentation that was exciting, but also his demonstration of science as evidence for God as our creator. The visual imagery he presented was breathtaking, but what was really awe inspiring was when he talked about Laminin. Microscopic laminins are major proteins in the basal lamina (one of the layers of the basement membrane), a protein network foundation for most cells and organs. Wow, he was bringing serious biology into his sermon. What was so special about laminin? You have to goggle it to see it, but basically it is a protein that holds us together and it is shaped exactly like a cross! Amazing! Even more significant is the quote from Scripture he used that really brought it home: For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
Information, the evidence from DNA
Remember from last week we looked at irreducible complexity and the machinery evident in the cells of living things. Machines are man-made creations that require intelligence to design and build them, yet we find this type of design in our bodies. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for this is found in DNA. We have only been able to peer this deeply into the cells of our bodies within the last century. No one ever thought that there was anything other than the cell in terms of functionality, but then came the discovery of DNA.
What is DNA?
- DNA is known as the language of life and is found in the cells of all living things.
- A cell is the basic unit of life and a complicated molecular machine (a tenth of the size of the head of a pin) and contains about three billion units of DNA.
- DNA contains information encoded on strands that make up our genes that are found on chromosomes located inside the nucleus of the cell.
- DNA has instructional information codes on how to build and maintain the systems of the body and these codes are in the form of four bases: Adenine, Thymine, Guanine and Cytosine.
- This genetic digital information code (A, T, G, C) can combine for millions of possibilities that determine everything from hair color to disease potential.
Where did this information code come from? Information implies intelligence and intelligence implies a mind. Steven C. Meyer, author of Darwin’s Doubt and Signature in the Cell has said: “Alongside matter and energy, there is a third fundamental entity in the universe needed for life and that is information.” Dr. Meyer’s work is challenging the way biologists look at the origin and function of cells.
Sadly, there are those who have developed presuppositions that prevent them from giving God the glory for the creation we see in and around us. This includes Francis Crick, Nobel prize winning scientist for the discovery of the structure of DNA who said: Even though things often give the appearance of being designed, we must constantly keep in mind that what we see is not designed but rather evolved. (Crick is a proponent of evolutionary theory for the origin of life)
If the evidence leads us to find design and information in the functions that permit life then the obvious conclusion is that there is an intelligent mind involved. If that is true then do you think this mind may have a purpose and ultimate plan?
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Let me know what you think: Does the information code in DNA give evidence pointing toward an intelligent designer? Is it enough to consider looking more closely into the claims of Christianity? Why or why not?
Over the next several blogs I am going to continue to present logical reasoning and sound scientific evidence not found in the public school textbooks.
Join us next time for: Who are we, where did we come from and why are we here? Part 1: Do we have an immaterial parent?
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that you have in Christ Jesus as Lord.
1 Peter 3:15
Excellent presentation of the existence of God. It’s interesting to see the scientific evidence and how scripture supports it and vice versa.