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EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 200+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

In 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick made a groundbreaking discovery that has been fundamental to our understanding of life. They discovered the double-helical structure of DNA, which is a threadlike substance found primarily in the nucleus of cells. DNA is like a living library because it contains encoded information that helps cells function. This discovery was a major turning point in the field of biology, as it helped scientists better understand the complex nature of living organisms.

But what is the purpose of this “writing” in cells, and how did it get there? These are intriguing questions that scientists have been exploring since the discovery of DNA. The encoded information in DNA is essential for many cellular functions, including the production of proteins, which are responsible for many of the processes that keep us alive. Scientists believe that the information in DNA was passed down from our ancestors through a process known as evolution. This means that the information contained in our DNA has been refined over millions of years, making it an incredibly valuable and unique aspect of our biological makeup.

WHY CELLS NEED INFORMATION

DNA is a complex molecule that holds the key to many of life’s mysteries. It is the genetic material that makes up all living organisms, from bacteria to humans. The DNA in human cells is organized into long strands that resemble twisted ladders. The ladder rungs are made up of four different chemical bases, abbreviated A, C, G, and T, that form a simple four-letter alphabet. The precise sequence of these bases is what creates the genetic code that determines an organism’s traits.

DNA is like a collection of recipes, each one outlining step-by-step processes that are carefully scripted in precise terms. These processes are fully automated in living cells, adding another layer of complexity and sophistication. Genetic information is stored until it is needed, such as to replace worn out or diseased cells with healthy new ones or to pass on traits to offspring.

The amount of information stored in DNA is staggering. Even the genome of the smallest organism, bacteria, contains the equivalent of a thousand-page book. The genome of a human is even more complex and would fill a library of several thousand volumes. This complexity is a testament to the amazing ingenuity of life on earth.

DNA—Key Dates

The discovery of DNA is a fascinating story that spans over a century. In 1869, chemist Friedrich Miescher identified what we now know as DNA. In the early 1900s, biochemist Phoebus Levene discovered the order of certain chemical components of DNA and how they combine to form a chain-like molecule.

In 1950, biochemist Erwin Chargaff discovered that the composition of DNA varies among species, providing a key insight into the nature of DNA. Three years later, in 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick described the double-helical structure of DNA, which revolutionized our understanding of how DNA functions.

These key dates in the discovery of DNA represent a long and complex journey of scientific inquiry and discovery. Each discovery built on the previous one, and our understanding of DNA continues to evolve as new discoveries are made.

In conclusion, the discovery of DNA is a testament to human curiosity and ingenuity. The key dates in the discovery of DNA demonstrate how scientific discoveries are made through a combination of hard work, collaboration, and a willingness to explore the unknown. These discoveries have revolutionized our understanding of the nature of life and continue to shape our understanding of the world around us that God created.

“WRITTEN IN A WAY THAT WE CAN UNDERSTAND”

The writing in DNA can be compared to a language with a strict set of rules that regulate how its instructions are composed and carried out. Like human language, DNA possesses a grammar that controls the formation of its “words” and “sentences.” The instructions in DNA take the form of “recipes” that guide the production of proteins and other substances that form the building blocks of cells.

This code is written in a way that is understandable to scientists, as each letter of the code corresponds to a specific chemical. As evolutionist Matt Ridley noted, the code is almost too good to be true. The fact that it can be understood is a testament to the remarkable sophistication and complexity of the genetic code.

The Bible also contains references to the writing in DNA, with the Psalmist David acknowledging that all the parts of an embryo are “written” in God’s book. While this is a poetic expression, it speaks to the idea that the genetic code is pre-determined and that each individual has a unique set of instructions encoded in their DNA.

HOW DID THE WRITING GET THERE?

The discovery of DNA and its role in storing coded information has led to a new mystery: how did this complex and sophisticated system arise in the first place? While no one was present to observe the formation of the first DNA molecule, there are comparisons that can be drawn to help understand the origins of this remarkable system.

For example, ancient pottery with unusual markings or symbols has been found in Pakistan, and while these markings remain undeciphered, they are considered man-made. Similarly, physicists have searched for coded radio signals from space as a sign of extraterrestrial intelligence. These examples show that people generally attribute information to intelligence, even if they did not witness its creation.

However, when it comes to the genetic code of life, many scientists have dismissed the idea of intelligent design and instead attribute DNA to mindless processes. This raises questions about the consistency and scientific rigor of such a conclusion.

Respected scientists such as Dr. Gene Hwang and Professor Yan-Der Hsuuw have come to different conclusions about the origins of DNA. Dr. Hwang, who studies the mathematical basis of genetics, used to believe in evolution but changed his views after his research provided insight into the mechanisms of life. He now sees the wisdom of the Creator in the complexity of DNA.

Similarly, Professor Hsuuw, who directs embryo research, once believed in evolution but has come to the conclusion that the instructions for embryo development are superbly written in DNA and could not have arisen through mindless processes. He is convinced that life was designed by God.

DOES IT MATTER?

The question of whether God or evolution created life is important, as it has implications for justice and our understanding of our purpose in life. If God created life, then He deserves the credit, and we are here for a reason. If life is a result of undirected processes, then there is no inherent purpose to our existence.

Many people have a spiritual hunger that they long to satisfy, and the Bible offers answers to these deep-seated questions. Jesus Christ said that man must live not on bread alone but on every word that comes from God’s mouth. The Bible has satisfied the spiritual hunger of millions, giving them meaning and hope for the future.

At the very least, the Bible merits consideration as a unique book that offers insights into our origins and purpose in life. Whether one believes in special creation or evolution, the Bible provides a framework for understanding the world around us and our place in it.

In conclusion, the question of whether God or evolution created life is a matter of importance, as it affects our understanding of justice and our purpose in life. The Bible offers answers to these questions and has provided meaning and hope for millions. It is a unique book that merits consideration and study for those seeking to satisfy their spiritual hunger and find purpose in life.

Is Evolution a Scientific Theory?

The question of whether evolution is a scientific theory hinges on its ability to meet certain criteria. The term “evolution” can refer to both microevolution, which involves small changes within a species, and macroevolution, which suggests that apes could turn into humans, for example.

A scientific theory, such as Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity, must meet certain criteria to be considered a scientific theory. It must be observable, reproducible by controlled experiments, and able to make accurate predictions. By these criteria, the theory of evolution falls short. Evolutionary processes cannot be directly observed, cannot be reproduced, and cannot make accurate predictions.

The theory of evolution can be considered a scientific hypothesis, which is a tentative observation of facts that can be experimentally tested. However, the lack of direct observation and reproducibility of evolutionary processes makes it difficult to test the theory in a controlled experiment. Therefore, while the theory of evolution has its place in scientific discourse, its status as a scientific theory is still debated.

In conclusion, the status of evolution as a scientific theory hinges on its ability to meet certain criteria, such as observability, reproducibility, and accuracy of predictions. While it falls short in some of these areas, it can still be considered a scientific hypothesis that is open to experimental testing. The debate about the scientific status of evolution continues to be an important topic of discussion among scientists and scholars.