Life on earth

The existence of human life on earth, and the scientific information about the earth environment, the building blocks of life, and the processes by which life has arisen, have been used by both theists and atheists to argue for their viewpoint.

Why is the earth so perfect for life?

Scientists have found that a large number of aspects of the earth – e.g. the features of our solar system and the climate and geology of the earth – are needed for life to be possible. Some argue that this shows our planet was specially designed for us by God. But others say that there are billions of planets in the universe, so it’s likely that many are suitable for life.

But how likely? The science isn’t very clear, and several calculations have been made. If we had to pick, we might guess that life is rarer than some say, but at this stage it’s only a guess.

Read more about it at A rare earth?

Our amazing DNA

The science of genetics has progressed in amazing leaps and bounds in recent years, and many things are now possible that couldn’t have been imagined until recently. We now understand our genetics, and can use this understanding to do genetic engineering, find cures for genetic diseases, solve crimes, determine paternity and learn about our family history.

DNA studies give us new understandings of human history, showing how our ancestors evolved from earlier animals, and our migration pathways across the world. These conclusions are contentious for some for they have implications for belief in God and for our understanding of the creation story in the Bible.

At the same time, it is difficult to explain how DNA could form in the first place by natural processes. Further, DNA can be treated as information in the form of code, and this suggests that it had to be designed. So some people think DNA points to creation by God.

Read a simple explanation of genetics, DNA and the issues at DNA, genes and human history.

Evolution and God

The theory of evolution has its critics, who argue it is based on insufficient evidence, and who fear that accepting evolution would necessitate changing some core christian doctrines.

I examine the evidence for evolution and where critics believe it doesn’t stand up in Evolution and its critics, and conclude that the critics have identified areas, especially the origin of life, that are not yet fully explained, but these are not reasons to not accept evolution.

I then consider the impacts all this has on belief in God in Evolution and God, and conclude that it requires christians to re-think some of their doctrine, but it doesn’t throw serious doubt on their belief.

If Adam and Eve weren’t historical characters, what does this say for the rest of the Bible? In Adam and Eve I outline the DNA evidence that the human race isn’t descended from a just two people, and examine how this affects christian belief.