Alex thinks for a moment and shifts in his chair. “OK, you are working on a Ph.D. in physics. How do you reconcile being a Christian and a scientist with the fact that every science journal starts with evolution and all scientists believe in evolution to do their work?
How do you reconcile what is in the Bible with the fact that every field of science is founded on evolution?”
Janelle sighs. “I am afraid that you, like most scientists, start with a false premise on the topic of origins.”
Alex says, “How’s that?!”
“First, not every science journal starts with evolution. I know of at least three peer-reviewed journals written for scientists who believe in creation. That also means that not all scientists believe in evolution to do their work, as you think they do. And third, I dare say that evolution is a terrible foundation for science. In my view, evolution hurts science. For example, it has prevented the progress of scientific inquiry in medicine because of its dogma about junk DNA.”
Alex replies, “Wow, you are pushing a lot of triggers, but I am ready. Let’s go. Hit me with your best shot.” Alex, still hurting, admits, “I mean figuratively, of course.”
Janelle laughs and says, “I would like to start by asking you a question. You believe that evolution is fundamental to science, so it should follow that there would be plenty of evidence for evolution. What do you consider to be the best empirical evidence in favor of evolution?”
Alex’s head tips back as he thinks. “The empirical evidence is going to be in biology or chemistry. I am not a chemist or biologist, but I’ll play along. OK, a current example is COVID. It’s a virus. It mutates and creates variants, and it spreads around the world. It’s a lot like the cold and flu viruses. The fact that viruses evolve proves evolution empirically.”
Janelle admits. “That is an excellent answer, Dr. Robinson. The fact that organisms change is empirically demonstrated. However, it is only evidence of change. It is not evidence that organisms evolve. It is not evidence that organisms become more sophisticated in an upwardly complex manner. Neo-Darwinism teaches that long ages, mutations, and genetic drift can account for all living things from the simplest of cells, like bacteria, to more complex life forms on up to humans.”
Alex responds, “Yes, so why don’t viruses that change constitute evolution in action?”
This is Janelle’s chance to clarify. “Because of the fact that change in organisms is no big deal. In a way, everything changes over time. Even a fence post rots--it changes. You need to provide an example of evolution. For example, provide a peer-reviewed paper describing a virus which evolved into a self-existing life form--that would be an example of evolution. To demonstrate that evolution is true, provide evidence that natural causes alone make a living thing evolve and become significantly more complex. That should not be hard, considering scientists all over the world study rapidly replicating viruses.”
Janelle continues, “You know evolution is touted as ‘fact’. If it is so factual, show the evidence in peer review. Have you seen empirical evidence, Dr. Robinson?”
Alex admits, “No. I think if that kind of evidence existed it would be in every major newspaper around the world. It would be showcased for all to see in order to prove the skeptics of evolution wrong.”
Janelle replies, “Absolutely. Another example that could be shown in laboratories is the evolution of a bacterial cell. Theoretically these started as prokaryotes and evolved into eukaryotic cells. Where is the hard evidence of that?”
Alex says, “OK, but not having empirical evidence of evolution hardly proves that evolution is wrong.”
Janelle replies, “Yes. We can’t prove a negative. It is like trying to prove that Santa Claus does not exist. He might exist somewhere. But not having real empirical evidence of evolution shows that at best evolution is weak science.”
Alex responds, “But it explains so much!”
“Storytelling should not be the foundation of science!”
Alex feels like he just got hit by Hank again! He asks, “OK, you say that evolution is weak at best. Can you prove that?”
“Yes, I can. The concept of evolution is fundamentally about DNA. As you know, DNA is a code. It is a blueprint composed of four nucleotides which act as letters in chemical form. These nucleotides are arranged in such a way as to create a message that is organized, like any language. Any code consists of the elements of statistics, syntax, semantics, application, and purpose. All known communication, such as emails, speech or radio waves include those five elements in order for them to actually be a code.
“Let me add, ALL methods of communication come from intelligent sources. Some communication does come from animals. But coded communication either comes from humans or God. It does not come from nature. Nature alone, such as wind, is able to produce simple patterns like ripples in the sand, but nothing complex like algebra or language. When you consider the complexity of language, and even more so the complexity of the DNA code, the only reasonable explanation for the existence of DNA is God.”
Alex takes a deep breath. “OK, what about aliens?”
“That is a very popular alternative. Many people realize evolution is impossible on its own, so they turn to aliens. Look at your hands and feet. Consider the complexity of hearing and sight. Consider the complexity of DNA, the most sophisticated code humans have ever seen. Does that sound like the work of aliens to you? And if so, who created those aliens?”
Alex asks, “Who created God?”
“That’s another popular question. The Bible says, ‘In the beginning God created...’ Dr. Robinson, God existed in the beginning--before there was a creation. He is eternal and has always existed. God is outside of creation, which is not something aliens can claim. It is only by God being outside of creation that there can be a creation and the laws of physics. Someone created the universe, ordered it, and sustains it. The Bible tells us that Someone is God, through Jesus, who does all these things!”
The door opens and several students enter the room to study. Alex and Janelle look up to see the students. They both stand up, look each other in the eye, and shake hands again.
“This has been quite an awakening for me,” Alex admits. “I should head downstairs, but I would like to talk with you and your fiancé again soon.”
Janelle replies. “Frank and I would like that,”