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Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an organic chemical containing genetic information and protein synthesis instructions. It is crucial for most organisms’ development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. Think of DNA as a design unique to every type of living organism. It is never the same for two humans. Even identical twins, who share nearly all their DNA, can have slight differences due to mutations and environmental factors.

(Romans 1:20)1NIV New International Version Translations – “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

The world claims that humanity results from billions upon billions of random occurrences. However, we need to ask ourselves whether the complexity and specificity of DNA, which contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms, points to a purposeful creation rather than random chance. Is the intricate structure of DNA an example of irreducible complexity (something without explanation)?

We need DNA to develop, survive, and reproduce. A human’s complete DNA design book, or genome, contains about 3 billion bases and approximately 20,000 genes. Each gene contains instructions to make a protein. The size of a gene can vary greatly, ranging from about 1,000 bases to 1 million bases2https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Deoxyribonucleic-Acid-Fact-Sheet 3The structure of DNA was identified by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. It plays a crucial role in storing and transmitting genetic information. https://www.britannica.com/science/DNA  Science has learned to read DNA and make minor alterations to DNA but falls short of creating new living things. Therefore, God leaves us to decide whether a Creator, an Intelligent Designer, was at work at the birth of our universe. As Apostle Paul points out, do we exist for a purpose, as part of a masterful design?

“Random” refers to events or outcomes without a specific pattern, purpose, or predictability. Some believe the universe’s design happens by chance rather than by a deliberate plan or order. For example, the idea that humanity results from billions upon billions of random occurrences implies that the complexity and specificity we observe, such as the intricate structure of DNA, are products of chance events over an immense period. One question that must be answered when considering random occurrences is why the design of our universe, including humanity, has left no evidence of all of those “not-so-perfect” occurrences.

If you have one die and roll it, the probability of landing on the number one is one-in-six since a standard die has six faces. On average, you would expect to roll the die about 6 times to land the number one. However, this is just an average, and in practice, it could take fewer or more rolls due to the randomness of each roll. What about a die with 3 billion sides? The point of this exercise quickly becomes one of common sense. To create an intelligent design randomly, one would expect to find a world filled with the fossils of “not-so-intelligent designs.” According to Romans 1:20, the best evidence of God’s existence is the natural world itself. The verse states that the complexity, beauty, and order of the universe, including the intricate structure of DNA, point to a purposeful creation rather than random chance. With all its wonders, the natural world is a testament to God’s eternal power and divine nature.

Humanity’s response to a “real God” then becomes a decision with an eternal perspective. Were we created with a purpose?

Humanity was created to reflect God’s image

Genesis 1:27-28: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'”

Humanity is called to glorify God

Isaiah 43:7: “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Humanity is required to follow God’s commandments

Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

Humanity’s purpose is to do good works

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Contemplations

  • How does the complexity of DNA challenge the idea of random occurrences in the universe?
    • Ideas to Explore: Think about the concept of “irreducible complexity” and whether the intricate structure of DNA can be explained by chance alone.
  • What does the natural world reveal about the existence of a Creator?
    • Ideas to Explore: Consider Romans 1:20 and how the universe’s beauty, order, and complexity might indicate a purposeful creation.
  • Why do we not see evidence of “not-so-perfect” occurrences if the universe is a product of random events?
    • Ideas to Explore: Reflect on the idea that a world filled with fossils of “not-so-intelligent designs” would be expected if everything were created randomly.
  • How does purposeful creation shape our view of humanity’s role in the universe?
    • Ideas to Explore: How does being created in God’s image, as stated in Genesis 1:27-28, impact your responsibilities and purpose?
  • What are the implications of believing in a purposeful creation versus random chance for our daily lives?
    • Ideas to Explore: How would your belief in creationism affect your values, decisions, and sense of meaning and purpose?