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How Can the Christian Apologist Explain Intelligent Design?

What Is Intelligent Design?


Intelligent design (ID) is a scientific theory that posits certain features of the universe and living things are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process like natural selection. ID theorists argue that intelligent design can be inferred by finding in nature the type of information and complexity that typically arises from an intelligent cause.


The Role of DNA and Cellular Machinery


Our DNA contains incredible amounts of encoded information. Living cells transform this encoded chemical message into machines engineered to perform necessary biochemical functions. This process relies on a software-like system of commands and biochemical codes, an information processing system that Bill Gates described as “like a computer program, but far, far more advanced than any software we’ve ever created.”


John 1:3 affirms, "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." This verse supports the idea that the complexity and order observed in life are the result of a divine Creator.



Irreducible Complexity


The concept of irreducible complexity refers to systems that require all their parts to function. For example, the bacterial flagellum, a rotary engine on bacteria, fails to function if any one of its approximately 35 protein components is mutated. Natural selection, which only preserves structures providing a functional advantage, cannot account for such irreducible complexity.


Romans 1:20 states, "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." This verse underscores the idea that the evidence of design in nature points to God's eternal power and divine nature.


The Basis of Life: Information and Complexity


Biological research over the past 50 years has found that life is fundamentally based on a vast amount of complex and specified information encoded in a biochemical language, a computer-like system of commands and codes that processes the information, and irreducibly complex molecular machines and multi-machine systems. These observations align with the idea of intelligent design.


Job 12:7-9 invites us to consider the evidence in nature: "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of Jehovah has done this?" This passage encourages the examination of nature as evidence of God's design.



Evidence from Physics and Cosmology


Much of the scientific evidence for intelligent design comes from areas beyond biology, such as physics and cosmology. The fine-tuning of the laws of physics and chemistry to allow for advanced life is a profound example of extremely high levels of complex specified information (CSI) in nature.


Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." This verse emphasizes that the cosmos itself provides evidence of God's intelligent design.


Fine-Tuning of Physical Constants


The fine-tuning of the gravitational constant, the expansion rate of the universe, and the cosmological constant are examples of parameters that must be precisely calibrated to allow for life. The odds of these constants being set by chance are astronomically low, suggesting an intelligent cause.


Isaiah 40:26 encourages reflection on the cosmos: "Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is missing." This verse invites us to consider the evidence of design in the universe.



The Perspective of Nobel Prize-Winning Scientists


Nobel Prize-winning physicist Charles Townes observed, "Intelligent design, as one sees it from a scientific point of view, seems to be quite real. This is a very special universe: it’s remarkable that it came out just this way. If the laws of physics weren’t just the way they are, we couldn’t be here at all." This observation aligns with the biblical view of a purposeful creation.


Romans 11:33 reflects on the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge: "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" This verse emphasizes the profound intelligence behind the creation of the universe.



Intelligent Design or Coincidence—Which?


The debate between intelligent design and the notion of life arising by mere chance is one of the most profound discussions in both scientific and theological realms. This debate is not merely academic; it has significant implications for how individuals understand their place in the universe and the nature of existence itself.


The Theory of Existence by Chance


Proponents of the theory that life exists by chance, or through the action of 'blind forces,' argue that life emerged from a countless number of coincidental events. This theory posits that the right chemicals formed in the right quantities, under precisely the right conditions of temperature, moisture, and other factors, maintained for the required length of time, leading to the origin of life. These coincidental events would have to be continuous or repeated endlessly to sustain life on Earth.


However, this theory faces significant challenges. Psalm 14:1 declares, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good." This verse underscores the biblical perspective that denying God's hand in creation is folly. The complexity and order seen in life forms suggest a purposeful design rather than random chance.



The Case for Intelligent Design


Those who believe in intelligent design argue that there is an intelligent purpose behind the existence of life. Each life form is viewed as an important unit within an overall system, demonstrating interdependency among all forms of life. The variety of living things, their instincts, and the mechanisms or equipment they possess for survival and reproduction exhibit a level of intelligence far above what even humans could conceive or devise.


Proverbs 3:19-20 states, "Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew." This verse highlights the biblical view that the world’s complexity and order are the result of divine wisdom and understanding, not random chance.



Challenges to the Theory of Coincidence


Those who advocate for life arising by chance acknowledge the astronomical odds against such an event. They argue that given enough time, any kind of combination could happen. However, this theory struggles to explain why haphazard changes are not observed in profusion today. Scientists rely on the consistency of natural laws in their research, which contradicts the idea of life arising from blind forces.


Isaiah 45:18 affirms, "For thus says Jehovah, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am Jehovah, and there is no other.'" This verse reinforces the belief that the Earth and life were created with purpose and design.



Complexity and Interdependency in Life


The complexity observed among living things, both plant and animal, is astounding. The provision for the continuation of life through diverse and ingenious methods further supports the idea of intelligent design. The intricate mechanisms for hunting, survival, and reproduction point to a design far more advanced than anything humans could create.


Psalm 139:14 acknowledges this complexity: "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." This verse reflects the awe-inspiring nature of God's creation, which aligns with the principles of intelligent design.


The Importance of Considering Evidence


Given the profound implications of one's view on the source of life, it is crucial to consider the evidence thoughtfully. The truth, which satisfies the reasoning mind, can only be found by weighing the evidence carefully.


1 Thessalonians 5:21 advises, "But test everything; hold fast what is good." This instruction encourages individuals to examine the evidence and hold on to what is true and reasonable.



Conclusion


The extensive examination of intelligent design from biological, genetic, and cosmological perspectives provides compelling evidence for a purposeful Creator. The complexity and order observed in life and the universe align with the biblical account of creation, affirming the belief in an intelligent and powerful Designer.


Through critical examination of the evidence and reflection on the biblical perspective, it becomes clear that intelligent design offers a robust framework for understanding the origin and complexity of life and the cosmos. This perspective not only satisfies the reasoning mind but also aligns with the teachings of Scripture, providing a coherent and comprehensive explanation for the existence of life and the universe.


About the Author

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 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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