Dear Editor,
Professor Paul Ewart wrote: ‘The origin of life is one of the great unsolved mysteries and this discovery is a step, albeit a small one, on the way to discovering how God did it.’ However, it is only a mystery to secular scientists, since the Bible tells us that God created by His word! Every attempt to explain how life began naturalistically has failed miserably.
The media hype that accompanied the claim that microbes may have been detected in the Venusian atmosphere was totally unjustified, and many scientists were sceptical. BBC News (14 September 2020) quoted biochemist Dr William Bains, who said that, to survive the sulphuric acid in the Venusian atmosphere, airborne microbes would either have to use some unknown, radically different biochemistry, or evolve a kind of armour. ‘We’re talking bacteria surrounding themselves by something tougher than Teflon and completely sealing themselves in. But then how do they eat? How do they exchange gases? It’s a real paradox.’
In a further twist, New Scientist (21 October 2020) reported: ‘A new analysis has cast doubt on the recent signal of phosphine gas in Venus’ atmosphere, a finding that could potentially be a sign of life. The scientists who originally discovered this in September found that the quantity of the gas seen couldn’t be produced by any known chemical processes on Venus. Now, a study of the data behind the original paper suggests there are no signs of the gas after all.’(!) I have yet to see this reported in the popular media.
Of course, God would have every right to create microbes on Venus, but personally, I don’t believe extra-terrestrial life exists, since, in addition to the scientific problems there are theological objections. Why would God create microbes in the atmosphere of a planet which could never support life on its surface? Surely He creates everything for a purpose? Belief in extra-terrestrial life is wishful thinking on the part of those who don’t want to believe that our planet is unique.
There is no hint in Scripture that God created life anywhere other than on the earth. ‘The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind’ (Psalm 115:16). The earth is not only unique in its suitability for life, but because it is the centre of God’s concern. It’s difficult to see how life on other planets could be reconciled with God’s plan of salvation. The gospel is earth-centred.
However, Professor Ewart is absolutely right in saying that the most important fact is that ‘we are created by one who loves us and is concerned about the life of each man, woman and child on earth.’
Yours sincerely
Geoff Chapman (Director) Creation Resources Trust
