The complexity of DNA

Reflection

The intricate structure of DNA, capable of storing vast amounts of information in a form smaller than can be seen with the naked eye, continues to prompt wonder among scientists and non-scientists alike. For many believers, such complexity points beyond itself towards purposeful design rather than pure chance. This argument, often called the argument from design, has deep roots in Christian thought, echoing the Psalmist's declaration that he is "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). It does not require rejecting scientific explanation of biological processes; rather, it asks a different kind of question than science alone answers, namely why there is order, information and complexity at all rather than chaos or nothing. Christians have historically held a range of views on how exactly God's creative work relates to natural processes such as evolution, but the shared conviction beneath these differences is that creation reflects an intelligent, purposeful creator rather than being an accident without meaning. Marvelling at something as small as a strand of DNA can, for a person of faith, become an act of genuine worship.

Questions to sit with

• Does scientific complexity like DNA increase your sense of wonder about creation?
• How do you personally relate scientific explanation to belief in a creator?
• When did you last pause to marvel at something in the natural world?

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