New developments

[LachMck]

I recently read a book on theistic evolution, and it said that at the time of writing that we do not know how cells first evolved from just basic RNA/DNA/whatever came first. However, the book is a few years old.
So, just wondering, has there been any new developments that anybody has heard of (aka theories, ect)? Or are we still just looking around.

Also, looking for someone else knowledgeable in biochemistry to discuss evolution, and evolutionary theology. Technical is good; I'm starting a science degree this year.

Thanks and God bless
Lachie

 

[gluadys]

I recently read a book on theistic evolution, and it said that at the time of writing that we do not know how cells first evolved from just basic RNA/DNA/whatever came first. However, the book is a few years old.
So, just wondering, has there been any new developments that anybody has heard of (aka theories, ect)? Or are we still just looking around.

Also, looking for someone else knowledgeable in biochemistry to discuss evolution, and evolutionary theology. Technical is good; I'm starting a science degree this year.

Thanks and God bless
Lachie

My info is also fairly old, except that I think it has been pretty much settled that RNA preceded DNA. So I hope someone who is up on the latest research chimes in. There has certainly been a lot of movement recently. The most recent accomplishment I have heard of is the successful production of an artificial self-replicating genome.

Scientists Create First Self-Replicating Synthetic Life | Wired Science | Wired.com

 

[LachMck]

Thanks for that.

 

[Papias]

First, and most importantly, the start of life is one small part in the history from formation of the solar system to now. Even if it were a complete mystery, it would be a bad idea for someone to hang their faith on that still being a mystery, as creationists do so often, diminishing God to a god of the gaps.

There has been, however, a lot of progress made - it's a fast moving area in biology/chemistry. You catch up with much of the past with this fun and excellent course on audio: Origins of Life

and scan journals at any university library for more recent advances - in journals like Nature, and Science (the big two).

Come to think of it, to get a good view of the grand sweep of God's creative history, this audio course is very good: Big History: The Big Bang, Life on Earth, and the Rise of Humanity

Be sure to only buy them when they are on sale. Your local library may have them too (for free).

In His Word-

Papias