“A human being contains over 100 trillion cells. But we are not 100 trillion cells. I repeat –that is not what we are. We are each truly a singular entity, united in form and function and being. We are the nearly perfect integration of countless components, and as such we comprise a singular new level of reality”

Recently I read two books dealing with the origins and the science of genetics. One of the books is entitled The Language of God, by Dr. Fracis S. Collins, the head of the Human Genome Project.

Dr. Collins is a professing Christian who states that he was converted partly as a result of reading Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. His book is fascinating in so far as it promotes the idea that one can be a Christian and not have to reject all science.

It is encouraging to know that there are bone fide scientists who are true Christians. However, in my humble opinion, Dr. Collins gives too much credence to evolutionary theory and its underlying uniformitarian assumptions. Dr. Collins’ area of expertise is in the area of genetics, so one must be willing to give him a hearing.

However, I found a much more satisfying analysis and explanation of our genetic makeup in a book by another scientist, Dr. J.D. Sanford. Dr. Sanford has a Ph.D. in genetics and was a professor at Cornell University for more than twenty-five years.

The name of his book is Genetic Entropy And The Human Genome. In this book Dr. Sanford shows that mutations always result in a loss of information which is contrary to the theory of evolution. In order for evolution to function, mutations must add information.

If you have read Dr. Collins’ book, you ought to take the time to read Dr. Sanford’s book in order to get another perspective from an equally qualified scientist. On page 189 of Dr. Sanford’s book, he discusses what he calls “Integrated Complexity.”

He states, “One diagnostic of design is the comprehensive integration of a large numbers of components, which is what I am calling integrated complexity. It underlies the easily recognizable natural phenomenon of Unity. Unity is an objective reality. Unity is readily recognized by any rational person, and is not merely subjective. Unity is therefore a legitimate subject of scientific analysis. Unity arises through the comprehensive integration of very many parts. A jigsaw puzzle has unity. A pile of sand does not.

A fighter jet is made up of thousands of component parts and countless atoms, but it has Unity of both function and form. This is what makes it readily recognizable as a product of design. It exists as a single integrated unit, above and beyond all its components. In its original, undegenerated state, every single component has a purpose and a place, and each part is perfectly integrated with all the rest. Despite its countless components, the jet exists in a non-plural state. This is the essence of the term “unity” (oneness). We do not say, “Oh, look at all those pieces of metal and plastic.” We say, “Oh, look at that plane.” It is not even remotely adequate to say that a plane is more than the sum of its parts. A jet is a new reality existing on a totally different level than any of its parts. It can fly. The parts cannot. In a similar manner, it is foolish to say that a spaceship is more than lots of metal. It is foolish to say that life is more than the sum of its parts. These are all obscene understatements. We might as well state that there is more than one drop of water in the sea. These things are so grossly obvious, how can we justify even saying them out loud unless we are talking to someone in a trance?

A human being contains over 100 trillion cells. But we are not 100 trillion cells. I repeat –that is not what we are. We are each truly a singular entity, united in form and function and being. We are the nearly perfect integration of countless components, and as such we comprise a singular new level of reality. The separateness of our existence as people –apart from our molecules –is both wonderfully profound and childishly obvious. Only a deep spiritual sleep could blind us to this reality. We desperately need to wake up! Pages 189-190

King David of Israel put it this way, “For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14

Roland S. Barnes is a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and since 1981 he has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA), Statesboro, GA.