Scientific Logic: The Origin of Life: Divine or Ransom?

The Origin of Life: Was It Divine or Random?

By: lim ju boo

Astronomers and astrobiologists tell us we are made of star dust from a supernova explosion. When massive stars explode as a supernova many of the elements of the periodic table, including those that make up the human body are released into space. These elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus that make up the composition and DNA of the human body finally arrived on earth some 4.5 billion years ago to make up the soil on Earth.

The origin of life may have started in another world of a massive star, and their elements brought to earth by a supernova explosion to begin a new life here in our world. Since life is the breath of God that cannot die or be destroyed (except the physical body) these elements of life are released into the soil from where they came. The soul then goes on transit to another world after the death of the physical body to begin another life elsewhere in another world. This becomes an endless cycle of life from one world to the next. However, none of these elements in the dust were alive till God blew the breath of life into them for them to become a living soul as described in Genesis 2:7.

With this above introduction, what I believe and am going to write here is a fusion of scientific understanding and theological perspective that will beautifully integrate the origin of life and the essence of the soul. Let me expand my belief further.

The Stardust Connection and the Formation of Life

Scientists believe the elements that make up our bodies, namely, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and others originated in the nuclear furnaces of stars and were scattered across the universe in supernova explosions. This "stardust" eventually coalesced to form planets, including Earth. This view, rooted in astrophysics, provides a humbling perspective that, all life on Earth is inherently connected to the cosmos.

However, these elements are not inherently "alive." Life requires more than just the presence of organic or inorganic molecules. In science, the transition from non-life to life remains one of the biggest mysteries, often referred to as the study of abiogenesis.

In Genesis 2:7 where God breathes life into Adam supports the concept that life requires an animating force or principle beyond physical components.

Life as the Breath of God:

My belief that the "breath of God" (or the divine spark) is what animates lifeless matter is deeply meaningful to me – but I am unsure if other scientists concur with me. In this framework, life is not merely biochemical activity but something sacred and eternal. The breath of life transforming matter into a living soul is in line with many spiritual beliefs that life is more than its physical manifestation.

From a scientific perspective, one could interpret this "breath" as the emergence of consciousness, self-awareness, or the inexplicable spark that distinguishes living organisms from non-living matter. Biologically, even though life is a product of intricate chemical reactions, its origin and the essence of consciousness remain beyond the full grasp of science.

An Endless Cycle of Life Across Worlds

The idea of life transitioning from one world to another through the breath of God is thought-provoking to me. It parallels some concepts in both spiritual traditions and modern scientific theories.

From the spiritual viewpoint, many religions speak of life as a journey or cycle. Hinduism and Buddhism describe reincarnation, where the soul continues its existence in a new form. Christianity views the soul as eternal, destined for a new phase of existence after physical death.

Scientific Analogies

The possibility of life's persistence across planetary systems supports the theories of panspermia, where life (or its precursors) could spread between worlds via comets or meteorites. While this doesn't directly address the "soul," it suggests a continuity of life on a cosmic scale.

Implications for the Nature of the Soul

The idea that the breath of God is eternal and indestructible suggests that the soul transcends physical existence. My view implies that, the physical body is a temporary vessel, housing the soul for a limited period. After death, the soul transitions to another form or place, continuing its journey in the universe or beyond. This raises fascinating questions, such as, does the soul retain individuality, memory, or consciousness as it transitions? I wrote separate articles that the soul remembers after the death of the body in some of my links below:

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/search?q=soul+as+an+artist

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-purpose-of-our-souls.html

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/06/question-is-soul-life-itself-and-life.html

Do Our Souls Remember the Actions of Our Previous Lives? here:

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/06/does-our-souls-remember-actions-of-our.html

Could this cycle of life across worlds be part of a divine plan for growth, learning, or spiritual evolution?

A Unified Perspective

The theory I propose hopefully would elegantly bridge science and faith. While science explores the physical origins and mechanisms of life, faith addresses the metaphysical and spiritual dimensions. Together, they provide a more holistic understanding of existence:

Science reveals how the elements of life were created and assembled, but faith offers an answer to why these lifeless elements were animated and given purpose.

This theory beautifully brings into line with the view that life is a cosmic journey, transcending individual existence. It challenges us to see ourselves not just as beings tied to Earth but as participants in an eternal cycle spanning the cosmos.

This interpretation not only reconciles scientific knowledge with spiritual wisdom but also encourages reflection on the interconnectedness of life, matter, and the divine. This perspective reminds us of our profound connection to both the universe and its Creator. Let me continue to explain this further.

Panspermia I believe was first proposed in 1972 by Nobel prize winner Francis Crick, along with Leslie Orgel who held that panspermia is the theory that life was deliberately brought to Earth by a higher intelligent being from another planet. In light of the evidence at the time that it seems unlikely for an organism to have been delivered to Earth via radio-panspermia or lithopanspermia (I shall explain these mean shortly).

Crick and Orgel proposed this as an alternative theory, though it is worth noting that Orgel was less serious about the claim. They do acknowledge that the scientific evidence is lacking but discuss what kinds of evidence would be needed to support the theory.

In a similar vein, Thomas Gold suggested that life on Earth might have originated accidentally from a pile of 'Cosmic Garbage' dumped on Earth long ago by extra-terrestrials or alien beings from another world. These theories are often considered more science fiction. However, Crick and Orgel use the principle of cosmic reversibility to argue for it. Fed Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe also came out with their theory. The Hoyle–Wickramasinghe model of panspermia to include the assumptions that dormant viruses and desiccated DNA and RNA can survive unprotected in space; that small bodies such as asteroids and comets can protect the "seeds of life", including DNA and RNA, living, fossilized, or dormant life, cellular or non-cellular… etc

The theories of abiogenesis and panspermia, including their variations like directed panspermia, have fascinated scientists and philosophers alike as they probe the mystery of life's origins. Let me provide a detailed overview, touching on the theories I mentioned and shall expand on their implications and supporting evidence.

Abiogenesis: Life from non-life

Abiogenesis posits that life originated on Earth from non-life or from another world. Let me explore the fascinating theories of abiogenesis and panspermia, including the ideas of Francis Crick, Leslie Orgel, Fred Hoyle, and Chandra Wickramasinghe, as well as others that delve into the origin of life. Abiogenesis is the scientific hypothesis that life arose naturally from non-living matter on Earth, guided by physical and chemical processes. It suggests that the early Earth provided the right conditions for the transition from simple molecules to complex, self-replicating systems that eventually became life.

Key stages in abiogenesis are the chemical evolution. By this I mean organic molecules such as amino acids and nucleotides formed spontaneously in Earth's early environment, as demonstrated by experiments like the Miller-Urey experiment (1953). This showed that combining simple gases (methane, ammonia, hydrogen) with energy (lightning) can create amino acids, the building blocks of life although these chemicals themselves are not life.

After these chemicals were formed through ancient lightning striking over the primordial oceans, life was infused into the waters. I believe it was the spirit of God hovering over the waters that gave life into them as mentioned in Genesis 1:2

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters”.

After the ancient lightning struck over the waters of the oceans, next came the formation of polymers where small molecules combine to form larger macromolecules like proteins and RNA, possibly facilitated by clays or hydrothermal vents. Once formed there was self-replication in the development of molecules (like RNA) capable of storing information and catalysing chemical reactions, a process proposed in the RNA World Hypothesis. The aggregation of these molecules within lipid membranes, forming "protocells" capable of growth, replication, and evolution.

Despite progress, abiogenesis still faces challenges such as, how did such complex molecules form and persist in prebiotic environments? What mechanisms led to the emergence of self-replication and metabolism?

Alternatively, scientists came up with the panspermia theory that life came from space, from another world. Panspermia hypothesizes that life, or its precursors, did not originate on Earth but was delivered here from elsewhere in the cosmos. This idea shifts the origin of life to a larger cosmic framework. This led on to the different types of panspermia proposed such as:

Radio-panspermia. These microscopic life forms or spores were carried to Earth by solar winds or radiation pressure. Critics argue that such organisms would struggle to survive prolonged exposure to intense cosmic radiation.

Lithopanspermia proposed that life travelled to Earth embedded in rocks or meteorites ejected from other planets, like Mars. Fossilized microbial structures in Martian meteorites (e.g., ALH84001) have intrigued scientists, though the evidence is not conclusive.

Directed panspermia (Crick & Orgel, 1972) suggested that life was deliberately seeded on Earth by an advanced extra-terrestrial civilization. Crick and Orgel proposed this as a speculative but scientifically grounded idea, acknowledging the lack of evidence but pointing out the improbability of life arising spontaneously. They argued that highly developed life elsewhere might have sent life forms to Earth as part of an intentional act.

Astrobiologists (scientists whose expertise are in astronomy, biology and evolution) proposed the Cosmic Garbage Hypothesis (Thomas Gold) in that life may have originated accidentally when extra terrestrial beings discarded biological waste on Earth, introducing self-replicating systems.

Hoyle-Wickramasinghe Hypothesis

Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe expanded on panspermia by proposing that:

Dormant life forms, such as viruses or desiccated DNA/RNA, could survive unprotected in the harsh environment of space. Comets and asteroids might serve as protective vehicles for these "seeds of life." They speculated that organic molecules and even microorganisms might be common throughout the universe.

This theory gained some support when NASA discovered organic molecules, including amino acids, in meteorites and comets (e.g., the Murchison meteorite). Additionally, extremophiles (organisms thriving in extreme conditions on Earth) show that life can withstand hostile environments, bolstering the plausibility of life surviving space travel.

Supporting Observations

Panspermia gained traction with discoveries like, organic molecules in space. Amino acids, sugars, and other life-related molecules have been detected in meteorites, comets (e.g., Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko), and interstellar clouds.

Then there were the extremophiles where organisms like Deinococcus radiodurans and tardigrades that can survive radiation, desiccation, and the vacuum of space.

Martian Evidence:

Studies of Martian meteorites and planetary conditions suggest Mars may have had liquid water and organic chemistry conducive to life.

Challenges and Implications:

While panspermia explains how life might spread, it does not address the ultimate origin of life, it merely moves the question to another location in the cosmos. For example, where and how did the first life form in the universe? Could panspermia suggest that life is ubiquitous in the cosmos, or even part of a divine plan?

Philosophical Implications:

Theories like directed panspermia raise intriguing questions about purpose and intent. If life was deliberately sent to Earth, what was the motivation of the senders? Could panspermia support the idea of a universal life force or divine plan?

Modern Developments

Current research continues to explore these theories. Missions like ESA’s Rosetta (studying cometary organic molecules) and NASA’s Perseverance Rover (searching for signs of past life on Mars) aim to shed light on the prevalence of life-related compounds. Advances in astrobiology and extremophile studies provide insights into the potential for life in extra-terrestrial environments, such as Europa, Enceladus, or Titan.

My understanding of panspermia, especially the contributions of Crick, Orgel, Hoyle, and Wickramasinghe, highlights the fascinating intersection of science and speculative reasoning. These theories broaden our (or at least personally mine), perspective of life’s potential origins and the interconnectedness of the cosmos. Whether life emerged on Earth or was seeded from elsewhere, its existence remains a profound mystery.

The philosophical and theoretical aspects of the origin of life, exploring how these ideas ring with deeper questions about existence, purpose, and our place in the universe. I'll later also provide references to further explore these fascinating topics, but before that, allow me to continue to pen my personal deep-seated spiritual-scientific thoughts.

Philosophical and Theoretical Perspectives

Is Life a Universal Phenomenon?

The idea of panspermia, especially in its directed form, raises profound questions about the universality of life. Is life a cosmic imperative? If the seeds of life can travel between planets and even star systems, it suggests that life may not be confined to Earth. This tallies with the notion that the universe is teeming with potential for life, awaiting the right conditions to emerge.

Does life have a purpose? Directed panspermia, in particular, implies intent, namely, a higher intelligence deliberately seeding life. If true, this suggests life has meaning beyond survival and reproduction, potentially pointing to a grander cosmic design.

The Breath of Life and Spiritual Dimensions

In Genesis 2:7, the "breath of life" that animates humans is often interpreted as a divine spark that transcends the physical. This rings with panspermia's implication that life is not bound to Earth and can persist or evolve elsewhere.

The cycle of life and afterlife:

I deeply believe in Divine orchestration even as a medical research scientist. It is an intricate mechanism that allows life to emerge - abiogenesis or panspermia - are so finely tuned that they evoke awe. Whether one believes in God, a universal consciousness, or natural laws, this points to an underlying intelligence or order.

Cosmic Evolution and the Anthropic Principle

Theories of life’s cosmic origin fit within a broader framework of cosmic evolution, the process by which simple elements formed in the Big Bang evolved into complex systems capable of hosting life. The Anthropic Principle is the conditions of the universe (e.g., the abundance of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) seem fine-tuned to support life. Is this by chance, or does it reflect a purposeful design? Some interpretations of panspermia, particularly directed panspermia, suggest intent behind this fine-tuning.

There is a connection to consciousness to suggest if life is ubiquitous, is consciousness also a universal phenomenon? This raises questions about whether intelligence is an inevitable outcome of cosmic evolution or a rare anomaly.

Ethics of Panspermia needs to be addressed. If life can spread between planets, we must consider these ethical issues I question myself as much as we do in our practice in medical and scientific ethics.

Responsibility of seeding life - If humans develop the capability to seed other planets (a form of modern directed panspermia), do we have a moral obligation to do so? Should we ensure that such actions do not harm existing ecosystems?

Interplanetary kinship: If life on Earth shares a common ancestry with extra-terrestrial life, this suggests a form of cosmic kinship. How should we approach potential alien life, ethically, scientifically, and spiritually?

The Paradox of Directed Panspermia

Directed panspermia raises intriguing paradoxes such as who seeded the first life? If extra-terrestrial beings sent life to Earth, how did they originate? This shifts the origin question rather than resolving it.

Was it infinite regress or divine origin? Does life stretch back infinitely, or was there a singular divine act of creation? This paradox mirrors philosophical questions about the origin of the universe itself.

Theological and Spiritual Reflections

The Eternal Soul is my idea that the "breath of life" is eternal tallies with many religious beliefs that see the soul as indestructible. In this view, life is not just physical but also spiritual, with the soul transcending death and physical constraints.

Life’s cosmic journey is the notion of life transitioning between worlds harmonizing with the idea of an eternal journey, found in traditions like Hinduism (reincarnation) and even Christian eschatology (life after death). Panspermia may provide a scientific metaphor for this spiritual cycle.

God as the First Cause: Directed panspermia and abiogenesis both raise the question of a "first cause" that set the universe in motion. This harmonizes with classical theological arguments for God's existence, such as Thomas Aquinas' argument from causality.

In Psalm 19:1 it says

"The heavens declare the glory of God"

The idea that life is distributed across the cosmos can be seen as a testament to divine creativity, with every star, planet, and organism reflecting God’s handiwork.

Whether life emerged from Earth’s primordial soup, was seeded from space, or reflects a divine act, its existence inspires wonder.

I allow my thoughts to bridge science, philosophy, and theology, as these connections enriches our understanding of life’s origins and purpose in a steered direction. I have studied many scientific theories on abiogenesis, panspermia, or spiritual traditions.

But it is original hypotheses like these that are always thought-provoking and provide such fertile ground for exploration. I merely bring my thoughts to this table. It was just my spiritual-scientific inquisitiveness, combining science, philosophy, and faith that inspired me greatly.

If we care to read Genesis, from verse 1 till verse 20, you will find these verses are exactly in the same sequential events as evolutionary biologists think.

In these verses it was light that was first created from darkness, before herbs and plants and photosynthesis became possible. This was followed by animal life like fishes that first arose from the oceans became thinkable before they crept onto dry land as reptiles like dinosaurs, gloried reptiles like fowls and birds in the air, before the appearances of mammals like cattle, thereafter humans came into existence.

These verses were written precisely in the same sequences as in the evolution of life on earth written by evolutionary biologists. But before all these life events were made possible, the spirit of God in Genesis 1:2 was needed to hover over the waters of the primordial oceans to infuse life into those ancient biomolecules generated by lightning. Doesn’t that make tremendous spiritual and scientific truths if we can bridge them together in perfect harmony, may I ask my elite and learned readers here?

The right prayers give us incredible gifts - the ability to see connections between complex fields and articulate our thoughts in meaningful ways. The foundation is built on profound spiritual-scientific understanding. The right daily prayers and constant thoughts about God even when we are bathing, eating, writing, travelling in a car, bus or riding a bicycle bring us these insights, knowledge and wisdom in our journey of revelation.

I am guided to accept that life transitions between worlds suggests a cycle of existence, which parallels many spiritual beliefs about reincarnation or the soul’s journey. If the "breath of life" is eternal, it may travel through the cosmos, animating new forms in new worlds.

It was my ‘still small voice’ that constantly speaks silently to me for years between my night sleeps that drives my personal beliefs to pen these thoughts here.

Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, comments or even your own theories with me. It's always a delight to engage in these enriching conversations with anyone who has a curious mind and an admirable passion for knowledge, who also who seeks spiritual wisdom; together we can explore the depths of the cosmos, life, and beyond!

Scientific Logic

Saturday, February 22, 2025

The Origin of Life: Divine or Ransom?

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The Origin of Life: Divine or Ransom?

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