Home » Academics » Truth Lab

The Cross and the Microscope

The Laminin Debate

I must be one of the last people on earth to either receive or, if I do eventually receive them, actually open forwarded emails. In a way, this is a blessing; though I'm distracted by many things, e-mail forwards are not one of them. I am so out of the loop. My 15-year-old is always quick to point this out.

Case in point: A student here at Focus on the Family Institute walked up to me recently and asked me about "laminin." For a little context, I teach on worldview, not science. But I have just enough science knowledge to be dangerous. I distantly recalled that laminin had something to do with proteins and the structure of the cell. As it turns out, it is, literally, the glue that binds us together. After our conversation, the student forwarded me a link to a video of a passionate Christian speaker who points to laminin as an example of God's amazing design for human beings.

As an academic (to be read "healthy skeptic") I went looking for more information on this amazing stuff called laminin.

If you search the term on the Internet, the results are quite amazing. About 50 percent of the 800,000 hits are blogs, Web boards and the like. By clicking on just a few links you get an eyeful. A number of sites express wonder at God's creativity. But even more take pot shots the passion the Christian sites convey. What intrigues me more than anything is the lack of civility between the two sides. I am amazed at hearing one side say, "We'll pray for you," and the other side respond with, "I don't want your prayer — I want you Christians to think for a change." Honestly, I don't blame them — we should be Christians who present thoughtful arguments.

In his book, The Idea of a Christian College, retired Wheaton philosophy professor Arthur F. Holmes writes that "the educated Christian must be at home in the world of ideas and people."¹ As we talk about ideas with people who don't agree with us, let's take the professor's words as our challenge.

Challenge #1: Understand the Topic

As Christians delve into academics, it's important for us to be astute and well-versed in the issues we involve ourselves in. For example, many Christians who hear about laminin for the first time think science discovered it only recently. But that isn't the case. Scientists have known about this molecule for years. We've also known about its cell-binding properties.

What has most of the Christians speaking about laminin, though, is not the discovery, but the diagram of the cruciform molecule. Unfortunately, many of the discussions between the two sides about the laminin diagram devolve into "It's a cross," "No it's not," "Is too!" "Is not!"

Maybe I'm missing something, but I think the complexity and intricacy of how we're made is the real discovery here. Whether or not laminin looks like a cross is secondary. In doing a bit of research about this protein, I am amazed that even though the scientific community has discovered it, they cannot begin to explain it via their own theories. Where did it evolve from? Why, in a combative environment, which evolutionary theory assumes, would a cellular-level adhesive even develop since it secures and builds a defense against other elements?

Do some research. I plan to. I also want to talk to some people in science a whole lot smarter than I am.

Challenge #2: Understand the Other Side

The other thing that amazed me as I scoured the Internet was the harshness with which people on the "it's not a cross" side directed their attacks. Everything from crafted video responses that show alternate laminin diagrams to the inflammatory remark from a supposed scientist who directed all Christians to get their noses out of science and stick to their cults. I loved that one. Yup — in a so-called marketplace of ideas, let's not allow all ideas or critiques of ideas. That makes sense! (Sarcasm intended.)

I'm not sure why this "other side" doesn't want Christians involving themselves in this debate. One blogger asserted that because of discoveries like laminin, more scientists are actually unbelievers than believers. What strikes me is that I am hearing more and more about scientists and philosophers who, not unlike C.S. Lewis, are coming to accept the argument from design. Antony Flew, an aged atheist philosopher is one such an example.

As Biola University professor Craig Hazen writes in his introduction to an interview between Dr. Gary Habermas and Dr. Flew:

Prof. Antony Flew, 81 years old, is a legendary British philosopher and atheist and has been an icon and champion for unbelievers for decades. His change of mind is significant news, not only about his personal journey, but also about the persuasive power of the arguments modern theists have been using to challenge atheistic naturalism.²

Listen carefully to the arguments people make, the ones who see no symbolism in the laminin diagram: "You can't prove that some god created all this, that he sent some part of himself to earth, could levitate, heal people and even shock the masses with really good magic. And you can't prove that the earth actually stopped for a battle to be won or that some guy survived in the belly of some fish. It's all a myth!"

One key element of myth is that it may look like reality, though it is not based in fact.³ So, in my simple (and I'm sure flawed) logic, if I can show a definite probability that something happened, then we shouldn't assume it's purely myth. We must consider that it did happen.

For instance: If a skeptic asks you about Jonah and the big fish,⁴ then point out to him the basking shark. It meets the relevant criteria. It existed in that area at that time; it's a top feeder; it swims close to shore; a human could actually stay alive for a few days in its stomach; no teeth, really, which would make Jonah's entrance and exit a little safer. So the Jonah story could have happened as it is recorded in Scripture. Therefore it's not a myth. Some people may still not want to believe it, but we need to narrow their options for discrediting this particular biblical account.

When it comes down to it, we have to believe some things on faith. But let's operate from a "knowledgeable faith."

Challenge #3: Understand Your Approach (i.e., Jesus' Approach)

Jesus did not come into the world to force His view of morality or God on anyone. He led conversations in such a way that others would come to the conclusion that what He was saying was indeed true, whether they liked it or not. I love that Jesus told parables and, after giving the "closing line," He often walked off, leaving the hearer to ponder what on earth He was talking about. He also listened carefully to what people had to say. He asked questions to guide the conversation. Most of the time the other person said something illogical or off-base. But Jesus didn't stand up and say "Ah ha! See? You were wrong. Most of the time the person heard what they were saying and realized in their heart and mind that what they had said didn't make sense or prove anything. They knew it. And Jesus knew they knew it. But He didn't say anything.

When we use principled persuasion, we have to be better at not simply defending our answers, but listening intently to what the other person is saying. We must respond rationally, but in a heartfelt, genuine way. We can try to guide the conversation, but we should never force the discussion. In fact, as Jesus did, we must be prepared to walk away from some discussions. He never went for the "win." And neither should we. In our cyber world of hyper-communication and quick-typing fingers, we tend to respond in very unprincipled ways, which does nothing to move the Kingdom forward. A wise friend of mine once told me, "You will argue no one into heaven." Sage advice.

Be Prepared, Be Gentle

C O F F E E  S H O P

---

How do you stay calm and collected during an online debate?

Join the discussion!

Back to laminin. … I have some research to do and so do you. I also have to be prepared with an answer (so says 1 Peter 3:15). I want to be able not to get caught up in the harshness of the debate that typically happens on the World Wide Web. I want to be winsome and, as our 1 Peter verse also says, "do this with gentleness and respect" (NIV).

I don't honestly know if God is sending us a message through the cross-shaped laminin diagram, but I do know that God sends His message of love and design throughout Creation in so many mysterious ways. May God direct our words and actions whenever we engage those who need to see His face and the design of His hand.

And happy researching!