Irreducible Complexity
This may be a solution without a problem, but I go on. In random surfing today, I came across a debate thread around intelligent design vs. evolution. To be fair and forewarn you, my opinion is solidly in the “creation” camp. But it’s interesting to see how science and logic lean heavily toward my camp.
There is a term, “irreducible complexity, (I.C.)” that bedevils the likes of Charles Darwin and Richard Dawkins, leading proponents of the “theory” of evolution. The definition of I.C. describes a system with many ( or few) precisely coordinated parts, all of which are necessary for the function of the system as a whole. Remove any part and the system ceases to function.” (Hat Tip to CARM.org)
A very simple example of I.C.
is the common mouse trap. It’s made up of five unique parts (platform, hammer, spring, hold-down bar, and catch). Remove any one of the parts and all you have are parts, not a mouse trap. Why is that important in the battle for the truth of creation? Because of the interaction and interdependence of many parts of creation. I’m not a scientist, but if there were truly millions of years between the “days” of creation, nothing would have survived.
More along with the vein of the posts in this book, two of the last three deal with truth. In What Is Truth I admit that my truth comes singularly from the Bible. So when God says, “six days,” I take that as six 24-hour days. There is no evidence, only misguided theories, including carbon dating, to disprove six days.
But, moving on.
My mind sometimes travels bizarre transitions from one thing to another. And that happened when I started considering the word irreducible. What would that look like when applied to Jesus Christ? When you remove the miracles, the healings, feeding 5,000 with a few fish, walking on water, His death and resurrection, what is Christ’s irreducible? He IS still God in human flesh. The removal or denial of these things doesn’t diminish His being God. And that is wonderfully good news for us.
Sooner or later, evolutionists will all know the truth too. I pray it’s before they die. Because if not, then it’s too late. There is no do-over, no Mulligan, no second chances. The Bible is clear in Heb. 9:27, “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.”
Have you ever considered what your irreducible is?
What can you shed and live without, that doesn’t diminish who you are? What are the rock-solid principles, beliefs, commitments that define you and are so a part of your core that you would die before ceding them? Do integrity, honesty, and faithfulness find their way to your list?
The Christian life is not to be taken lightly. We were given access to the God of all creation through a very painful sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. And that came from a heart of pure love for a lost world mired in sin.
Recognizing that should ring at least two bells in our mind.
One, it should humble us realizing that God even knows our name (Isa. 43:1). And, two, we should feel obligated to walk the path laid out for us called the “narrow way” (Matt. 7:13, 14). This is not a path of good deeds to repay an infinite debt, but rather a loving response to God’s gift of unfathomable riches of Christ (Eph. 3:8) to us. Without cost.
If you’re not on this path yet and want to be, click on this link, “Steps To Salvation.” There you will find the entry requirements to the narrow gate. Hope to see you on that path. Thanks for reading.