Divine Genesis, Evolution, and Astrobiology

Abstract

The first steps of Genesis (origin of life) and the evolution of organisms are still challenging biological mysteries. Many countries and states debate how to teach origins and evolution in their school systems, choosing between the approach of intelligent design (creation by God) or natural selection (Darwinian theory). Our main question is how should religion relate to the scientific approach of the beginning of the universe and origin of life? The conclusion reached by Rabbi A.Y. Kook is that religious faith should not reject or avoid the scientific theories, since both disciplines are not aimed in the same direction. The Torah is neither a scientific record nor a mechanistic description recording formation of the universe. Some current rabbis, such as Rabbi Shlomo Avineri, state that one need not take all the early chapters of Genesis literally but rather as an allegory. Similarly, scientific explanations of the origin of the universe and the formation of life remain enigmatic theories not based on solid facts either.

This chapter introduces two recent scientific fields, extremophiles and astrobiology, that, from my point of view, indicate the deeds of God all over our planet and beyond, including possibilities of extraterrestrial life. It has been found that organisms live in almost all global environments (on the surface, in various depths of subsurface ground, water, and in the air). Among the habitats of organisms are also very harsh ones, further away from the “normal” areas. The microbes living hidden in these stressful environments are called extremophiles.

Within the parameters of the above data, on the basis of scientific investigations, we conclude (though others may disagree) that all events of the universe and various kinds of life on Earth have been envisaged and willed by Almighty God. The “blind chance” or “a random natural power” that formed the galaxy and life on Earth as well as the unnatural events (miracles) have all actually been set in force and guided by God. It would be advisable that the rabbis and religious authorities should consider these two new scientific areas and encourage the dialogue under the Jewish umbrella.