“Could life on earth have originated on Mars? Over the past two decades that question has left the pages of science fiction and entered the mainstream of empirical science.”

So begins an article in the latest Scientific American (November, 2011) entitled “The Smallest Astronauts”, written by astrobiologist David Warmflash of Portland State University. The fact is: astrobiology is one of the fastest growing fields within the wide expanse of biological sciences. Like most research pursuits, there are multiple reasons for expanded studies in this highly specialized field. Improvements in our understanding of the micronutrient “necessities” of life, as well as a better understanding of extremophiles (microbes capable of surviving and/or thriving under extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, etc.) have certainly contributed to this expansion, not to mention the importance of NASA’s space shuttle program. 

But I wonder whether our inability to account for the sudden occurrence of life on earth, combined with the mind-boggling complexity of life’s building blocks (DNA and RNA), have also contributed to this field’s growth, by forcing us to look “elsewhere” for answers?

Dr. Warmflash provides a plausible theory that life on earth could have been seeded with primitive bacteria or eukaryotes, such as yeast, embedded deep within meteorites from other planets such as Mars. Moreover, he provides credible evidence that extremophilic microbes could have tolerated the rigors of entry into earth’s atmosphere and survived for long periods in a dormant state until sprouting the first strings of DNA into the open arms of planet earth when conditions were right to do so. 

Now, I will concede that extraterrestrial seeding may have been the means that God used to “create” life on earth, but to be honest I just don’t buy it – at least, not yet. I would need more evidence, a lot more evidence. 

But then again, that is what David Warmflash and his astrobiology colleagues plan to provide over the coming years. But even if they could offer more evidence of extraterrestrial seeding, I would still struggle with “why” God would have done it this way. If DNA and RNA are such complex molecules, how did they come to be within inhospitable places like Mars?

For me, the bottom line is that there must have been a Creator with special designs for this richly diverse and sensational planet we call earth. In addition, I would suggest that even if astrobiologists find defensible evidence of primitive or microbial life on other planets, I doubt very much that advanced bipedal life forms would be found. 

The fine tuning of planet earth for human habitation is truly amazing and miraculous. I would encourage you to check it out and see where the evidence leads you relative to answering what is arguably the most important question of your life: Are you here by cosmic chance or purposeful design? Which is it?

While many organizations espouse and promote specific Biblical interpretations over others, the Center for Faith and Science International (www.cfsint.org) is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, and in so doing welcomes multiple interpretations and thoughts relative to our single, loving and omnipotent God. Make no mistake, it is God and God alone who has all the answers and who represents pure unadulterated and absolute truth, not us!