The Evidence of Biochemistry

At a glance

Relevant Scripture

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

Psalm 139:14 KJV

UECF.NET summary

Michael J. Behe, biochemist at Lehigh University, popularized 'irreducible complexity' in Darwin's Black Box. Strobel walks through his claim that some molecular machines — notably the bacterial flagellum — require many specific proteins working together, and that gradual natural selection cannot plausibly build such systems because non-functional intermediates would not be selected. Behe infers intelligent design. UECF.NET notes this is one of the most debated chapters in the ID movement; evolutionary biologists have published detailed responses proposing how flagellar components could evolve from simpler secretion systems.

Behe accepts common descent in some forms but rejects neo-Darwinian mechanism as sufficient for complex molecular innovation. His critics argue he underestimates exaptation, gene duplication, and the incomplete fossil record of molecular change. Court cases such as Kitzmiller v. Dover (2005) featured Behe's testimony and rejected teaching ID as science in public schools — a legal, not purely scientific, verdict Strobel does not emphasize. Readers should understand Behe as a serious dissenter within biology, not as representative of mainstream consensus.

Christian readers may feel torn: Behe's awe at cellular machinery matches Psalm 139, yet many Christian biologists accept evolutionary mechanisms as God's providential means. This companion encourages both wonder and nuance — marvel at molecular design without insisting every biologist must agree with Behe's inference.

Main theological themes

• Irreducible complexity as Behe's biochemical design argument
• Evolutionary explanations involving co-option and intermediate functions
• The political and educational controversies surrounding ID in biology classrooms

Key ideas

• Behe argues some systems cannot be built stepwise; evolutionary biologists counter with plausible incremental pathways — debate continues in technical literature.
• Strobel presents Behe as decisive; Dover trial transcripts record cross-examination challenging that decisiveness.
• Accepting Behe's inference is not required for Christian faith; rejecting evolution is not required either.
• Molecular biology genuinely displays astonishing complexity all sides acknowledge.

Important concepts

• Irreducible complexity — Behe's term for systems needing all parts to function — contested as a barrier to evolution.
• Bacterial flagellum — Rotary motor-like structure often cited in ID arguments — evolutionary homologies proposed.
• Co-option / exaptation — Evolutionary mechanism where structures acquire new functions — main response to Behe.

Related Bible references

• Job 10:8–12
• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
• Ephesians 2:10
• Genesis 1:26–27
• Isaiah 64:8

Practical Christian application

• Watch a short animation of a molecular machine — let awe lead to worship before debate.
• If discussing Behe, read one primary response from evolutionary biology, not only apologetics sites.
• Thank healthcare workers whose work depends on biochemistry Behe celebrates.

Questions for study