Abstract
The dominant opinion expressed by the scientific community is that life on earth as we observe it today evolved over millions of years from more primitive organisms. Its adherents insist that naturalist forces drive this process, and it is unaided by any form of intelligent oversight. In contrast, a biblical worldview upholds the Bible’s account of a six-day special creation by an all-powerful Creator. The competition between these two worldviews appears unresolvable. Complete resolution would require time travel to absolutely certify the winner. Indirect evidence can sway opinions, but individuals do not always apply sound logical reasoning when forming their opinions.
Genetic algorithms is an area of computer science research that uses techniques attributed to biological evolution, genetic crossover and mutation, to improve the capabilities of computer programs. Genetic algorithms have proven to be effective, and their success might suggest to some that evolution is a reasonable option for the diversity of the species. Such a reaction is natural for humans, but it is faulty. This paper provides a simple example of a genetic algorithm in action to demonstrate that no faith is needed to believe that genetic crossover and mutation are indeed effective. Should that tip the balance in favor of evolution? Those who may be influenced in this way exercise a well-known logical fallacy. This paper examines this fallacy and then highlights two examples in the Bible of individuals who demonstrated this kind of faulty reasoning. In these accounts, the Bible itself refutes this logic. The utility of genetic algorithms, therefore, should not weaken a biblical worldview of the origins of life.
Recommended Citation
Halterman, Richard L. PhD
(2025)
"Genetic Algorithms from a Biblical Perspective,"
The Journal of Biblical Foundations of Faith and Learning: Vol. 4:
Iss.
1, Article 9.
Available at:
https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/jbffl/vol4/iss1/9
