Unveiling God's Design: Anthrax and Antibiotics - A Christian Perspective

Anthrax and Antibiotics: Is Evolution Relevant?

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, has become a concern in the wake of the 11 September terrorist attack. Many Americans are taking antibiotics as a precautionary measure, leading to concerns about antibiotic resistance. However, it is important to understand that antibiotic resistance does not support the concept of evolution.

Key Points

Equivocation in Evolutionary Propaganda

Evolutionary propagandists often use the term "evolution" in different ways to support their claims. They define evolution as both "change in a population over time" and "the idea that all life came from a single cell." By presenting examples of change in a population, they try to prove the second definition and discredit Biblical creation. However, the changes observed in populations do not involve the gain of new information required for evolution (2). The Biblical creation model suggests that organisms change over time through sorting or loss of already existing genetic information.

Natural Selection is Not Evolution

Natural selection is often misrepresented as evidence for evolution. It is important to note that natural selection is a conservative force that weeds out organisms and the information they contain. It does not generate new information. The concept of natural selection was recognized by creationist Edward Blyth before Darwin and is not a creative force.

Mutations Are Not Evolution

Mutations, which are copying mistakes in genes, do not increase information content. Every known mutation either decreases information or has no effect on information content. Beneficial mutations are extremely rare, and even those are limited to loss or neutral effects on information.

Antibiotic Resistance and Natural Selection

Antibiotic resistance can be explained by natural selection rather than evolution. When antibiotics are used, they wipe out non-resistant germs, allowing the most resistant ones to survive and multiply. This leads to a population that is resistant to antibiotics. However, it is crucial to understand that the resistance already existed in the population. Antibiotic resistance is a result of natural selection, not evolution.

Selection for Resistant Bacteria

Incomplete courses of antibiotics can lead to the selection of resistant bacteria. When a patient stops taking antibiotics before completing the prescribed course, the remaining bacteria are free to multiply. This can result in a less effective treatment since the remaining bacteria tend to be more resistant.

Information-Losing Mutations and Resistance

Mutations that confer resistance often involve the loss of information. For example, disabling a pump in the cell wall prevents the bacterium from pumping in its own executioner. However, in the wild, a bacterium with a disabled pump is less fit than others because it wastes resources producing more enzyme than needed. Other mechanisms involve mutations that reduce specificity or degrade the surface of a bacterium's ribosome, reducing its binding ability to certain drugs.

Why This Matters

Understanding the mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance is crucial for making informed decisions about antibiotic use. Recognizing that antibiotic resistance is a result of natural selection rather than evolution helps to dispel misconceptions and address concerns about overusing antibiotics.

Think About It

Consider how antibiotic resistance can be better explained by the Biblical creation model rather than evolution. Reflect on how natural selection and information-losing mutations play a role in antibiotic resistance and what implications this has for medical treatments.

(Note: This article is a condensed summary of Dr Jonathan Sarfati's original creationist article and maintains his perspective throughout.)