Return to the table of contents for
the Facts & Faith, Third Quarter
1997 Issue (Vol. 11, No. 3)by Dr. Hugh Ross
Two Japanese biologists have completed a study comparing primate eyes, specifically the external morphology (form). They noted that humans are the only species with sclera (the part of the eye ball that surrounds the iris) that can accurately be described as white. Human beings are also unique in the ratio of sclera, especially exposed sclera,to iris. The sclera of virtually all primates' eyes is barely distinguishable from the dark-colored iris. Human eyes are very different, indeed.
These questions the researchers did not address, but these questions demand further inquiry. The how raises a serious challenge to naturalism. The required number and rapidity of favorable mutations defy explanation by current theory. They exceed by far the observable--and even the wildly optimistic hypothetical--genetic change rate. The why presents a challenge to natural selection. The whites of human eyes provide little, if any, survival advantage. But they do allow us to communicate, independently of and as a complement to our speech, our feelings and attitudes, interests and values, understanding and intimacy. In conjunction with the many small muscles around our eyes, our whites allow us to signal each other subtly and at great distances, to single someone out in a crowd. Such capacities would seem a far greater asset for people living in technologically advanced societies than for stone age families living on the edge of survival.
We are left to conclude whether random natural processes or a divine and relational Designer gave us our uniquely wonderful eye characteristics. Our spiritual "eyes" will most likely determine which conclusion we accept.
This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 1997 by Reasons To Believe.
Return to the Reasons To Believe Home Page
Return to the table of contents for
the Facts & Faith, Third Quarter
1997 Issue (Vol. 11, No. 3)