Rethinking Abiogenesis: Part 1, Continuity of Life through Time

Abstract

Evolution teaches that any particular organism, population, or species is a point on a continuous lineage that extends back to life’s origins. Apparent discontinuities (for example, species) often reflect subjective, human decisions as much or more than objective measurements. In the same way, no intrinsic, objective reason identifies any particular moment in the development of biochemical complexity as the origin of life other than the origin of the universe itself. There is no natural breakpoint presented by the physical universe. Focusing excessively on any other points robs science of impor tant context and is detrimental to future progress—for example, by failing to extend our view one notch further back in order to understand how and why this particular point emerged. We advocate, instead, a view of abiogenesis that stresses continuity over particular “starting points.” This way invites rich resonances with strands of historical and contemporary theology