How does the fact that human beings possess some Neanderthal DNA impact creationism?

Answer

According to scientific studies, some of the DNA in modern humans actually came from Neanderthals. This discovery is sometimes presented as evidence to refute the concept of creationism. Despite such implications, there is no basis to interpret the DNA connection as evidence against creation, God, or the Bible. Instead, this same evidence serves as a valuable response to many criticisms directed at the Bible and its explanation of our beginnings.

To begin with, the observation that various living organisms share a fundamental structure—DNA—does not inherently imply evolution or atheism. It equally supports the concept of a shared design. Consider a range of car engines, varying in size and function. Despite these differences, most car engines contain the same essential components—which is logical, as they are generally the most efficient way to achieve their intended purpose. The mere similarity in DNA cannot be used alone to argue that there is no intentional distinction between two species.

The subject of Neanderthal DNA is equally intricate within the scientific community, particularly in a context relevant to Christianity. In essence, the boundaries between distinct species can be ambiguous. This poses a challenge to certain aspects of biology. Typically, natural selection defines itself based on populations that no longer interbreed.

However, a significant part of the scientific debate surrounding Neanderthals revolves around the extent of their interbreeding with “modern” Homo sapiens. Recent studies have garnered attention specifically for identifying portions of Neanderthal-derived DNA in the human genetic code. The issue arises when considering that if Neanderthals are so akin to modern humans that they could produce offspring together, why classify them as a separate species? Why not regard them as another ethnic group within the human race?

This is where the examination of humanity becomes complex. Just recentlyAs in the era of figures like Charles Darwin, individuals of certain races were once viewed as subhuman. It was not rare, during the 19th century, for scientists to argue that individuals of African descent were genetically more similar to gorillas than to white men—Darwin expressed this in The Descent of Man. Are we repeating this pattern with Neanderthals—assuming they were inferior, unintelligent, or subhuman when they were not?

The variations in Neanderthal characteristics appear to align with the spectrum of potential modern human biology. Reconstructions of Neanderthals using muscle and skin approximations often prompt comparisons to present-day celebrities. In essence, the distinction between Neanderthals and modern humans seems much smaller than that among different dog breeds—yet all dogs belong to the same species, irrespective of breed.

Certainly, the scientific disparities between modern humans and Neanderthals encompass more than just bone structure. The key point is simply that the compatibility and resemblance between Neanderthals and modern humans are much greater than the disparities. Establishing distinctions between the two in a manner that deems Neanderthals inhuman poses challenges for biology and contemporary science. Regarding Neanderthals as merely another human race poses challenges for non-theistic philosophy.

Whether or not modern human DNA contains Neanderthal elements is, ultimately, inconsequential to the Bible’s teachings on creation.