Wow! This article is a jewel!
So it addresses the age old question of whether God created microbes and viruses and whatnot on the same day that he created plants (Day 3, apparently) or whether these invisible (and sometimes pesky) little beings were created "after the fall."
After extensive research, (consisting of a bunch of guys sitting around a table and discussing it at the Creation Museum) it appears that God decided to roll out members of the microbe community in stages.
When God created the plants (Day Three), He likely created a biomatrix of bacteria and fungi with them at the same time to sustain them (table 2). This symbiotic model for the origin of microbes does not preclude free-living forms. The natural ecosystems that God created—land, sea, and air—would also need microbes for nutrient cycling, decomposing waste, and photosynthesis for oxygen for all creatures. The soil surrounding the plants most likely accommodated the need to recycle elements from fallen leaves and make them useful for regeneration.
But wait until you see what God did on Day 5!!!!
In His provision, God made microscopic creatures that could live in mutualism with “everything” that moves. The Sustainer of all life created symbiotic microbes like bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoans to uphold and maintain these marvelous ocean and atmospheric creatures (table 2). They would also have to communicate with one another. For example, in the deep oceans, squid and flashlight fish have luminescent symbiotic bacteria living inside their bodies to light their way and communicate with other creatures. Living corals have dinoflagellate algae living inside them to provide food (from photosynthesis), and the coral body, in turn, provides a stable home for the algae, as ocean currents sway the small animals on the atoll (an oceanic, reef formation by corals). Birds digest (cellulose) food better with bacteria living inside their caecum stomach.
But since he didn't create creepy crawly things until Day 6, apparently, the microbes that like to hang out with the creepy crawlies were created at just the right time!
When He created the “creeping things” like termites on Day Six, He created the protozoans and bacteria interwoven in their gut to ensure their survival. Very few animals can digest wood and hard cellulose. Termites have mutualistic, flagellated protozoans called Trichonympha (even the Trichonympha have symbiotic bacteria inside them) living inside their guts. We see this pattern of mutualistic bacteria living inside larger animals as well. When He created cattle (ruminants), He created the methanogenic bacteria inside their rumen to digest food. Finally, in His most brilliant stroke, He wove together man with microbes (table 2). Most land animals have billions of symbiotic bacteria or fungi living inside them to uphold their life. Just like an embroidered quilt, He made humans with bacteria on their skin and in their intestines. When He created man, He also created E. coli in their intestines to help them digest food, etc. Located on his skin, Staphylococcus epidermidis helps protect his skin. Man is “covered” inside and outside his body with millions of microbiotic organisms (i.e., normal flora) to maintain normal body functions and sustain life in changing environments.
Now I know what you are thinking. What about viruses? You see, Creation Science does not yet have all of the answers. But it appears that these scientists are pursing whether the roll out hypothesis may have practical applications for the entire viral community.
The determination of virus origin is uncertain. It may be that viruses (as we classify them today) have multiple origins. Some may be degenerate parts from cells after the Curse; still others may have their origin during the days of creation. Today, we think of viruses (Latin for “poison”) only in the context of disease. However, some viruses (or at least virus-like genes) are involved in a positive function in nature. Some groups of viruses, like bacteriophages, play a positive role in controlling bacteria in ecosystems and may play a role in diversity.
I think it is pretty clear that no one but God could have done all of this. And it is sure pretty exciting to examine God's great plan.
The Almighty did some of His most awesome work in the first six days of the planet’s existence. Although He created the starry host with galaxies, planets, moons, the sun, and other large objects, He also created microorganisms demonstrating His care for detail in the minutest part of life. God built into all living things the need to sustain, repair, and reproduce. In many cases, microbes are essential for these three processes to take place in plants, animals, and humans. From the beginning, God made His creation fully mature and complex forms fully formed. This would ensure continuity and stability for the times to come. Although we cannot be certain as to how and specifically when the Creator made viruses and microbes, it is within His character to make entire “packaged” systems to sustain and maintain life. If you think about God as an artist who paints an oil canvas, He does it with entire strokes: He does not paint by numbers.
I have to say that when I finished the article, I felt like there were still some questions that were unanswered. Foremost in my mind was whether Adam got to name the little critters. And if not, why? And if not Adam, who?
And perhaps more importantly, do viruses, bacteria, and other microbes have souls? So the righteous ones populate the heavens? I know that Fido goes to heaven when he dies, and that little Johnny will be reunited with him in the afterlife. I'm not sure if Bessie, who selflessly gave her body to the McDonald's people so that Johnny could have a hamburger, will be there too. But I think we all hope she will. But what about the smallest, most innocent little life forms? What happens to them, for all of eternity?
I can't wait for next year's journal to come out and address these vital issues.