Laminin argument

The laminin argument is an attempt to prove the existence of the Christian god. The argument promotes the idea that God left a hallmark of its creation of living beings in the form of the laminin glycoprotein.

Background information
The pastor Louie Giglio promotes this argument in one of his DVD sermons. It has since been passed around in chain letter e-mails and social networking sites.

Argument

 * p1. Laminin is a protein that bonds living cells together.
 * p2. Laminin is shaped like a cross.
 * p3. The cross is the symbol of Christianity.
 * c1. Laminin's shape is the signature or hallmark of an intelligent designer
 * c2. That designer is the Christian god.

Biblical inaccuracy
The earliest known copies of the gospels use the word stauros for Jesus's cross. According to historians of the time, the stauros crucifixion was done as a "T" shape. Jesus's cross was not cross-shaped.

Association fallacy
A commonly used illustrative format of the structure of laminin can be said to resemble a cross (among other things, such as a sword or caduceus [the latter being a symbol of the Greek god Hermes], or even an inverted cross [which is often displayed to mock the Christian god]). The actual protein itself would have to be manipulated from the form it takes in nature in order to resemble a cross.

Cherry picking
Laminin is not the only protein or cell found in animal connective tissues. None of the others (nor their structural illustrations) can be said to be shaped like a cross.

As noted above, laminin is only found in animals. Is it being suggested that another entity designed the plants?

Graven image
A common criticism of Christianity is that it breaks the second commandment (of the Biblical Ten Commandments) by the use of the cross or crucifix as a symbol of worship. If this is an accurate criticism, then the Christian god is encouraging the breaking of its own commandments.

False dilemma
Even if intelligent design was proven, it does not prove the Christian god was involved. Extraterrestrials that use a cross as a symbol are one of the many other possibilities.

Reference

 * Laminin - Wikipedia article on laminin