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.

Counter arguments

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). 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.

External links

• [1] - Snopes article on debunking the laminin argument, includes the structural illustration often used in the argument and photo of laminin as found in nature
• [2] - Youtube clip of Giglio making the laminin argument
• A lame argument about laminin A good rebuttal
• Many other molecules have shapes that can be seen or imagined as special for many different religions. Laminin is not unique.

Reference

• Wikipedia:Laminin - Wikipedia article on laminin

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