Evolution of Chocolate: A Scientific Study Explained

Sermons From Science -- Jan 2016科学布道-- 2016年1月 Sermons from Science has been published in both YouTube under the name “Pastor Chui” and also in PowerPoint slides and corresponding videos in the website http://ChristCenterGospel.org since 2011. The contents of this presentation were taken from different sources and in the Internet. May God have all the glory. Pastor Chui http://ChristCenterGospel.org ckchui1@yahoo.com 12/19/2019 1

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • We might have eaten a lot of chocolates during Christmas and New Year. The Answers In Genesis website published an article written byTroy Lacey and Avery Foley on December 14, 2015. I now quote their article below: • “Chocolate is a favorite among many people; we eat it, we drink it, we coat stuff in it. A new study by evolutionary scientists claims that understanding the evolutionary origins of the cocoa plant could have positive ramifications for the chocolate industry. They do this in part by looking at their hypothetical evolutionary tree (called a phylogenetic tree). Researchers say that their “molecular phylogenetics and distribution” clock studies led them to believe that cocoa is much older than they once thought (in a nutshell, they analyze hereditary molecular differences, mainly in DNA sequences, and use this information to postulate an organism's evolutionary relationships). In other words, the secular researchers look at the cocoa plant in light of an evolutionary worldview and, based on their evolutionary beliefs, have now adjusted their ancient date of the cocoa plant to be even older in their story. 12/19/2019 2

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “They also postulate that ancient diversification of the plant resulted in increased genetic variability. Based on this story, the hope is that this could yield novel and delicious chocolate flavors as well as produce cocoa plants that are hardier, more resistant to disease, and able to grow elsewhere in the world. But is it really an understanding of cocoa’s supposed evolution that we need? 12/19/2019 3

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “Chocolate and Natural Selection • “The authors of the study, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, attempt to show the supposed evolution of the cocoa plant. According to the study, the Theobroma cacao plant (from which cocoa is produced) diverged from its most recent common ancestor about 9.9 million years ago and then diverged early from other lineages within the genus. According to the summary article, “the early diversification produced an enormous amount of genetic diversity within the cacao tree, resulting in the creation of additional species that still may not be fully understood.” 12/19/2019 4

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ 12/19/2019 5

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “The practical applications (when stripped of the evolutionary baggage) are stated in the journal article: • “The timing of diversification and extent of variability has implications for the chocolate industry as basing plantations on only a percentage of this genetic diversity means that it may be at unnecessary risk from disease and other threats such as climate change. Under-utilized wild varieties may be brought into cultivation to introduce greater genetic diversity that might protect against these risks and also introduce a wider range of flavors to the industry. 12/19/2019 6

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “In other words, domestication and artificial selection for some of the best traits (larger cacao beans, less bitter cacao beans, higher fat content in the nibs, and so on) have decreased the genetic diversity of the species. Now scientists are looking at ways to see if wild varieties can add back in some genetic diversity to make them more resistant to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. • “Rapid diversification is what we would expect from plant species early on in the post-Flood world. 12/19/2019 7

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “In reality this has nothing to do with supposed algae-to-tree evolution. Rapid diversification is what we would expect from plant species early on in the post-Flood world. Genetic drift, natural selection, mutation, and others would have all been viable mechanisms driving speciation in a new world going through radical climate changes and ongoing geological upheavals. Once humans found out the potential of the cacao tree and domesticated the plant to produce cocoa, they began the process of artificially selecting the plants with the best traits (and once commercialization took over, this practice became standardized). This process over the past few centuries has led to a loss of genetic diversity. Natural selection is not a mechanism that resulted in the origin and evolution of the cacao tree; instead it is a God-given mechanism that helped the tree speciate, survive, and thrive in the ecological and geographical niche it was in. Artificial selection may have improved productivity, but it cost the plant genetic diversity, which has made it more susceptible to diseases. 12/19/2019 8

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “Chocolate and Social Justice • “One added benefit of this study is the potential for more fair trade and ethically derived sources for chocolate. The article notes that “greater knowledge of the cacao tree and its relatives could broaden the sources for the world’s cocoa supply, allowing chocolate to be cultivated in regions that offer greater protection for workers, a welcome development in an industry blighted by reports of child labor,” particularly in West Africa. This is certainly an admirable goal in a biblical worldview. But these researchers hold to an evolutionary worldview, and in this view there is no ultimate basis for calling child labor wrong! How does an immaterial concept evolve (evolution applies only to material things)? In an evolutionary worldview, right and wrong are arbitrary because there is no ultimate basis, just man himself, so how can what is right and wrong as determined by one person apply to all people everywhere? While evolutionists can be moral and call things right and wrong, they do so arbitrarily and inconsistently with their worldview. 12/19/2019 9

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ 12/19/2019 10

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “But in a biblical worldview, God and His Word provide an ultimate basis for determining right and wrong. God is the Creator and the very definition of good. Oppressing others is wrong, and Christians are to fight against oppression, especially the oppression of orphans and widows. Here is just a small sampling of the many verses that command God’s followers to seek justice, • “Learn to do good;Seek justice,Rebuke the oppressor;Defend the fatherless,Plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:17) 12/19/2019 11

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “Open your mouth, judge righteously,And plead the cause of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:9) • “Defend the poor and fatherless;Do justice to the afflicted and needy. (Psalm 82:3) • “He has shown you, O man, what is good;And what does the Lord require of youBut to do justly,To love mercy,And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) 12/19/2019 12

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “Christians should be excited about the prospect that good, observable research (unlike evolutionary storytelling) could not only introduce new flavors of chocolate and increase the global production of cocoa beans, but that it also has the potential to help people to be treated fairly. We should strive to promote social justice in this world. One way that we at Answers in Genesis are doing that is through a Fair Trade Market here at the Creation Museum for Christmas Town. This market allows guests to shop for unique Christmas gifts that were ethically sourced. 12/19/2019 13

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “Chocolate as a Reminder of God’s Goodness • “Instead of giving us an insight into the evolutionary history of chocolate, this study actually shows us the amazing diversity God has placed into all organisms. Even when we commercially exploit a product and may have dramatically reduced its genetic diversity, God has created ample wild varieties and given humans the intellect to hybridize plant species to make them hardier. • “Even in a sin-cursed, post-Fall world, God gives us much to enjoy. 12/19/2019 14

The Evolution of . . . Chocolate? 巧克力的演变。。。？ • “In addition, we know that God created plants for human enjoyment (Genesis 1:29). Even in a sin-cursed, post-Fall world, God gives us much to enjoy. When the Israelites were getting ready to enter Canaan, God told them of the sweets they would enjoy: fig trees, pomegranates, and honey (Deuteronomy 8:8). Prior to the discovery of cocoa and the manufacture of chocolate (which has added sugar), these were some of the sweetest foods available. Now we live in a world where chocolate is readily obtainable, and like the Israelites who were reminded not to forget the good things God had given and was going to give to them, we should also acknowledge that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). And yes, chocolate is one of those God-given gifts for us to enjoy.” • Thank God for the contributions of Troy Lacey and Avery Foley. 12/19/2019 15

Gloria Deo 愿荣耀归上帝 12/19/2019 16

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • The Answers In Genesis website published an article written byTim Chaffey on November 30, 2010; last featured December 12, 2015. I now quote his article below: • “Misconception: Jesus was born among the animals in the stable because there was no room for Joseph and Mary at the inn. • “Several years ago, I attended a Christmas drama performed by members of a local church. The main character of the play was an innkeeper. He was eventually forced to turn away Joseph and Mary (who had just arrived in Bethlehem) because the hotel was completely booked. However, the innkeeper still found room for them in one of the area stables. The cast performed wonderfully, and their portrayal of the night Christ was born is fairly common, but how does it compare to the Word of God? 12/19/2019 18

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “Information about Christ's birth is recorded in the second chapter of Luke: • “Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4–7) 12/19/2019 19

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “It may come as a surprise to many that the Bible does not provide us with many more details than this about the birth of Christ. The following passages in Luke 2 discuss the angel's announcement of Christ's birth to the shepherds and the shepherds' subsequent visit to see Jesus. Matthew 1:24–25 states that Joseph took Mary as "his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS." The following chapter discusses the visit of the Magi some time later and the escape to Egypt. 12/19/2019 20

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ 12/19/2019 21

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “A few points must be made as we compare the modern retelling of the birth of Jesus with the truth of Scripture. First, the Bible certainly teaches that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but it does not state that Joseph and Mary arrived in that town just in time for her to deliver. In fact, this scenario is highly unlikely since it is doubtful that the two would attempt to make the arduous 70-mile trip from Nazareth in the final stages of her pregnancy. Also, Luke 2:6 implies that they were in Bethlehem for a while before Jesus was born ("while they were there, the days were completed"). 12/19/2019 22

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “Second, the Bible makes no mention of any innkeeper who told them that the inn was full for the night. The reason we imagine this scenario is because the translators of most English versions have chosen the word "inn" to translate the Greek word καταλυμα (kataluma), which gives modern readers the wrong impression. Jesus used this same Greek word in Luke 22:11 to refer to a "guest room." This room is now known as the Upper Room—the scene of the Last Supper, the meal that Jesus ate with His disciples the night before His Crucifixion. 12/19/2019 23

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “That may not sound convincing to most people who are familiar with the traditional telling of the Christmas account. But consider that the Greek language has a word for hotel or inn. In fact, Luke used it in Luke 10:34, when he wrote about the Good Samaritan who took the beaten man to the "inn" (pandocheion, πανδοχειον) and paid the "innkeeper" (pandochei, πανδοχει, v. 35) to care for the man. • “The Bible states that there was no room for them in the kataluma, which would be better translated as “guest room.” 12/19/2019 24

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “Since Luke was quite familiar with the proper term for inn, why didn't he use it in the account of the birth of Jesus? The probable answer is that Joseph and Mary did not attempt to stay at an inn. The Bible states that there was no room for them in the kataluma, which would be better translated as "guest room." • “Joseph and Mary returned to Joseph's ancestral home of Bethlehem because of the census (Luke 2:1–4). As the census was proclaimed throughout the Roman Empire, many Jewish families would have needed to travel to Bethlehem during this time and lodged with relatives who lived in the town. 12/19/2019 25

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “Joseph and Mary probably stayed with Joseph's relatives in Bethlehem, but because of the large influx of people, the house would have been crowded and the kataluma (guest room) was full. Consequently, Joseph and Mary would have been relegated to living in the lower level of the house. It is hard to believe that pregnant Mary would have been turned away from a relative's home in a society that greatly valued familial ties. 12/19/2019 26

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “Archaeologists have excavated first century homes from the Judean hill country. They have discovered that the upper level served as a guest chamber while the lower level served as the living and dining rooms. Oftentimes, the more vulnerable animals would be brought in at night to protect them from the cold and theft. This sounds strange to many of us, since we wouldn't dream of bringing some of our cattle into the house at night, but even today in some countries of Europe (e.g., Germany and Austria), the farmhouse and the animal quarters are often different parts of the same building. 12/19/2019 27

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ 12/19/2019 28

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “There is biblical support for the concept of animals being kept in the house. The infamous account of Jephthah (Judges 11) states that he planned to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house upon his return. Apparently, he expected an animal to come out of his house. Little did he know that his daughter would come out to greet him before any of the animals came out. So there seems to be biblical precedent for keeping animals in the house. • “This is where the manger comes into play. Mary likely gave birth to Jesus in the lower level of a crowded house, in which some of the animals had been brought in for the night. She then wrapped Jesus in swaddling cloths and laid Him in the manger (feeding trough). 12/19/2019 29

Born in a Barn (Stable)?出生在一个谷仓（马厩）？ • “Of course, we should never become so focused on the peripheral details of this account that we miss the most important point. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became a descendant of Adam so that He could ultimately go to the Cross and die in our place. Now the descendants of Adam can be saved from an eternity of separation from their Creator. God gave His Son to this world, which is the greatest gift that could ever be given. Let us celebrate this truth and tell the world about God's amazing love.” • Thank God for the contribution of theologian Tim Chaffey. 12/19/2019 30

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • The Answers In Genesis website published an article written byDr. Andrew Fabich on December 10, 2015. I now quote his article below: • “The strength of Darwin’s argument was common ancestry. Darwin agreed that if we evolved from monkeys, then we shouldn’t see monkeys today. Thus, rather than suggest we came from monkeys, he insisted that we shared a common ancestor with them. According to Darwin, we share certain features with other organisms because of common ancestry rather than common design. Even though the science of genetics revolutionized Darwinian evolution, some “old” ideas persisted within neo-Darwinism with a twist. Instead of looking for visible features that organisms share in common, secular scientists are looking for DNA sequences that organisms share in common. One of these evidences that evolutionists commonly cite is called Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs). 12/19/2019 33

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • “What Is an Endogenous Retrovirus (ERV)? • “Endogenous Retroviruses can easily turn into one of those terms evolutionists hide behind to try to “prove” they are right. While the word can be a mouthful and the letters sound like alphabet soup, ERVs can be understood by separating the various parts into understandable chunks. • “The easiest part to understand about ERVs is that they are viruses. In this fallen world, we understand viruses to be obligate intracellular parasites. That’s a fancy way to say that viruses are extremely small parasites that feed off our cells. Viruses are efficient machines that carry only what they need to infect the next cell. Among the variation of viruses that exist is a subset of viruses known as retroviruses. 12/19/2019 34

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • “Perhaps the most famous retrovirus is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The claim to fame for all retroviruses is that they modified what is known as the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology says that DNA is converted to RNA, which is converted to protein. Retroviruses modified the Central Dogma by demonstrating a method of converting RNA into DNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase is the hallmark characteristic of all retroviruses. 12/19/2019 35

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 12/19/2019 36

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • “One of the unique features of retroviruses . . . is their ability to integrate into the host genome and remain there for long periods of time. • “Typically, we think of retroviruses existing outside of us and spreading from one person to another (exogenously). While this is how retroviruses often work, there is a significant proportion of retroviruses that remain inside of cells. Retroviruses that remain inside cells are referred to as endogenous retroviruses. One of the unique features of retroviruses (and one of the mechanisms that makes HIV such a deadly disease) is their ability to integrate into the host genome and remain there for long periods of time (possibly even permanently). 12/19/2019 37

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • “So an Endogenous Retrovirus (ERV) is a piece of DNA found inside an organism’s genome that looks like a retrovirus. ERVs have particular DNA sequences that molecular biologists can use to identify them. • “To limit the disruption these viruses can cause, mammals produce proteins that can keep most of them locked down. Eventually, most endogenous retroviruses mutate so much they are reduced to genetic baggage, unable to do anything at all. Yet they still bear all the hallmarks of viruses, and are thus recognizable to scientists who sequence genomes. 12/19/2019 38

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • “ERVs normally stay in one location in the genome, but they are also known to jump around the genome and insert into different places. For that reason, ERVs are often called “jumping genes.” ERVs are one potential way to generate diversity within a species from generation to generation, depending on where the insertion occurs. 12/19/2019 39

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • “How Do Evolutionists Claim the ERVs Support Common Ancestry? • “A powerful source of evidence that modern species diverged from ancestral species via descent with modification is that of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). • “One important aspect of ERVs that garners a lot of attention is that ERVs can be found in the exact same location in the genome across a variety of species. Evolutionists combine this fact with their preconceived ideas of common ancestry and come up with the idea that ERVs demonstrate evolution. For example, 12/19/2019 40

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • “ERVs are usually species-specific, inserted almost randomly in the host genome, and the error or mutation that inactivated the gene is random. If two organisms share the same ERV in the same location with the same inactivation mutations, then they almost certainly share them due to common inheritance and not two separate infections. Researchers analyze shared ERV insertions across species to construct phylogenetic trees. For example, the common ERVs in simians indicates they share a common genome. When phylogenetic trees are constructed based on the pattern of ERVs, they indicate humans share more ERVs with chimps than either share with gorillas. Other examples are known. This is strong evidence for common descent. 12/19/2019 41

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-1内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-1 • “Evolutionists argue that ERVs should be found in evolutionarily related species because of common ancestry. Therefore, they claim ERVs to be proof of evolution since we find certain ERVs in the exact same location across the genome of “evolutionarily related” species. As a result, ERVs have become an often cited evidence “proving” that evolution is true. • “However, we know that evidence doesn’t speak for itself. Part of the scientific method demands interpretation. Since every scientist has to interpret the evidence, their interpretation bias affects what they say about origins. So ERVs, in and of themselves, do not prove evolution any more than they prove creation. Since we know the Word of God is true, we know that ERVs cannot be proof of evolution. There are several arguments opposing the evolutionary fairy tale that ERVs prove common ancestry…….. 12/19/2019 42

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-2内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-2 • “Where Did ERVs Come From? • “Evolutionists will say that shared ERVs prove evolution to be true because of common ancestry and that common ancestry assumes that there will be shared ERVs. Making such a claim is silly because this kind of circular reasoning is unsupported by any outside information. In fact, there are several characteristics of ERVs that strongly support a biblical worldview. • “1. ERVs Are Not Junk • “The fact that any ERVs . . . exist among primates at all strongly argues against common ancestry by itself. 12/19/2019 45

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-2内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-2 • “Assuming the Darwinian hypothesis is correct, ERVs would have inserted into the genome and remained there for millions of years. This is why evolutionists say they see shared ERVs in many organisms today that shared a common ancestor millions of years ago. Josh Dubnau at Cold Spring Harbor Labs said, “We’ve had these things in our genomes for millions of years. Anything that can be used by evolution will be used by evolution.” Dubnau’s statement can easily be turned into the following assertion: evolution eliminates what will be eliminated by evolution. It is important to realize that evolution works based on a “use it or lose it” basis. The fact that any ERVs (which are “leftover, useless” pieces of DNA) exist among primates at all strongly argues against common ancestry by itself. 12/19/2019 46

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-2内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-2 • “But why should so-called junk DNA be conserved for millions (even billions) of years of evolution when it supposedly has no purpose? The argument of junk DNA simply perpetuates the problems with the vestigial organs argument, but at the molecular level. If the genome has no purpose for such elements by evolutionists’ reasoning, then it should have been eliminated millions of years ago. You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. 12/19/2019 47

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-2内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-2 12/19/2019 48

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-2内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-2 • “2. Saying “ERV” Does Not Prove Evolution • “Another problem with the idea that ERVs support common ancestry is the logical fallacy known as the “argument from ignorance.” Simply finding ERVs in a genome is not sufficient proof common ancestry occurred. ERVs do not come with a birth or death certificate. Therefore, there is no way to know beyond a shadow of a doubt (as many evolutionists claim) that this somehow proves evolution. Moreover, evolutionists are not willing to imbibe arguments suggesting alternative explanations for why we find ERVs where we do. Surely some evolutionists could retort saying that we are holding to a “God of the gaps” to rescue our position, but that simply is not the case. For one, evolutionists have their own version of a “God of the gaps.” It’s called “Evolution of the Gaps.” 12/19/2019 49

Do Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Support Common Ancestry?-2内源性逆转录病毒（ERVs）支持共同先祖？-2 • “Further, scientists are finding actual functions for a number of ERVs, which declassifies them as junk and demotes the argument that they are evolutionary proof for common ancestry to just wishful thinking. “Absence of proof is not proof of absence”—attributed to William Cowper. • “I would really like an evolutionist to tell me why the only reason an ERV exists in the genome is to prove common ancestry. Pigeonholing ERVs as solely proof of common ancestry leads to myriad problems in doing good science. When you assume the outcomes of your experiments before conducting them and fit the data to your own interpretation, you leave the realm of science and enter the realm of self-fulfilling prophecy. 12/19/2019 50

Evolution of Chocolate: A Scientific Study Explained

Evolution of Chocolate: A Scientific Study Explained

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