Elder's Theory of Creation:
Defining a 'Kind'

Exploring Salvation

Defining a Kind in Breeds

Breeds

It is very difficult to take the taxonomic language used for the evolutionary concept of species and apply it to the Scriptural concept of kinds. In fact, such language should not be used. Instead, the language of a farmer or gardener works much better. When looking at the differences between types of animals like dogs or of plant crops like oranges the language used is of breeds and varieties rather than genus, species, and sub-species. Further, the development or refinement of certain traits within a type of plant or animal is a processs called breeding.

Breeding and Genetic Information

The breeding of animals and plants for certain qualities confines and reduces the genetic variability within that type. There is no new genetic information created when breeding. Actually, if anything, there is a loss of genetic information and less variation can occur within a specific breed.

Pure Breeds

Pure breeds carry with them great difficulties as genetic problems increase in frequency. It is not uncommon for a pure-bred English Setter to be deaf. In nature, if this were to happen, the number of these dogs would quicly decrease because of the inability to hear predators and prey.

Hybrids

The mixing of two breeds of similar kind can increase problems as well. In oranges certain traits, such as good appearance and low numbers of seeds, were hybridized frequently. The resulting oranges may sell well, but they are unable to reproduce and grafting is the method that must be used to make new fields of this type of orange. Again, no new genetic information was formed. Instead, so much has been lost that the plant is now infertile.

Todd Elder is a believer in the Messiah who wants to help people understand Scripture and know the message of Salvation. For more information from Elder's Theory of Creation series, please visit the
website http://www.exploringsalvation.info and look under 'Life'.

Additional Information