From You: Readers Respond

Answers Anniversary

The twentieth anniversary of Answers magazine is quickly approaching. We want to hear how Answers has touched your life through the years. What have you learned? How has it helped strengthen your apologetics? Which have been your favorite articles?

Share your thoughts at GetAnswers.org/20years.
—Answers Team

Memories and the Maker

Your article “Memories May Be Genetic Mementos” (January–March 2025) raised this question: Could it be that original sin is carried on the male chromosome? Hence while Jesus was tempted to sin, he didn’t carry original sin. Scripture says that Jesus came to experience everything that we do in order to be the qualified advocate for us with the Father. Yet he seemingly would have had no way to nullify something he would have been born with. Scripture seems silent on this. Am I off base?
—Scott H., CT

Dr. Georgia Purdom’s Response

Original sin is not a physical entity that can be located on a chromosome. It is a spiritual condition which began when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Everyone is born with a sin nature (Romans 3:23). Original sin has manifestations in our physical bodies in that all creation now groans (Romans 8:22) and animals and humans suffer and die (Genesis 3:14–19).

If original sin was on the Y chromosome, then how would females who have 2 X chromosomes and no Y chromosome be sinners? Speaking as a female, I know I am a sinner! According to 1 John 3:5, Jesus did not have a sin nature. However, he was tempted in every way we are, yet did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). It was his miraculous conception through the Holy Spirit that allowed Jesus to be born as the sinless seed of the woman who would come to crush the head of Satan and fulfill the promise given in Genesis 3:15.

Elemental Electronics

After a 30-year career as a materials scientist in semiconductor chip manufacturing, now consulting in same, it was great to see “The World in Our Pockets” (January–March 2025) recognizing God’s provision through His creative work of the chemical elements that enable modern electronic devices.
—R. L., FL

Horsing Around

I very much appreciated the summary statement in “Horse Sense” (October–December 2024) by Sarah Eshleman: “A horse is a horse.” To which I can only reply, “Of course, of course!”
—J. T.

Out of Line

I finally sat down to read “Out of Line” by Karina Altman in the October–December 2024 issue. As a conservation biologist, this article hit home. The issue of hybrids has divided even secular biologists among themselves for decades. The view Ms. Altman presents is interesting from a biblical perspective and biological perspective. This article alone is worth my entire year’s subscription.
—Gary B., WI

I really appreciated the most recent issue of Answers (October–December 2024). I love coffee, so reading about it was interesting and enjoyable. I also loved the article “Out of Line,” about hybrid animals. I couldn’t help but think of the human implications of the article as well. It wasn’t long ago that the United States had anti-miscegenation laws. I always rejoice at seeing people who look different choose to marry, because they deliberately are going against man-made divisions that are only superficial. Thank you for a wonderful issue!
—Becky F., ND