A thought-provoking article appeared on LiveScience.com in March 2021. It was entitled, “Could humans ever be venomous?” The point of the article is that human beings – as well as all animals – already possess all the necessary apparatus in their genome to produce venom in their saliva. All that’s necessary is a slight adjustment to its already-existing genetic information, and voila, humans could generate venom.
For instance, humans already produce a key protein used across the Animal Kingdom for venom, called kallikrein. This protein digests other proteins and is secreted in human saliva. According to the article, a minor mutation could turn kallikrein into a painful and deadly venom. For this reason, and many others, the author states that humans, as well as all mammals and reptiles, already possess “the genetic scaffolding upon which an oral venom system is built.”
The article points out that the ability to produce venom – as well as the delivery system (e.g. syringes, fangs, spurs) – is a game changer for otherwise small and vulnerable animals. Platypuses, frogs, and some shrews produce venom that keeps them from becoming prey to larger animals.
But, as the author explains, humans have no need to produce their own venom. The tools and weapons they devise are far more effective at maiming and killing than any venom.
Indirectly, this study raises a couple of theological points. For one, it helps explain how God could easily manipulate the genetic code of animals and plants after Adam and Eve sinned. God cursed the earth for humanity’s sake as a judgment against their disobedience to His command (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:19-23). From then onward, plants and animals would become hurtful. Plants would produce thorns and toxins capable of stinging, paralyzing, and killing. Animals would produce fangs and claws capable of capturing and killing prey. Other, smaller and more vulnerable animals like shrews, frogs, and platypuses would produce venoms to stand their ground against larger enemies.
We already know that predatory carnivores are capable of living on a plant-only diet. Grizzly bears in Alaska fatten up for the winter on nothing but blueberries. Panda bears live on nothing but bamboo. Lions in captivity have learned to eschew meats and prefer vegetables and grains instead. And “learning” may be the key. For sometimes predatory carnivores will starve rather than eat plants and fruits simply because they haven’t learned to do so. They’ve only been taught by their parents to catch and consume other animals.
Isn’t it, therefore, possible, that minor adjustments to an animal’s genetic code could transform it from a peaceful herbivore to a violent carnivore? Couldn’t this have transpired through God’s curse upon creation?
The article brings out another profound point, by answering the question “Could humans ever be venomous?” The article makes the point that humans don’t need to produce venom. They can build tools which are far more effective at maiming and killing. Their mouths can craft words that wound more deeply than any double-edged sword. Yes, all it took for humanity to become a brood of murderers was the corruption of its sinful heart. After the disease of sin infected us, there was no limit to our destructive power.
Yes, it didn’t really require much for us and all of creation to become savage and murderous. Our sin and God’s curse weaponized the whole of nature. But it takes a major miracle to transform our nature from loving evil to loving righteousness. It requires the grace of God and the transforming power of Christ’s resurrection to change us from children of wrath to children of God (Ephesians 2:1-10). Only the Spirit of God can raise us from death in trespasses and sin to newness of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1-11).
Jesus does it every day. Everyone who embraces Him in faith is forgiven of all sin, cleansed in His atoning blood, and transformed by His Holy Spirit (1 John 1:7-10; 2:27). And that same Spirit takes up permanent residence within the believer and renews them day by day, giving them both the desire and strength to do what pleases God (John 14:16-17; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17; Philippians 2:12-13).
If you haven’t yet experienced Christ’s transforming power, then ask Him to save you now. Open the door of your heart to Jesus and trust in His power to cleanse you, change you, and save you eternally.
PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I believe that You carried my sins and guilt upon the cross. I believe You suffered God’s judgments and wrath for me. I believe You died for me and rose from the grave victorious. Please, Lord Jesus, come into my heart and take possession of my life. Cleanse me, save me, and transform me into Your glorious image. Amen.
(Information from: https://www.livescience.com/could-humans-be-venomous.html; https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/carnivore; https://www.answersingenesis.org/animal-behavior/what-animals-eat/creations-original-diet-and the changes-at-the-fall/)
