For those unfamiliar, Fabich has posted a few articles on AiG where he argues that:
ERVs were created to “provide for the good things in our genome, but the curse may have caused some ERVs to exit the genome and become active outside of cells.”
And:
”As such, some virus genomes (e.g., Ebola) are found within the genome of organisms and in a dormant state. Ultimately, it would be great to have an explanation for the original location within a host genome for every virus like retroviruses or Ebola, but the truth is that we cannot know the original genomic location for every viral genome.”
And:
“Why does the retrovirus have to become part of the host to begin helping as opposed to already having been there and helping from the beginning?”
Essentially, Fabich’s argument is that all or most viruses were part of the genomes of various organisms, before they were corrupted in the fall and “exited” the genome becoming free agents.
Obviously there are a couple problems with this argument:
It doesn’t explain novel viruses. How did Ebola leave its dormant state in the guinea pig genome 6000 years after the fall? A mechanism needs to be described.
It’s also inconsistent with observational science: we observe ERVs inserting their genes into host genomes today. Experimentally, if fixed, dormant ERVs are extracted from host genomes, they can still be infectious.
It is not a falsifiable theory. It relies on supernatural special pleading, and there is no empirical way to test this or make predictions with it.
It seems to clash with christian doctrine. If all animals reproduce after their own kind, how are viruses the reproductive, genetic descendants of other kinds of organisms?
If not all viruses are the result of rogue ERVs after the fall, which viruses are and aren’t? Is there any way to predictably tell? Why did God use an undistinguishable genetic pattern twice in creation, was it just to trick us into believing there is evidence for common ancestry?
I’m writing and recording a video on this theory, and I wanted to know if any with a better understanding of genetics/biomechanics could add any more arguments or explain any concepts that I’m missing. Thanks!