The European Space Agency's Mars Express will be launched in June 2003. When it arrives at the red planet six months later, it will begin to search for water and life. Seven instruments, provided by space research institutes throughout Europe, will make observations from the main spacecraft as it orbits the planet. The mystery of creation, which took nature hundreds of millions of years, may now be accomplished by Man within five years. A leading genetics researcher, Craig Venter has worked out the process to create a synthetic bacterium.
Scientists say it is only a short step to the creation of much more complex life forms.
As scientific understanding has changed, the ways in which this quest has been framed have taken new directions. In each generation the approach to the subject has been influenced by contemporary theories of biology, chemistry and physics, the latest tools and techniques, and the religious and political culture of the times. T he question of the origin of life question has a long and controversial history. Many readers will come with a point of view - perhaps looking for material to bolster their convictions. Others will come with questions as they seek to come to an understanding that fits their theological position.