Abiogenesis
Abiogenesis refers either to the "now discredited theory that living organisms can arise spontaneously from inanimate matter"[1], also known as spontaneous generation or the theory that, about 3.5 billion years ago, at least one self-reproducing organism did arise from nonliving matter.
Most evolutionists believe that an event of abiogenesis was the origin of life on Earth. No process by which organisms, even incredibly simple ones, can be created from non-living matter is currently known or has been observed.
Historical Meaning
Abiogenesis may refer to spontaneous generation, an archaic theory that stated that life could appear spontaneously under particular conditions. For example, pieces of cheese and bread wrapped in rags and left in dark areas were thought to produce mice, because mice appeared in the food after several weeks. This theory was finally put to rest by experiments by Louis Pasteur.
Evolutionary Meaning
Though the theory of evolution does not specify an origin to life on Earth, some evolutionists and nearly all atheists believe that abiogenesis has occurred at least once approximately 3.5 billion years ago. They theorize that several molecules connected in a way that allowed them to be self-reproducing, and that these "living" beings later evolved into present organisms. As of yet, no self-reproducing molecules have been observed in early-Earth-like conditions.
Biblical Example
See also: Origin of Life The most famous example of abiogenesis begins in Genesis 1:20, when God created life:
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. Genesis 1:20 (KJV)
See Also
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