Where Do Ear Mites Really Come From?
Sophie was not happy and she was not very cooperative. I was not able to examine her ears or anything else except what I could see from a prudent distance. I don't think Sophie had ear mites because on previous visits I have closely examined her ears, and I know she lives a pretty sheltered life. Cats most commonly contract ear mites as kittens if their mother has them. Ear mites are not as contagious as fleas.
An inquisitive lady called the other day and asked where ear mites come from. My receptionist started to explain about kittens getting them while they're nursing and the lady said, "No, no, I mean where did they come from originally? Why are there ear mites?"
That's a question that could be asked of fleas, E. coli bacteria, ringworm fungus, cheat grass, and several other disagreeable plants and animals. It's a question that may have quite different answers depending on whether you asked, for example, a scientist or a minister. I asked two ministers first.
Father Bill Caradine, very good-natured and relaxed, is a retired Episcopal Priest. He said he accepts evolution and does not consider it to be incompatible with a belief in a God that created the universe. When I asked why God would have created ear mites, he chuckled. He said he didn't know the details of God's plan but thought that things like ear mites somehow provide a balance, and make God's creation function the way he intended. I told him it just occurred to me - why should we assume that God prefers cats over ear mites, or vice versa. He chuckled again.
Paul Christianson is the minister of Grace Reformed Church at 11th an Diagonal in Clarkston. His wife is talkative but Paul has always seemed quiet and reserved. I was nervous about asking him such a question - why did God make ear mites?
I was pleasantly surprised. Paul's first degree was in the sciences and he has read and thought extensively about the relationship between science, evolution, the Bible and creation. I wish I had time to relate all we talked about.
One thing that bothered Paul about the theory of evolution was the inconsistencies of opinions on when, in the evolution of pre-human primates into modern humans, God endowed humans with souls. It seemed to him that any explanation couldn't help but undermine the Bible as the word of God. He believes that God created a perfect universe but then the fall of Adam and Eve changed everything. He does accept the concept of "lateral" evolution - meaning, in the case of ear mites, evolution from some free-living insect into one that lives and reproduces in cat's ears.
From more than nine years of courses in biology, parasitology, and related subjects, I'm aware of what science says on the subject. There are literally tons of fossils and other evidence that seem to show an immensely long evolution from microscopic plant and animal precursors to what we have today. There are thousands of species of parasites and a case can be made for each that some free-living bug took advantage of an opportunity like the warm, moist, protected ear canal of a cat and evolved into a parasite.
What you believe, as Paul said, is a matter of faith. Even in science, with all the evidence and controlled studies, there are many unanswered questions. I think each of us should read, listen, learn, and think, and make up our own mind. And then, despite our disagreements, be understanding and tolerant of the opinions of others.