Is there any meaning to laminin being in the shape of a cross? What is laminin?

Laminin, a protein that helps hold biological structures together, has a shape vaguely resembling a cross. While some interpret this as a divine sign, such conclusions are speculative and detract from the clear evidence of God’s existence revealed through creation and the gospel.

what does the bible say?

The laminin family of proteins serves many biological functions, including acting as a binding agent between each other and other proteins. Some scientists describe it as a kind of glue that holds biological material together. Laminin molecules are shaped with several short arms and one long arm. Flattened out, they resemble a lowercase t , which some people have compared to a cross. The Bible teaches that Christ is central to creation and sustains all things by His power. Colossians 1:16–17 declares that “by him all things were created,” and “in him all things hold together.” However, assigning theological significance to the shape of laminin stretches this truth beyond Scripture. Jesus criticized sign-seeking when it replaced genuine faith (Matthew 12:39; 16:4), emphasizing that God’s revelation is evident in creation and His Word (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20). Christians are cautioned against distractions that shift focus from the gospel to speculative interpretations (1 Timothy 1:4) and instead are called to focus on what God has made clear.

from the old testament

Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Creation itself reveals God’s glory without needing speculative connections.
Isaiah 40:26: “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these?” This verse encourages seeing God’s power in creation, not in arbitrary symbols.

from the new testament

Colossians 1:16–17: “…and in him all things hold together.” This passage points to Christ’s sustaining power but does not suggest physical structures like laminin are signs of His presence.
Matthew 16:4: “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign.” Jesus discouraged seeking signs that distract from faith in Him.
First Timothy 1:4: “Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.” Christians are encouraged to focus on clear biblical truth, rather than conjecture.

implications for today

In some Christian circles, the vague resemblance of laminin to a cross has been a point of interest; some claim it is a sign from God. Many attach such ruminations to Colossians 1:15–17, in which Paul writes about Jesus: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” They equate Jesus’s “holding together” all things with the laminin holding proteins together. Laminin’s cross-like shape is an interesting detail of biology, but it does not serve as evidence of God’s existence or message. While it is tempting to seek signs in the natural world, Christians are called to root their faith in God’s Word and the gospel, not in speculative interpretations of biological phenomena. Creation clearly testifies to God’s power and wisdom, and Christians should focus on sharing the good news of Christ, rather than diverting attention to conjectural connections.

Recap

understand

Laminin is a protein that holds biological structures together, shaped like a lowercase “t.”
The Bible emphasizes Christ as sustainer but doesn’t link this to laminin’s shape.
Christians should focus on clear biblical truths, not speculative signs.

reflect

How does understanding that Christ sustains all creation deepen your faith?
What concerns are there with seeking signs from God instead of trusting His Word and promises, and on which do you base your faith?
How can you focus more on clear biblical truths, rather than speculative interpretations?

engage

What does God’s Word teach us about His sustaining power in creation?
Why might people be tempted to find spiritual meaning in scientific discoveries, like laminin?
How can we encourage one another to keep our faith rooted in Scripture instead of speculative signs?