Recently, MSNBC and other news agencies reported that several species of reptiles and amphibians have been able to reproduce asexually in a process known as parthenogenesis. Normally, animals like these reproduce sexually - meaning the coupling of a male and a female - to produce offspring of genetically diverse origin (Virgin Komodo dragon gives birth - Science - MSNBC.com). Yet the very prospect of asexual reproduction among animals which otherwise reproduce sexually leads to some interesting theorizing, particularly when considering the validity and feasibility of a subject like the virgin birth of Christianity's Jesus.

In some scholarly circles where the reliability of the story of the virgin birth comes into discussion, both critics and advocates weigh the elements of the story in deciding whether that could even happen. Obviously, evidence supporting asexual reproduction among mammals has yet to be uncovered, but as anyone familiar with the method of scientific investigation will tell you, lack of evidence does not necessarily mean that something does not or cannot exist. Just because we knew nothing about the fundamental particles of matter until relatively recently did not mean that - prior to their discovery - subatomic particles did not exist. In the same manner, just because we have found no mechanism whereby mammals, or even humans, have reproduced asexually does not mean that asexual reproduction in mammals cannot exist. Time and research will tell . . .

Yet simply the evidence of such a process as parthenogenesis and its likelihood in producing viable offspring for reptiles and amphibians may point to a scientific basis for a mechanism through which to explore the possibility of a virgin birth. Interestingly enough, in their findings above, the process of parthenogenesis does not - and this is significant - result in simple clones of the original "mother" creature but distinct genetic individuals instead, even of varying sexes. Humans have so much yet to discover in biology, that precluding the possibility of parthenogenesis in mammals without intense study seems irresponsible and smacks of hubris, typical of those who seemingly believe that they as an individual or group have sole access to Knowledge and Truth. Only through the scientific method of forming a hypothesis, testing, revising, retesting and theorizing can the possibility of parthenogenesis among other animals - and eventually people - be determined. Until a definitive answer is provided to this query, I say that the debate of an actual, factual virgin birth be met with healthy, skepticism rather than just plain, closed-minded incredulity.