No, his argument is even simpler than that.
OMG, really?
Wait. Wait. Are you meaning to tell me that if you put a slurry of amino acids, lipids, and proteins into a jar, it won't spontaneously create cellular life?! Are you sure? Did they shake it hard enough?Chemists, biochemists and molecular scientists in the most advanced laboratory setups cannot even synthesize a living cell, even if you supply all the necessary ingredients. They cannot even synthesize RNA, an absolute necessary for a cell to function. They are not even close.
Abiogenesis: Origin of life from living matter. And a living entity must:1) Be responsive to its environment.
2) Grow and change.
3) Be able to reproduce.
4) Have a metabolism and breathe.
5) Maintain homeostasis (steady internal physical and chemical condition)..
6) Be made up of cells.
7) Be passing traits to offspring.
Like your elder friend, if they accomplish the above, I will become a believer.
Pfft. Lol. And I'll believe when God creates a married bachelor.