Optical activity is a fundamental physical property of all living organisms. Therefore, any theory used to account for the origin of life on earth must also account for this amazing phenomenon. The mechanistic theory, involving chance and natural selection, is inadequate to explain the origin and maintenance of optical activity which is presently observed in the biosphere. However, a teleological theory based upon a recent, highly ordered divine creation, followed by degeneration, will account for this phenomenon. Moreover, such a theory is in agreement with the Genesis account of creation, the laws of thermodynamics, modern chemical theoy, and chemical, biological, and geological data.