The RNA World (from 1974)
Virtually all biologists now agree that bacterial cells cannot form from nonliving chemicals in one step. If life arises from nonliving chemicals, there must be intermediate forms, “precellular life.” Of the various theories of precellular life, the most popular contender today is “the RNA world.”
RNA has the ability to act as both genes and enzymes. This property could offer a way around the “chicken-and-egg” problem. (Genes require enzymes; enzymes require genes.) Furthermore, RNA can be transcribed into DNA, in reverse of the normal process of transcription. These facts are reasons to consider that the RNA world could be the original pathway to cells. James Watson enthusiastically praises Sir Francis Crick for having suggested this possibility.
RNA is still a complex compound, which has never been observed to form by inorganic means, AFAIK. Besides, even if RNA formed spontaneously, how would it suddenly become an enzyme? Enzymes are parts of the functional system of living cells. I.e. they are manufactured because they have a purpose. A “primordial soup” has no purpose.