autonomy v. automaticity (Evolution)

by David Turell , Friday, March 30, 2018, 14:53 (2219 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: It must be obvious to you that I am content with my conclusions, as far as I can take them as I stick my nose into God's business. I have no evidence He is totally benign in his methods. We have the problem of evil (theodicy) and you are aware I've covered my answer to it here and in my books. Your major division with me in thought is design. I have presented here a multitude of examples of the complexity of the biochemistry of life, one such yesterday. For me it is absolute evidence that a designing mind is required, and is the prime starting point for my series of conclusions.

dhw: Theodicy has never been an issue between us, and my major point of AGREEMENT with you is on design! I have never argued against it, and it is a prime reason for my not accepting atheism. Nor have I ever attempted in these discussions to challenge your faith in your God. On the contrary, my arguments always include the possibility that your God exists. They challenge your interpretation of your God’s intentions, in particular with regard to the history of evolution, and on this thread the subject is whether your God controlled every natural wonder and lifestyle on the way to the human brain, or sacrificed control and allowed organisms autonomy (with the option of an occasional dabble). I don’t know why you feel obliged to keep changing the subject.

You raised the issue of theodicy by pointing out bad viruses and bacteria, showing God did not create a totally benign reality.