I was going to dig up miscellaneous posts, but it has become harder to do so, unless they are within the last several months. Thus, I will summarize some of my approaches to the God question:
1. The Big Bang Theory: there is ample evidence that the universe had a discrete origin. Creation ex nihilo makes more sense than the sudden eruption of time/space from a "virtual vacuum";
2. Evolution: the mechanism of natural selection is supposed to be statistical variation and the competition for resources, creating various niches in which distinct species may flourish. However, it is not clear why the earth is not populated by variations on unicellular organisms, which continue to flourish, and are adapted to a wide number of environments; and, since evolution is incremental, it is strange that there should be not only the differentiation of cell functions, but the existence of complex structures that do not work unless they are put together, such as the eye. As far as I can see, evolution cannot plausibly explain those things, and God must have had a hand in shaping the world that we know;
3. There have been a number of things that I have observed in my life that would reasonably be interpreted as providential unless one excluded the concept. I have taken some pains, in the past, to show the analogy with inferring that someone is following one, where the observed phenomena could be explained by chance, but it is more reasonable to suppose intent;
4. Kant thought that morality precedes belief in God, but creates a moral interest in belief, so that, as long as it is not irrational, it is good to believe, on the grounds that only God can vindicate morality in the long run. I think that our comprehension of morality comes first, and that it enjoins belief in a universe that reflects, in some manner, our moral concerns, which means a belief in God......
I have discussed aspects of this in different ways, but I think this summarizes the main thrust of my varied discussions of these matters on the various threads..... |
