Since we can't explain quantum indeterminacy, nor breach the resulting wall that hides an ultimate understanding of nature, we don't really know what's causing the mutations that drives evolution. If we don't know what's causing it we can't say it is being caused by PURELY material phenomenon. Hence, God, or a spirtual dimension to existence has NOT been ruled out of the evolution process. Nor has it been proven that God is directing evolution but it is clear that the
quantum reality of physics with all its "Buddhist/mystical" overtones
is a driving force of evolution. Therefore, evolution does not
support the position of the materialists.
But isn't this exactly what Miller was arguing against?
Putting it bluntly, the creationists have sought God in darkness. What we have not found and do not yet understand becomes their best - indeed their only - evidence for the divine. As a Christian, I find the flow of this logic particularly depressing. Not only does it teach us to fear the acquisition of knowledge (which might at any time disprove belief), but it suggests that God dwells only in the shadows of our understanding. I suggest that, if God is real, we should be able to find him somewhere else - in the bright light of human knowledge, spiritual and scientific.
It seems that again a limit is being placed on what we "can" know. We've only been around as a species for roughly 50k yrs. We are still young.
I just completed a research papaer on religion and evolution and i think there are good links to religion's adaptive benefits in regards to natural selection. I would be glad to discuss that anywhere and I did start a thread on the subject "Religion and Cognitive Adaptations of the Brain".
edited to fix quote boxes.
[This message has been edited by DBlevins, 06-25-2003]