Quote (MildSambal @ Mar 2 2023 06:43pm)
I believe that science and faith should be aligned. If man did not exist, the universe would be without result, for the object of existence is the appearance of the perfections of God. In this context "species" refers to the human species essence, to the blueprint for the physical existence of human beings. Humanity is a mirror of the eternal names and attributes of God which define the human species essence. Plato's argument of the perfect, harmonious universe supports the originality of species: "If, however, the creation in the past had not been adorned with utmost perfection, then existence would have been imperfect and meaningless, and in this case creation would have been incomplete."
The concepts of the existence of timeless species essences and of a perfect, harmonious universe were also fundamental for classical (pre-Darwinian) biology. Until the beginning of the 19th century the biosphere was believed in the occident to be created by God relatively recently (6000 years, and remained static until today) The species essences were thought to ensure that cows can birth only calves but cannot give birth to horses, cats or ants. Although my position defends the concept of timeless species essences, I do not support a static world view. On the contrary, we should consider this world to be subjected to substantial evolution: "Know that nothing which exists remains in a state of repose - that is to say, all things are in motion. Everything is either growing or declining; all things are either coming from nonexistence into being, or going from existence into nonexistence... This state of motion is said to be essential - that is, natural; it cannot be separated from beings because it is their essential requirement..."
Science and faith proposes that all things in this world are subject either to growth or to decay. During the 19th century careful analysis of fossil findings made it increasingly clear that the terrestrial biosphere was, firstly, very much older than had been assumed, and, secondly, was not static but that it changed dramatically through the ages. In short I believe based on scientific evidence and my faith (I'm a Bahá'í) that macro evolution could most certainly be the cause over time for mans growth. In a second argument regarding timeless species, essences are compatible with evolution using the example of the analogy between human phylogeny and embryonic ontogeny: "In the same way, the embryo of man in the womb of the mother was at first in a strange form; then this body passes from shape to shape, from state to state, from form to form, until it appears in utmost beauty and perfection. But even when in the womb of the mother and in this strange form, entirely different from his present form and figure, he is the embryo of the superior species, and not of the animal; his species and essence undergo no change."
Although, the embryo starts single-celled and during its growth evolves through many different stages and develops its form, size and organisation, throughout this process the embryo maintains its human identity. The information stored in the genes remains time-invariant and guides the evolution of the embryo. Without this constant blueprint the development from a simple single cell towards a highly complex organism would be impossible. During its development, the embryo unfolds the inherent properties stored in its timeless genetic information. Similarly, as time-invariant Newton's laws rule the motion of molecules and planets, so does the genetic information in the cells of the embryo guide ontogeny, species essences providing the necessary background for the evolution from the primeval soup towards complex organisms and ecosystems. These species essences represent the names and attributes of God, the "space" of possible forms of life, the "composition and arrangement" produced "through the wisdom of God and His preexistent might."
IN SHORT, the development of life is certainly dynamic. We either grow or decay, this viewpoint aligns with both my faith and science.
Our universe is complex from the very beginning, and reflects the eternal, inherently complex names and attributes of God. It is grounded in a complexity which totally surpasses human imagination: "O Children of the Divine and Invisible Essence! Ye shall be hindered from loving Me and souls shall be perturbed as they make mention of Me. For minds cannot grasp Me nor hearts contain Me."
o the places i could start. there is no 'scientific record from non existence to existence or how thats even possible. only existence to existence. what science does say is the genetic code is degrading across the board genetic load/genetic entropy. biblical narrative of special creation holds up
you ever wonder why atheist/antitheist thoughts are on panspermia aka the aliens did it.
consider what this guy (an atheist) says graig venter an actual scientist that works in a lab. not a richard dawkins that works with his imagination.
Dr. Craig Venter Denies Common Descent in front of Richard Dawkins!