@Klax has brought this discussion back to the original theme, which is evolution guided or not. My position is that the random vs predetermined is a false dichotomy.
This whole issue becomes even thornier when we look at the opposite side of human evolution, the issue of genetic diseases. If God is guiding each and every mutation then we can only conclude that God is purposefully giving children horrific genetic diseases that cause them serious pain and can even lead to their death. @T_aquaticus
My position that God used evolution to create humanity, which means used random variation. This does not mean that God guides each and every mutation, since God uses natural selection to “edit,” or select in or out every mutation. Evolution is not random as Darwin clear, but every one else seems to ignore. It is mixed, both random and guided, but it is ultimately guided because natural selection has the final say…
Let me cite an important example of sickle cell anemia. Most people know that SCA originated in the part of east Africa which is afflicted by the deadly disease malaria. One sickle cell gene is a Godsend because it provides immunity to malaria, but a pair of these genes produces the at times painful, but not fatal anemia.
Where malaria is a threat, sickie cells are a blessing. Where it is not it is a curse. So which is it, good or evil?
@T_aquaticus ,raises the question as to why God would allow millions of babies to be born with serious genetic defects which causes serious pain and even death? I will raise the even more serious question as to why God would allow each and every one of us to be born in to this evil world knowing that each one of us will surely die?
The fact is that God is good, not because this world is not without sickness, sin, and death, but because God gives us the ability and tools to overcome sickness, death, and sin. Sickness is not ultimate. Death is not ultimate. Sin is not ultimate. Jesus Christ is ultimate. …