"You, along with your theistic naturalistic colleagues have
never really understood that if Christianity is true, that there really
is a God
who intervenes in history, then "progressive creation" is the default
position."
I happen to think the PC explanation is the better of
the two, Stephen. But I'm at a loss to the claim that it is a
"default position." God created us; of this I am sure. But
I have no knowledge that allows me to claim one way
in particular must be the "default position." I happen to
think the TE position is very weak, but hardly indefensible and
I have nothing but respect for those holding it.
The phrase you use, "along with your theistic naturalistic colleagues"
leaves
me baffled. If you meant exactly those words, maybe you can
explain what you meant by them.
The two questions you and Glenn have thrown to one another are, of
course,
of high interest. Do either of you have answers? I think I do.
1. As a scientist, the PC explanation is, at best, of only passing
interest. If SETI is successful, and if other evidences of intelligences
equal to (or more likely greater than) humanity ever show up, then the PC
explanation MIGHT (again, as a scientist) become more interesting.
2. As a scientist, I continue to adhere to the MN foundational
assumption; I do so on pragmatic grounds; nothing more.
3. The PC explanation is more satisfying (appears more likely to me) on
philosophical grounds, and is a philosophical explanation, not a
scientific one.
4. What scientific differences would I expect to see between the two? I
really don't know of any. Even the sudden discovery of a "hopeful
monster" would not suffice. There is a species of insect, for example, in
which siblings may differ in body shape from one another as much as, say,
between a praying mantis and a beetle! The form offspring take (between
those two) is determined by their feeding habits.
The natural world is quite diverse, it seems.
5. It is possible, of course, that if PC is true, there will be "gaps."
Of course, given what we know of science, there will always be "gaps" in
any event. So "gaps" don't cut it.
Just some ramblings...
Burgy
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