Thank you for your concise summary of quantum theory in your note of Feb. 3.
I appreciate your taking time and effort to respond. Now I have a couple of
additional questions about the concrete application of the theory, if I may.
First, in an oft quoted statement, Simpson wrote, "Man is the result of a
purposeless and materialistic process that did not have him in mind. He was
not planned.xHe happens to represent the highest form of organization of
matter and energy that has ever appeared" (The Meaning of Evolution, 1949, p.
344). Does quantum theory support Simpson's statement? Are there any
arguments from the strictly scientific perspective (i.e.,
non-theological/non-philosophical perspectives) that human beings are the
result of purposeful and non-materialistic processes?
Second, Dennis Prager and Joseph Telushkin stated, "There are two possible
explanations for creation: that everything comes from chance and coincidence,
or from design and purpose. The choice is between nonsense and sense. If
there is no God, one cannot speak of sense in life, or of good and evil, or
of ultimate purpose" (The Nine Questions People Ask about Judaism, 1975, p.
28.). How does quantum theory affect this statement? Has quantum theory
made it untrue, irrelevant? Can one substitute "quantum events" for "chance
and coincidence," thusly, "There are two possible explanations for creation:
everything comes from *quantum events*, or from design and purpose"? IOW, is
the concept of "chance" passe? and is the term "quantum events" an adequate
and correct substitute?
But behind all these quantum events are not we, as theists, basically and
theologically, Einsteinians? You stated, "A particular event selected from
among these patterns may arise by 'chance'." Selected by whom, if not God?
If God selects, is he playing dice? The only dicey thing I can see is there
may not be a sufficiently large pool of quantum events from which God can do
some choosing for the results He wishes to accomplish.
Thanks for your response which I value highly.
Bob