Re: [asa] Miracles and God of the Gaps

Keith Miller wrote:
>
> This is one of the reasons that I do not like, or use the term
> "theistic evolution" for myself. If someone wants a label, I say that
> my position is that of "continuous creation." My emphasis is
> theological, and focusses on the creation theology that argues that
> God is always and intimately involved in Creation through the natural
> processes that God ordained and continuously upholds. Biological
> evolution (ie. common descent) is an extremely well-supported theory
> in modern science. But should it for some reason be rejected in the
> future in part or in whole (the latter of which I consider highly
> unlikely) it would not alter my theological position. It is not
> scientifically "falsifiable."
>
> Keith

Most of us have grown comfortable with this characterization of TE. (I
only use those initials out of deference to popular usage --and not
because I defend the adequacy of the label --I agree about its
shortcomings.) But such discomfort as exists seems to zero in on the
end of the phrase: "that God ordained and *continuously upholds*."
(emphasis added). John, is it fair to say that you (& Timaeous here
before you) are just wanting to investigate (or at least hear TEs
speculate) just how the "upholding" might happen and intersect in some
observable way with science? My guess is that theists in this camp will
repeatedly deny anyone this pleasure. The theism simply isn't rooted at
all in science.

--Merv
P.S. If there is a general wish that we be more insistent in replacing
TE with CC or EC so as to help change popular conception & habit, I can
be more deliberate in helping with that bandwagon. I just considered
the label issue to be well-hashed-out on this list already and didn't
wish to dwell on it again when I respond to a post in kind. (By the way
CC would have the advantage over EC or TE of not immediately throwing
the "e-word" in someone's face causing immediate termination of any
consideration or thought.)

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Received on Sat Jan 24 09:40:15 2009