Something has struck me after reviewing the
posts on mammal eyes. I don't think that
Christians must necessarily prove or assume that
a structure requires...
a: evolution toward perfection, or
b: perfection in original design.
Of course, the former is one anticipated outcome
of evolution. At the least, equilibrium or
optimization within existing parameters would be
expected.
Many argue that existing structure that is
suboptimal hints against an intelligent design
or process. This necessitates an assumption that
an intelligent God would not design a flawed
product.
My suggestion is.... why not? We learn in
scripture that the apostle Paul had a "thorn" in
his flesh, a physical shortcoming that kept him
from exalting himself. Perhaps God allows
imperfection, weakness and infirmity, even
disease, to keep us humble and rest our
all-sufficiency in God's grace.
Were we perfectly designed, we would be "as
God". God's creation was pronounced good, not
perfect and certainly not holy. It was good in
God's eyes, not our own. We should expect to
remain "a little lower then the angels"
physically until that time when the "corruptible
will be made incorruptible". Even then I imagine
that we will still appreciate God's grace and
sovereignty with regard to our own design, even
if it appears imperfect to us.
Paul Durham
Oakland, Maryland
pdd@garrett.ncin.com