You accept the theory of evolution and you’re a theist. In my book, that makes you a theistic evolutionist. (I prefer the term “evolutionary creationist” myself.) Simply put, a TE is one who accepts both the scientific theory of cosmological and/or biological evolution as well as the belief that God is the origin of the cosmos and continuously upholds all things by His power. So, I’m somewhat confused by your reluctance to adopt that label.

I need to spend more time with theistic evolution – it seems to span the gap between atheistic evolution and Young Earth creationism. Just a matter of having time…

Have you ever read Dr. Hugh Ross,an astronomer and astrophysicist? He champions the same. I’ve listened to him on the matter before. He makes a compelling argument for the same, but of course it’s more scientific than biblical.

The Bible as you know wasn’t written as a science book.

I don’t agree with those supporters of evolution who say that evolution proves there is no God because everything can be seen naturally. They might have the “what” and “how” (arguable), but they miss the “why”. And ultimately, the “why” is what prompts us to give God his glory. Even for the platypus…

Well, BB Warfield, that great Princeton theologian, was a theistic evolutionist. I guess there’s room in the marketplace of ideas for such discussion without denying the existence of God.

Why would it? Whether God created a platypus by [1] placing a fully formed creature on Earth or [2] guiding or allowing evolution to result in that creature doesn’t take away the fact that God created. The beauty of chaos theory is that what seems completely random on the surface, e.g. evolution, is based on definable laws that don’t change. We delight in the variety (chaos) that God’s creation appears in as well as the structure (laws) that underpin it.

I don’t agree with those supporters of evolution who say that evolution proves there is no God because everything can be seen naturally. They might have the “what” and “how” (arguable), but they miss the “why”. And ultimately, the “why” is what prompts us to give God his glory. Even for the platypus…

Now I can concede this explanation. I totally agree.

I accept Old Earth theories, including evolution. I’m not sure about theistic evolution, since I don’t know enough to form an opinion on God’s continued involvement in the day-to-day (millenia-to-millenia?) operations of the universe. I cannot deny the possibility of Young Earth, but it’s not my first choice in resolving our scientific and theological records.

Don’t you think giving into either theistic evolution or evolution robbing God of his glory in creation?

Within the chaos theory model idea, I’m suggesting that underlying natural laws created by the “Let there be…” statements are perfect and immutable, but that the physical progress of creation is chaotic.

I accept Old Earth theories, including evolution. I’m not sure about theistic evolution, since I don’t know enough to form an opinion on God’s continued involvement in the day-to-day (millenia-to-millenia?) operations of the universe. I cannot deny the possibility of Young Earth, but it’s not my first choice in resolving our scientific and theological records.

Are you saying that there wasn’t perfect symmetry to begin with? Do you subscribe to theistic evolution? That’s the only how I can see that?

Note that “in chaos” doesn’t necessarily mean cursed. I’m still thinking about that implication. The question in my head is whether sin is like a virus that permanently changed the makeup of creation or like a costume that hides our original image.

All of creation was subject to futility because of sin (Rom 8:20, 21). Because of sin creation is “wearing out like a garment” (Heb 1:11, 12).

Yep. A physical “reset” akin to what we get spiritually when we are saved. And of course, we get a physical “reset” too…

Per Paul and Peter I see the same way.

Yes. And I think that our modern culture has gone a bit too far in personifying God and/or Jesus as “our best friend” or “lover” rather than our sovereign Lord and ruler. Jesus is not my buddy – he’s my king.

Yes, it’s all an outworking of the seeker-sensitive, postmodern world of the church that we’re witnessing.

Yes – at least the working out of creation. The act of creation was decidedly non-chaotic; the laws or principles that creation is based on are fixed and immutable.

Note that “in chaos” doesn’t necessarily mean cursed. I’m still thinking about that implication. The question in my head is whether sin is like a virus that permanently changed the makeup of creation or like a costume that hides our original image.

Isn’t the creation headed for a renewal?

Yep. A physical “reset” akin to what we get spiritually when we are saved. And of course, we get a physical “reset” too…

That “fear and trembling” before a Holy God I see as utter awe because of who he is.

Yes. And I think that our modern culture has gone a bit too far in personifying God and/or Jesus as “our best friend” or “lover” rather than our sovereign Lord and ruler. Jesus is not my buddy – he’s my king.

But I do find the imagery as applied to our diversity in God’s creation quite compelling.

That “fear and trembling” before a Holy God I see as utter awe because of who he is.