“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? (Job 38:4–7, NIV 1984).
My Musings – I think most are somewhat familiar with the core disagreement between creationists and many (not all) scientists. Intelligent design by an intelligent designer over perhaps a very short period of time (seven literal days) versus random chance combined with natural selection over a very long period of time (billions and billions of years). Both sides are fairly well entrenched in their viewpoint and convincing either to move away from theirs is very difficult if not unlikely. The crux of both viewpoints is basically, how did we get to where we are today, when no one was around to observe how it came to pass?
I’d like to step back from the argument of how we got to where we are now and focus on how it all began. If I understand the prevailing scientific viewpoint (and I am sure that I am being way too simplistic), all the “building blocks” came into existence at a single point in time (big bang). That instant began the “evolution” of all those building blocks that eventually got us to where we are today. So my question is, if everything we have today came from those building blocks, where did those building blocks come from? Nothing, nothing, nothing, bang! Everything that is needed, some assembly required.
Imagine if you will a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle. Each piece unique in not only its shape, but also with a unique design on each piece. Put them in a large box (let’s call it the universe) and begin shaking “randomly.” Over time (probably quite a long period of time the pieces will “naturally select” the right ones to connect together to form the completed puzzle. No direction from an outside intelligence (not even one to shake the box) and no intentionality, just randomness depending upon the pieces to naturally select the right sequence and combination. What could be more “natural.” If that doesn’t boggle the mind, think about sequencing of the human genome. I think we’re gonna need a bigger box and a lot more time!
But the real point is, just the right pieces, billions and billions of them (right shape, right configuration, right compositions, right combinations, at the right time and in the right sequences), that were necessary for all that there is now (not just one jigsaw puzzle, not just one string of DNA) sprang into existence out of nothing. How convenient.
Unless, of course, there is a transcendent intelligent designer that is separate from the “creation,” who orchestrates it all from beginning to end. Yes, there was a beginning and yes there will be an end.
A scientist approached God and said, “Listen, we’ve decided we no longer need you. Nowadays, we can clone people, transplant hearts and do all kinds of things that were once considered miraculous.” God patiently heard him out, and then said, “All right. To see whether you still need me, why don’t we have a man-making contest?”
“Okay, great!” the scientist said. “Now, we’re going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam,” God said. “That’s fine,” replied the scientist, and bent down to scoop up a handful of dirt.
“Whoa!” God said, shaking His head in disapproval. “Not so fast, pal. You go get your own dirt [building blocks]!”
My Advice – You must decide for yourself. Intelligent design or natural selection. How it all began, is very important. Because it will all end for each of us some day. Then what? If intelligent design is correct, don’t you think you would want to know the designer? Make a well-informed, “intelligent,” decision.
The Brew Is A Musing 
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