Teleological Reflections

[jdrbts]

I would be interested to read the evidence others see for the existence of God: evidence of design.

I begin with where we are: earth.

We have gravity, to keep us on the surface of the earth.

The earth and sun are in a delicate balance. The earth is neither too close to nor too far from the sun. If too close, it would be too hot, and life would be impossible. If too far, it would be too cold, and life, again, would be impossible.

The earth rotates on its axis, so that we have (weather permitting) a beautiful sunrise and sunset every day. Otherwise, as it moved in its orbit about the sun, we, over the course of one year, would have six months of day and six months of night, as I believe the case would be.

The earth is tilted 23 1/2 degrees on its axis, so that, together with its movement in its orbit around the sun, we have the four seasons, which give us lovely autumn foliage, and refreshing spring foliage, and delightful warm summer days.

And, consider the colors of nature: consider all possible combinations of colors for sky, foliage, and earth. Instead, for example, of a horrid bright orange or purple sky, together with black foliage, we have a soothing blue sky, and refreshing green foliage, and reassuring earth colors.

Furthermore, consider the moon.

The surface of the moon reflects only ten percent of the light of the sun that falls on it. Think of how bright it is when full on a clear night. Now, imagine that it reflects fifty or even one hundred percent of the light that falls on it. It would be unpleasantly bright, whereas, as it is, it gives lovely effects, both at night and during the daytime, and whether full or crescent.

Now consider the complexity of life. Anyone who doubts that the complexity of life is evidence for the existence of God, might do as I do, and give himself or herself weekly a one hour lesson (or two lessons of a half hour each) in anatomy and physiology: buy the hardcover unabridged edition of "Gray's Anatomy," (ISBN 0 7216 9128 5, available for about $40.00 at www.abebooks.com): perhaps start with the complexity of the human eye, noting how all the delicate muscles, nerves, arteries, veins, tissues, and lenses fit together, and work; and, when the eye is healthy, work wonderfully, giving a clear view - in depth and with color - of our beautiful earth. Then, perhaps proceed with organ systems, noting how they are in nature - from the cellular level to the larger level - and how they fit together, and work; and, when the body is healthy, work wonderfully, requiring little daily maintenance, and healing themselves when injured.

Then, consider the complexity of other animal life forms: from microorganisms, to large animals.

Birds (e.g., Mockingbird, Whippoorwill, and Carolina Wren) provide a wonderful variety of birdsong. Could their variety of song, and tiny organs, and delicate wings animated by delicate muscles, really have "just occurred"?

And, finally, there is the complexity of plant life: their variety, and the different ways they reproduce. Could all of the fruits and vegetables and spices - with their aromas and flavors - have arisen on their own (along with our complex senses of smell and taste)?