[MD] The SOM/MOQ discrepancy.

[ARLO J BENSINGER JR]

[Ham to KO]
Now I ask you: is that Theism or Deism?

[Arlo]
Ham has said that at some point in the historical timeline, call it Point
Alpha, there were primates that did NOT have consciousness. Then, at a later
point, call it Point Beta, there were primates that DID have consciousness. 

Perhaps Ham would care to explain "what changed?" between Point Alpha and Point
Beta?

Ham has also said that consciousness evolves. That is, at some point in the
historical timeline, call it Point Alpha, there were distant humans
(Neanderthals, e.g.) that had a lesser evolved consciousness than at a latter
point, call it Point Beta.

Perhaps Ham would care to explain the process by which the consciousness of
those at Point Alpha "evolved" into the greater consciousness we see at Point
Beta?

Although he has been given every opportunity to do so, the ONLY answers coming
from Ham are (1) Essence "poofed" consciousness into the timeline, evidence of
a deliberate and intentional act by The Source, and (2) The Source doles out
new-and-improved models of consciousness to man over time, the same way Ford
updates its pickups every year.

Ham also claims we were "intended" to be here, that is man was created by a
Source that wanted something to "perceive its magnificence". While such a
needy-Source would do better creating therapists than adulators, it certainly
demonstrates a theistic approach. 

But I've asked, as it has (to me) important ramifications; if "man" is so
intended as part of this Divine Plan, are "oak trees" as well? What about
dinosaurs? What vanity did they fulfill for The Source? 

I ask you, KO, to consider Ham's "thesis" as it makes history comprehensible,
or as it is rendered absurd by history. 

At best, Ham's thesis is an attempt to de-contextualize Occidental theology, a
"God" that creates "man" to worship him, gives "man" dominion over the rest of
creation (those "oak trees" are simply a resource and tool for man to use as he
sees fit), in short a God that has created a cosmos as a stage for man, whose
purpose for being is to revel in the Magnificence of the Source.

Theism. (Or a theism/deism hybrid).