Intelligent Design the Future cover image

Intelligent Design the Future

Stephen Meyer: Do Miracles Violate the Laws of Physics?

Dec 18, 2024
In a thought-provoking discussion, Stephen Meyer, a philosopher of science and an expert on intelligent design, argues against the coherence of theistic evolution, challenging its reliance on a faltering theory. He presents a compelling case for the nature of miracles, suggesting they reflect conscious agency without contravening physical laws. Meyer critiques David Hume’s stance on miracles, leading to intriguing insights about the interplay between faith and science, and the implications of intelligent design compared to Darwinian explanations.
28:16

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Stephen Meyer critiques theistic evolution as incoherent, arguing that it fails to properly integrate scientific and theological principles.
  • Meyer defends the rationality of miracles, claiming they represent the conscious action of God rather than violations of natural laws.

Deep dives

Challenges of Theistic Evolution

Theistic evolution, which posits that God utilized the evolutionary process to create life, faces significant scrutiny. According to Dr. Stephen Meyer, this perspective is fundamentally incoherent due to scientific, philosophical, and theological issues. He challenges the idea that a mechanism like natural selection—which he claims lacks creative power—can be harmonized with theistic beliefs, suggesting that attempting to reconcile a failing theory with faith is misguided. Additionally, he argues that theistic evolution undermines the essential role of God as a guiding force, reducing the concept of God to a mere rhetorical addition within scientific discourse.

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