@ghost-of-a-duke said
In an eternal universe, matter has always existed in one form or another. I appreciate such a universe is difficult to understand, as we both, after all, are limited by our finite minds. Indeed, everything we know or have experienced has a beginning and an end. It is a challenge not to apply the same way of thinking to the universe itself.
As it is, molten rocks ra ...[text shortened]... ormation of our planet. Pure chance, no intent or design. This origin can ONLY be viewed as chaotic.
"In an eternal universe, matter has always existed in one form or another."
If matter has always existed, then I would agree the universe is eternal, but matter being eternal is an assumption necessary to assert eternality onto matter. For evolution to be viable matter must be eternal, but we simply do not know that for certain. That's why evolution is only a theory.
Matter existing in a form implies order in some form or another, dispelling the assertion of chaos.
"I appreciate such a universe is difficult to understand, as we both, after all, are limited by our finite minds."
I agree completely. It is the heart of the beauty of rational discourse and debate between seekers of knowledge and truth. imo
"Indeed, everything we know or have experienced has a beginning and an end. It is a challenge not to apply the same way of thinking to the universe itself."
This will be more difficult to parse out. I almost said something totally wrong until I reread those sentences once and again.
Yes we know we're finite, and yes it appears the universe is infinite. But we don't know that for sure being finite. As finite beings we cannot know for certain that the universe is infinite or not.
"As it is, molten rocks randomly colliding and fusing (as a result of the nature of gravity) caused the formation of our planet. Pure chance, no intent or design. This origin can ONLY be viewed as chaotic."
Ah! But sir, here you appear to be contradicting yourself. While rocks can and do collide, if there is a force exerted on them such as gravity, then gravity can be said to be a forming force obeying a natural law dispelling the idea of chance, which negates the concept of chaos in the equation relative to origins.
By introducing gravity into the equation, design and intent immediately spring forth further dispelling the notion of chaos.