Causes Quote by Phillip E. Johnson
“Although I insist that God has always had the power to intervene directly in nature to create new forms, I am willing to be per-suaded that He chose not to do so and instead employed secondary natural causes like random mutation and natural selection.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Intelligent Design Debate, Phillip E. Johnson, 1996
The author suggests God could act directly but may prefer natural processes like mutation and selection.
In simple terms: God might use natural mechanisms instead of direct action.
Consider both divine and natural explanations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- debate forums
- academic curricula
- public policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can divine purpose coexist with random mutation?
- What evidence supports indirect divine action?
Accepting natural causes may challenge traditional faith views.