In short, no. To be an action requires a consciousness acting. There is no requirement for causality that a consciousness be in the causal link. And especially not that consciousness be the first in the link.
to the extent it is testable, it has been shown false. There is a common test given in the Bible, for example. When I did that test, there was no reply, showing the test to have failed.
There is a lot we would like to interpret as purpose. Some animals act purposefully, to be sure. But there is no evidence of an intelligence giving purpose outside of humans doing so.
I have no desire to rule. And my self-given purpose is to know the truth to the extent that I can. That is why I reject most religions: they have so little truth and so much myth. And it is why I reject all theism except, potentially pantheism (but even that is tricky).
your quote:
In short, no. To be an action requires a consciousness acting. There is no requirement for causality that a consciousness be in the causal link. And especially not that consciousness be the first in the link. My answer: For anything to happen it must have a cause. Action first which causes a result. With the maze of actions and the complexity of results, it might be difficult to trace it back to the first action, but it exists nonetheless. It's a little like poof creation so many religions believe in. Poof doesn't exist at least not within the physical laws of this universe. That is whether religious or nonreligious poof.
It all stares us in the face. We are limited by our intellect and knowledge, however most choose to limit themselves more through their narrow view. Just like birds flying showing us flight, everything is just waiting for intelligence to find it. Does it all just happen to be there or does it exist for a reason? If it all just happened to be there, why is there so very much of it?
Like I have said. Study the actions and see where they lead trying to avoid accepting or believing either way. Perhaps when the system of the universe along with the people factor is understood, the view will change.
your quote:to the extent it is testable, it has been shown false. There is a common test given in the Bible, for example. When I did that test, there was no reply, showing the test to have failed. My answer: Now if you are depending on a test from the bible, it's no wonder the test failed. I have found no religion that really understands God. I know you are intelligent. No miracles just a simple test.
Let me tell you a story from when I was much younger. I was in the park one day and I saw this very fat girl on a park bench. I found absolutely nothing attractive about her. I spoke out loud without her hearing this. I quote: God, who in the hell would ever go out with her? A couple of weeks passed and I started getting untraceable calls in the middle of the night. They would just hang up. After a while, I kept telling the caller at least say something. She started talking. After a few calls we got to know each other. She said she was a little overweight but just bought a two piece bathing suit. I thought every girl thinks they are overweight. She can't be bad if she can wear a two piece bathing suit. So I set up a blind date. To my surprised she turned out to be the girl from the park. So God answered my question. I said: Who in the hell would ever go out with her and God's answer was You, my son! You! Yes, I learned a lot from that experience. God hears it all and in this case had a sense of humor along with my lesson.
your quote:There is a lot we would like to interpret as purpose. Some animals act purposefully, to be sure. But there is no evidence of an intelligence giving purpose outside of humans doing so. My answer: Man's Ego keeps him from seeing so very much. Really watch animals. Are they really so different than us? We only have greater intellect and capabilities. Give them enough learning and lifetimes and where will they be?
My Dad had a squirrel problem. The squirrel kept getting in his attic. My dad tried everything, traps, food and even a hunting party with his friends. That squirrel was smart enough not to show up for the party. I heard my dad say that squirrel was smarter than he was. I think animals have limits but they do not lack intelligence or the ability to make choices.
your quote:I have no desire to rule. And my self-given purpose is to know the truth to the extent that I can. That is why I reject most religions: they have so little truth and so much myth. And it is why I reject all theism except, potentially pantheism (but even that is tricky). My Answer:If you are one who really seeks knowledge and truth, we are very much alike. Religions can not exist without followers, that's why they use feelings for answers. They teach people to value Beliefs above all else because that is all they really have. It's not hard to see this when so very much of them do not add up. The world and God must add up since it comes from a higher intelligence. So far, I have found it does.
