A few years ago, I was forced to use the CAD software as my work scope has included the editing and translation of suppliers technical drawings from chinese to english. Admittedly, IT is one where my knowledge have a lot of wants so when a colleague of mine taught me some basics, I was ecstatic about this newly-learned software.By this time though, I still have a lot of wonder about the CAD software. If I look at the control and function buttons displayed on my screen, I can count at least 75 buttons that when clicked will open several more optional tasks related to that function. And as I would sheepishly disclose, my work could be much easier if I only have maximum 8 buttons on display which I really needed (and which I understand how to use) and cancel or hide the rest that would grow algae-bytes due to non-usage. Yes, I stand by my conviction that the other buttons are useless not because it is the reality but because of the certainty that I lack full understanding of their usefulness.
The software designer is not at fault at all.
Now, have you heard about an atheist’s common rebuttal that our present world could have never been designed by God (or in their definition - a higher deity) because of its many flaws, un-optimal and downright useless stuffs? They would make examples like (I am going to quote-unquote an intelligent atheist we are in discussion in the Kfam forum)
-In the African locust, nerve cells start in the abdomen but connect to the wing. This leads to unnecessary use of materials.
-barely used nerves and muscles (e.g. plantaris muscle) that are missing in part of the human population and are routinely harvested as spare parts if needed during operations.
-intricate reproductive devices in orchids, apparently constructed from components commonly having different functions in other flowers.
-the use by pandas of their enlarged radial sesamoid bones in a manner similar to how other creatures use thumbs.
His resourced comments are too science-y for me to refute, but such open questions should only lead a limited person like us to humble ourselves because what these scientific observations prove is that we are far, far away from fully understanding and comprehending the purpose that God put into each particular creatures and their parts. And it is somewhat foolish to declare that this and that are un-optimal and “logically” would have never been made by an omniscient, omnipotent and omni-benevolent God because the present scientific findings can not find any plausible explanation for such existence.
God, the Designer, is not at fault at all if our limited knowledge is incapable of grasping His purpose for every creatures of the world.
Fr, Raniero Cantalamessa, the Vatican’s household preacher, testified in one of his Sunday gospel preaching that these kind of thinking focuses on the “pursuit” of truth rather than the “truth” itself and that their closure to every revelation from above, and thus to faith, is not caused by intelligence but by pride, a special pride that refuses all dependence and claims an absolute autonomy.
Let us pray for atheists that their very own demand for reasoning and logic will be their tool towards recognizing and acknowledging God.
For this reason alone, I am glad that I am not wise by human standard yet sustained in faith by the grace of God.
John 14:6-7 says,
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Believing and having faith in our Lord is the only truth I need to know.
God bless.
