[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for your post, unspun!

The same is true for any attempt of the process of validation/invalidation by the Scientific Method, in addressing things that are beyond our physical perception (including of course, "origins."). Stands to reason that this subject matter would be (a-hem) difficult, since we are not allowed (or capable) to "put the Lord your God to the test."

Certainly we cannot put God to the test. But shouldn't we look at, explore and appreciate that which God has made? (Psalms 33, etc.)

Do you read the following passage to mean that we ought only to study what is in the Scripture and not what is in the creation?:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - II Timothy 2:15

[unspun]

Certainly we cannot put God to the test. But shouldn't we look at, explore and appreciate that which God has made? (Psalms 33, etc.)

Yes, as we are competent and allowed (and theoretics being different from empiricism). I admit, there are limits imposed upon us by the Lord of our Christian understanding, as to what kinds of empiricism is and is not to be engaged in, here.

Remember, this ground beyond our physical ground, is primarily Relational Ground, for better or worse. (Albeit that our physical ground is Relational as well, but with physical filters.)

[betty boop]

Certainly we cannot put God to the test. But shouldn't we look at, explore and appreciate that which God has made? (Psalms 33, etc.)

Oh Alamo-Girl -- so beautifully said! Why would God have made such a glorious Cosmos, made it possible for humans to be intelligent and so capable of exploring such Cosmos -- and then tell us we shouldn't do it, because that would be putting "Him to the test?" How can it be a "test of God" to love and admire and study His works? Instead, maybe what we have here is a test of man; and our "indifference" with respect to studying and understanding His creation according to our best lights earns us a grade of "F."

It's just a thought. (No man knows how God judges.)