[Ichneumon]

This has always represented an insurmountable stumbling block for me. Because I can't seem to get over it,

The validity of a scientific theory is not limited to what you can "get over".

How did all them critturs get there in the first place, so that natural selection could find something to do?

The great majority of "all them critters" got here via evolution.

The initiators got here via autopoesis of chemical cycles in deep-sea thermal vents.

And we haven't even touched the claims of macroevolution yet!

No need, macroevolution is extremely well established.

[betty boop]

I am so pleased to have all these assurances from you, Ichneumon! You say the critturs all got here because they "evolved." "Via autopoesis of chemical cycles in deep-sea thermal vents."

Well that just clears up everything, now doesn't it? :^)

[jwalsh07]

The initiators got here via autopoesis of chemical cycles in deep-sea thermal vents.

Is this a statement of faith? You, nor anybody else for that matter, can declare this to be true absent a very strong belief system. I say that knowing that even if true it wouldn't affect my beliefs one way or the other.