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It is understood that the universe works by regular, law-like processes.

Sure. And within those processes any combination of matter is possible. It can combine to bring life out of non-life. It can combine in such a manner as to produce evolution in any sense. It is a small stretch to consider that molecules can combine under the same rules to form life apart from sexual intercourse, or wine apart from any process of fermentation as we know it.

If you are so sure that regular, law-like processes are involved with the universe, then it should also be no big stretch to infer intelligent design, because of all things, intelligent desing results in processes that are orderly and law-like.

How do you explain the law-like nature of the universe apart from either intelligence or design?

"Sure. And within those processes any combination of matter is possible. "

No. Not even close. If that were true, the universe wouldn't be working by regular, law-like processes.

"It can combine in such a manner as to produce evolution in any sense."

Not in any sense. There are many constraints.

"It is a small stretch to consider that molecules can combine under the same rules to form life apart from sexual intercourse, or wine apart from any process of fermentation as we know it."

Maybe if you're dropping acid. Otherwise, the above are way outside the laws of nature and outside the province of scientific examination.

"If you are so sure that regular, law-like processes are involved with the universe, then it should also be no big stretch to infer intelligent design, because of all things, intelligent desing results in processes that are orderly and law-like."

Perfect circular argument. Unfortunately, it's equally likely that the regularity of nature just *is*.

"How do you explain the law-like nature of the universe apart from either intelligence or design?"

I'm intellectually honest enough to say that there IS NO answer to this question. As such, it no longer interests me. I am not a child anymore who needs to have every question answered for me to feel secure. Part of growing up is knowing there are things you will never know.

How do you explain the law-like nature of the universe apart from either intelligence or design?

Hey Fester, keep in mind that random events can allow a great degree of prediction. Study a short text about the 'Standard Normal Curve,' and you'll see that randomness certainly does not imply design---it's the diametric opposite---yet it does provide scientists with a tool: Probability.