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The unfortunate logical consequence of such a position is it requires us make conclusions such as that our sins are God's will, regardless of what the Bible has to say on the subject.

Yes; but to be driven to such a conclusion seems mindless to me. For after all, what can the word "random" possibly mean but "we do not know the cause of this phenomenon."

If things are "random," a/k/a "unpredictable," that only means we do not (yet) have the means to predict them. In which case science should not routinely obviate this question, but should ask the next question: Why can we not predict them? Answer: Our knowledge is insufficient. Conclusion: So try harder! Follow truth wherever it leads.

Though I imagine there is a point beyond which the human mind cannot go, vis-à-vis what God knows in His mind. Which is where "mystery" comes into the human picture....

I do not believe that allmendream is aware that his materialist, physicalist, mechanical "picture" of the world — as if the universe were some kind of fantastic, random (mindless) machine inexorably grinding on, rather pointlessly, according to Newton's (and Darwin's) laws — makes God responsible for all the evil in the world.

But I'm very, very glad that you noticed it, dear r9etb!

Thank you so very much for your most insightful essay/post!