Secondly, random is a subjective quality - 6397204 may be a random number to you, but it's not to me. In other words, you cannot look at it or analyze it, and say objectively - that is random.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.
You are right, every event has a cause, but what I meant by my use of the word 'random' was that there is no specific intent ("intelligent design," if you will) on the part of the forces that were involved in causing the referred event to occur (i.e., the series of DNA segments to combine / split off / alter). In other words, when you come across a plant in the crack on the middle of a wide road, did "intelligent design" cause the elements (the heat of the Sun, the rain, the snow, etc.) to produce a crack on the road of specific dimensions, that later allowed dirt to accumulate, just so that a seed could fall onto it and produce the plant from it? Or did 'randomness' have a part to play? It would be better to substitute 'randomness' with 'unintended consequences of natural forces,' perhaps.
Doesn't "intent" lead to the same problem? It is impossible purely scientifically to measure or detect intent, isn't it? It's an error scientifically to say that physics intends for areas of differing electric charge "intends" to equalize their charge. They just do.
I see we are on the same page here in that what we're looking at is somewhat a teleological question, again outside pure scientific detection.
There are an almost infinite number of niches for life, yet not all occur "randomly".
In the only part of the universe we have been able to observe properly, life emerges from matter, intelligence emerges from life, consciousness emerges from intelligence.
Scientifically, this can only be correctly described using "random," that is the only explanation possible that science can assign; however, if both random and intent are subjective (or questions in the sphere of philosophy of science), are they at least possible given that because science cannot claim that what it cannot detect does not therefore exist.
Amen. Surely "Intelligent Design" foreordains whatsoever comes to pass.
Psalm 33:11. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Isaiah 14:24. The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
Acts 2:23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Acts 17:28. for 'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said,'For we are indeed his offspring.'
Ephesians 1:11-12. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.