You are simply arguing for a common Designer, almen, who had a design, common building blocks, and a purpose. It must be obvious to you that the HUGE, INSURMOUNTABLE GAP between humans and chimps (or any other earthly creature) speaks loudly.
Since some would argue, as you have, that the common building blocks suggest a deeper common origin, I would offer that the huge ability gap argues eloquently for purpose. Randomness, you say, can’t account for the similarities. Likewise, randomness or accident does not account for the mammoth capability/potential gap. Both argue for a common Designer.
Answering “WHY is there such a gap?” can go the direction of accident or it can go the direction of purpose.
In recorded history, would you be willing to argue that the humans who are modern builders of trade centers are more intellectually capable than the humans who were ancient builders of temples? That the humans who are modern philosophers are more intellectually capable than the humans who were ancient philosophers?
So, over the 6 thousand years span of recorded history, we are left with no perceptible change to measure. Miniscule amount of time, some will argue. No so, really. The divergence between apes and humans is speculated at 6 million years or so. 6000 years is a tenth of a percent of that gap, and in that time no perceptible change, meaning, of course, that the level ALREADY reached 6000 years ago was quite arguably the STATUS QUO. One purpose ascribed biblically is that the human was to be herdsman of the earth. That certainly seems to be the case, doesn’t it?
Therefore, the immensity of the gap ITSELF argues for the Designer rather than for the accident, and the status “quo-ness” of the gap argues both against the accident and the gradual increase.
Oh, I so agree, dear padre!
I have long believed that there is a Common Ancestor: God Himself. :^)
A/K/A the Common Designer.
This being the case, we are speaking of intelligence and purpose as the ground of Nature itself, its Logos. The universe is not accidental; it is created, and it is structured. And Christians and Jews believe that creation is on-going.
Thank you so very much, dear xzins, for your outstanding essay/post!