Meaning: The quote you provided is from Phillip Johnson, an American attorney and author known for his advocacy of the intelligent design movement. In this quote, Johnson is expressing his belief that while he maintains the view that God has the power to directly intervene in nature to create new forms, he is open to the idea that God chose not to do so and instead employed secondary natural causes such as random mutation and natural selection.

Phillip Johnson is a prominent figure in the intelligent design movement, which is a contemporary manifestation of the age-old argument for the existence of a designer or creator based on the perceived complexity and purposeful design in the natural world. The movement seeks to challenge the predominant scientific theory of evolution by natural selection, proposing that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process such as natural selection.

Johnson's quote reflects his willingness to engage in dialogue and consideration of different perspectives regarding the mechanisms through which new forms and features in nature may have arisen. He acknowledges the possibility that God, as the ultimate creator, could have chosen to work through secondary natural causes rather than direct intervention.

The concept of God's intervention in nature has been a subject of philosophical and theological debate for centuries. The traditional view of divine intervention posits that God, as a transcendent and omnipotent being, can directly influence the natural world and bring about changes according to His will. This perspective is often associated with theistic beliefs and is foundational to many religious traditions.

On the other hand, the idea of secondary natural causes pertains to the mechanisms and processes within the natural world that operate without direct divine intervention. This includes principles such as random mutation and natural selection, which are central to the theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin. According to this perspective, the diversity of life on Earth can be explained by the cumulative effect of these natural processes acting over vast periods of time.

Johnson's willingness to entertain the notion of God choosing to work through secondary natural causes reflects a nuanced approach to the intersection of faith and science. By expressing openness to the possibility of natural mechanisms being the chosen means through which God has brought about the diversity of life, Johnson acknowledges the potential compatibility between religious belief and scientific understanding.

It is important to note that Johnson's stance aligns with the broader intelligent design movement's emphasis on exploring the implications of design in nature from a scientific and philosophical standpoint. While proponents of intelligent design do not deny the existence of natural processes, they argue that certain features of the natural world are best explained by the action of an intelligent agent, rather than solely through undirected natural forces.

In conclusion, Phillip Johnson's quote encapsulates his willingness to engage in a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between divine intervention and natural processes in the context of the origin and development of life. His perspective reflects a nuanced approach that seeks to bridge the realms of faith and science, inviting dialogue and consideration of different viewpoints within the ongoing discourse surrounding the origins of biological complexity.