Blackwater, thank you for your usual well thought out and kind reply (at risk of upsetting Preacher Jim by encouraging you
) It's too much for me to answer at similar length, but I would like to address one point you make, at least in this post.
It has been my delight for many years to take an interest in chimpanzees, mainly those kept in zoos that arrange for them to lead as natural a life as is possible. Many studies have been made of chimp societies and there can be no doubt that they are so much closer to humans that some might think. Firstly, I should say that I am not speaking about those sad reflections of animals that are still to be seen in some zoos, psychotic, mentally damaged wrecks.
Observation has found that chimp troops are incredibly complex socially. While lead by an alpha male, who gets boss's rights on pretty much everything by virtue of his superior size and strength, he can do this only with the consent of the females of the group who will band together to oust him if they feel the need. Nearly all human life can be seen reflected in chimp troops, theft, bullying, violence, kindness, love even, and even, yes, adultery. Evidence has been noted of chimps forming relationships where they will sneak separately away from the sight of the boss and the others to copulate, a privilege generally reserved for the boss or a couple of his lieutenants. Politics plays a very important part, as animals within the troop will form alliances to support each other. All of these things have been observed, noted, cross referenced and found to be the case across chimp troops in zoos and in the wild.
The troops treat 'baby' chimps with love and great tolerance. The young ones have a white tuft of fur on their rear ends, and while they have this, for a few years, they are doted upon by the entire troop. They can literally steal the food from the alpha male's mouth without fear of reprisal.
A chimp troop is a volatile environment indeed. At one such zoo establishment, a famous rescue centre in Dorset, England, the alpha male of one troop was ousted in a mad few minutes of serious violence which resulted in the death of the alpha the next day. Interestingly, it was very clear that once the fury had subsided, all the chimps were subdued, almost in a state of shock, worried and concerned over the welfare of the boss. It was clear that the event and the violence bothered them greatly.
Within their standards it is clear that they know right from wrong, and in many ways their standards are pretty good, at least for their needs.
With such a complex and intelligent animal, who knows what they sit and wonder about. Seeing some of them sitting alone and pensive on top of telegraph type poles thirty or more feet above the ground as they watch the sunrise, it doesn't take much to think they just might be wondering about life, the universe and everything.
Perhaps not quite what you were expecting in a theological forum! I'll try some of your other points later. Regards to you again, and a thank you to all those who post here with good will.