The Case for Theism

[EGross]

the fact life exists that raises the question whether we owe our existence to mindless forces that didn't intend to cause life or even cause the existence of a universe that allows life in the first place.

There is one point that you touched on that you have not expanded upon.

before you can ask the question if there is evidence for a creator, one must first define, not only what constitutes evidence, but you need to define a Creator, since that word, itself, will get different responses based on how each person holds it. As noted here, it appears that you are defining God as a mindless force that sort of exists, unaware of anything.

Is that your definition of God? Expand on that if you will.