FR Debate: Intelligent Design vs. Birth Defects, Can They Be Reconciled?

Discovery Health & Multiple Medical Sites ^ | 11/11/05

[Wolfstar]

All the ID advocates are willing to swear under oath in court that intelligent design has nothing to do with religion, and that the designer is not God.

So far, at least, the responses on this thread seem to indicate it has everything to do with religious belief.

[highlander_UW]

With all due respect, I don't see the difference.

I will take you at your word and assume you're being honest here.

The difference is, if Texas Transplant said what you changed their words to say, which was that the topic was dumb then the topic itself is inherently not worthy of discussion. If one takes Texas Transplant's words as they were written the comment stated that the way you began the topic was dumb...which suggests that it was poorly founded or that by the nature of it's presentation and beginnings will fail to lead to a valuable discussion. The value of the topic itself is not what was stated was dumb but rather the approach to discussing it. So, what Texas Transplant's words addressed was the approach to the topic, you turned that into them making a claim regarding the topic...which they did not.

To clarify something here, I don't know Texas Transplant or have I ever encountered a post of theirs, so I don't know what they believe about the topic itself...that was not what their post addressed.

[Wolfstar]

Thanks for your very reasonable reply, Cornelis.

[js1138]

That would imply a lot of perjury going on. It would also imply that a lot of FReeper ID advocates have been lying.

I have always been mystified why ID advocates get snippy when you question the competence of the designer.

[highlander_UW]

How about the Henson or Hanson girls who are either preteens or teens now. They have 2 heads, 2 legs, and 2 arms. Yet they play sports and are well adjusted. I love to watch the tv shows about them. Then there are the 2 ladies who are joined at the head who have successful lives. One even has a singing career. Maybe they are sent here to make people realize that it is what is on the inside that counts than appearance.

You'll find no argument from me. I don't determine a person's value by the health or function of their body.

[From many - one.]

Those things you list are not in the nature of Down's, but in the reaction of ignorant people to children with the syndrome.

[zeeba neighba]

What is this fascination that evolutionists have with everyone but themselves always "lying". I think you all do protest too much.

[Wolfstar]

Why does it shake your faith?

I'm not sure I understand your question, xzins. I merely said that birth defects, particularly the severe ones, are CAPABLE of shaking one's religious faith. I meant that in a generic sense.

[From many - one.]

see my post 81

[Fester Chugabrew]

I have always been mystified why ID advocates get snippy when you question the competence of the designer.

In your case He definitely made a big mistake. But no reason to get "snippy" about it, right? No reason to get personal. You face a grave and have the forces of nature to thank for that.

[zeeba neighba]

Amazing

[Wolfstar]

Why is this on breaking news?

It isn't. I put it in extended news.

[zeeba neighba]

Can't win on the issues, start with the ... well you get the picture

[From many - one.]

What is amazing?

[Fester Chugabrew]

"It would be better . . ."

[zeeba neighba]

I can't tell you

[js1138]

What is this fascination that evolutionists have with everyone but themselves always "lying". I think you all do protest too much.

Perjury is always interesting, particulary when the people doing it are motivated by religion. It's just one of those paradoxes.

[Tailgunner Joe]

More hatred from the social darwinists: Having disabled babies will be 'sin', says scientist - "Soon it will be a sin of parents to have a child that carries the heavy burden of genetic disease. We are entering a world where we have to consider the quality of our children."

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

I don't presume to know anything. Do the proponents of the theory of intelligent design not welcome questions? When the theory is taught in schools, will children be discouraged from asking questions?

I would guess when a child raises their hand and asks "What's the purpose?", they'll be given the same answer for ID as for evolution.

If these questions are so important to you, then I expect you have an answer for it regarding evolution.

[js1138]

You face a grave and have the forces of nature to thank for that.

I'm always amused by people who substitute implied threats for argument.