Don't want to come off like a broken record, but with all due respect, this discussion has zero to do with the value of children born with birth defects. It has everything to do with the concept of intelligent design, starting with attempting to have an intelligent discussion of its interpinnings.
What is the underlying premise of intelligent design? I think I know, but would prefer to have someone who understands it better than I explain it.
The word "design" infers deliberate construct. The word "intelligent" infers efficiency. ID is supposed to be a scientific theory. Yet nearly every one of the response to this thread so far are emotional and not in the spirit of scientific inquiry. That is where i wanted this discussion to focus.
today maybe
Ok, Then I have this to add; to those who believe in GOD,there is more than enough evidense for HIM. For those who do not believe; there is never will be enough evidense, for them to believe.
I for one have to believe, my son has taught me that. :)
I have no hope of being able to understand how we got here. But maybe the real question is, why are we here? If we are here to make money and collect toys, then no amount of discussion about the Big Bang or evolution has any meaning because we are only the product of the material world and cease to exist when we die.
However, put yourself in the place of an all-powerful Being. If you wanted to send your children to a school where they would develop and grow, would you put them in a soft, protective environment, or rather a place where they would be challenged? Maybe the whole purpose of tragedy is our reaction to it.