In the Dailies

Last week we rented Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. It’s a documentary starring and written by Ben Stein. Initially I thought the movie was about the theory of intelligent design. This is definitely a major element, but the crux is actually about free speech. Because many in the scientific community have concluded that evolution is a fact, they dismiss and even ostracize any one who dares challenge the theory or any aspect of Darwinian thought. Stein’s point is not about which position is correct or which has the most evidence; he simply wants to preserve freedom of speech and allow an open dialog of intelligent arguments. Proponents of intelligent design (which, by the way, is different from creationism) should not be punished simply because they see holes in the theory of evolution. Professionals should not be “black-listed” for disagreeing with popular opinion, especially in fields of education and higher learning.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Heather over at L’Chaim is hosting an Artuality carnival. The purpose is to discuss where art and spirituality collide. This month’s theme is movies. What movies have inspired you creatively or challenged you spiritually? I’ve been thinking about her questions for over a week now. After renting this movie, I have much to say, much of which piggybacks on pontifications I had during this year’s election.

In the past I’ve been annoyed by those who make politics all about one issue, especially if that issue is something never to be changed. Call me a pessimist, a pacifist, or simply apathetic. I mean to be none of these things. But I have struggled to understand why someone can think all of America’s future revolves around abortion. Or gay rights. Or the environment. Yes, these are relevant, important issues, but does our nation’s well-being truly rest on just one issue? Roe v. Wade will never be overturned. Roe is actually fighting toward that end herself, but even she, the one who initiated this, cannot turn the tide. It’s done. So, why make such a huge stink over something that can’t be changed? And why refuse to vote for someone who agrees with you on every issue but this one? Why make a losing cause your keystone? This movie answered some of these questions for me.

In Expelled Stein follows the repercussions of believing in evolution; he traces the theory to its conclusive worldview. This leads him to Hitler’s Germany. The Third Reich’s beliefs and behaviors were grounded in Darwinian thought. The concentration camps began as a means of cheap labor, but quickly became ways to eliminate the “less evolved” species. The Nazis did what they did in an effort to make humanity stronger. Anyone who voiced disagreements suffered the same end as the Jews, the invalids, and “un-evolved.” But these are not the actions of a few insane dictators; these same Darwinian beliefs led to eugenics here in America. These actions were based on logical, intelligent conclusions based on erroneous thought. Germany didn’t stumble into the Holocaust overnight; they slowly progressed there, one faulty conclusion after another, one silenced voice after another.

The movie makes a sobering point of what happens when free speech is stripped from the people. If we lose our freedom of speech, what’s next? Our freedom of religion? Our property? Our rights to education? Our rights to raise our children in the manner we think best? Where does it end?

Once again, why am I telling you all this?

First of all, if you haven’t seen the movie, you should. I want you to rent it and think about it and let me know what you think.

Secondly, this movie encouraged me to investigate ripples. Everything affects something else. We may never reverse Roe v. Wade, but if we stop fighting against it, what will happen? If murdering your child in utero is okay, then why not as an infant? If it’s okay to terminate the life of a Down Syndrome fetus, then why not terminate the life of an adult with the same condition? Or an aging grandfather who has also become a burden? If gay marriage is legalized, what happens next? What happens when schools are required to teach my children that it’s okay? And why would it be acceptable for homosexuals to marry, but polygamy is still illegal? Where do we draw the line? How far is too far and who decides?

God decides. And it’s not okay for me to sit idly by. I’m not a spectator in this life. I restrained from writing about the election because I didn’t want to “influence” anyone. But on November 4th, after reading Monica’s election post, I was stunned by my silence. I don’t want to influence anyone? Why not?? Jesus Christ did not shed His blood so that I could remain apathetic. He did not call us to make disciples in an “un-influential” way. Maybe I can’t do much, but I can do something. Even if it’s just signing a petition or placing a vote, maybe just writing on this blog is enough. But I must heed the ripples. I must investigate the consequences and stand up for what is right. I must be vocal about what God says is right.

So, what movies have impacted you spiritually? How? Be sure to check out Heather’s site for more on movies and faith.