Artuality: Expelled
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.
Posted on November 17, 2008, in culture, video. Bookmark the permalink. 7 Comments.
good for you, tanya. we need more of us speaking up for truth!
monica
ps. must rent that dvd
We just saw that movie about a week or so ago as well. I thought it was well done, especially re: the issue of free speech.
Honestly, I thought the movie had two weaknesses if its purpose was to incite a discussion with people who previously would not have bothered with the discussion:
1. While I agree with the idea that if you take evolution seriously and apply it in all areas, it can lead to Hitler (and he shows how Hitler used Darwinism), I don’t think it’s necessarily helpful to look at extremes when trying to open up dialogue. I know many evolutionists who think what Hitler did was horrible. In other words, while I agree with Stein (and can see how abortion is connected to Darwinism), that part may shut down conversation. (However, if his goal is to get those who already believe in ID to speak out, then this part is a good idea.)
2. He begins by saying ID is not a religious issue, that it’s about science and free speech and the freedom of scientists to explore. However, in the end, he goes on to talk about it affects religion. Again, if his purpose is to get those who already believe in ID to speak out, then this is good. If his purpose is to begin a conversation with those closed to conversation, this may not be helpful.
Those points being said, I thought the movie very well done and thought-provoking.
Thanks for participating!
Thanks, Monica. Let me know what you think.
Heather: I agree with your first point entirely. In fact, halfway through the movie I asked my husband who the target audience was. I really don’t see hard-core evolutions renting this movie. I don’t see this movie changing anyone’s opinions, simply solidifying what they already believe and encouraging them to take action on those beliefs. Ben Stein is Jewish; naturally the connection he sees between Darwinism and the Holocaust appear much more dangerous because it’s personal. I thought he went a little too far with his conclusions.
As to your second point, I didn’t see that. In fact, toward the end of the movie, I felt he was leaning more toward ID being a result of alien influences or other “higher beings.” Yes, he included God and religion in that equation, but he didn’t restrict ID to religion.
All this is kind of beside the point of my post, though. The movie provoked thought. For me, it provoked thought about what those extremes could be if we all remained silent or were forbidden to speak freely. If we never stood up for what God says is right, then the results could be disastrous. I never meant to imply that all who believe in evolution are godless nazis. That’s not what I meant and that’s not what I believe! This is simply an exercise in hypotheticals spawned by a thought-provoking movie, a catalyst to speak against what stands against God.
Tanya,
I thought your insight to this film and other issues (political or otherwise) were very well said. Personally I love documentaries. I probably watch about 2 a month. I saw this one in the movie theater and was very disappointed. Again I thought what you took from it was great, but the doc itself was a bad attempt to copy this ‘Michael Moore style’.(which i also i find annoying)
I agree with what heather said above. That using extremes is not a great way to open dialogue. Specially if we trying to challenge those that do not agree with our opinion. To give an example, the new Bill Maher doc “Religulous”. Which gave such extreme examples of how religion has ruined the world that to any believer of the Gospel or for that matter any practicing religious individual, would find it laughable.
I am glad it is and did provoke thoughts for you. I just left the theater thinking how badly done it was. This is probably a reflection on how my judgemental mind can out weigh my objective one. (if that makes sense)
I highly recommend a doc called “Lord Save Us from your Followers.” You can only see it on the internet. Google it. Its very good and I am thinking of doing a screening of it at church.
Thats just my two cents. Thanks for the blog
Jacques
It’s really amazing how people will take some ideas in a movie and run with them to the point of absurdity. When they do so with source material as flawed as Expelled, you end up with crap like “The Third Reich’s beliefs and behaviors were grounded in Darwinian thought.”
It is sad to see so many gullible people mislead by this travesty of a movie. I guess that’s why you’re religious in the first place though. I suppose that if you had any skepticism or the ability to think rationally, you wouldn’t be religious.
WELL said!
Wow… ok…. well, anyway, Tanya, I wanted to say that I saw this movie recently as well, and found it very thought provoking. I thought he had some good points. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.