Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Tonight my dad, Scott and I saw “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.” It far exceeded my expectations. From the trailer I posted in the previous entry I knew that Ben Stein would present an entertaining flick, and would at least document how modern academia seeks to suppress any discussion about alternatives to the modern Evolutionary Theory. But the film is so much more.

For the first thirty minutes or so the movie gives an accurate sense of the great lengths modern academia refuses to hear any mention of a theory that conflicts with the Evolutionary Theory. It is true that Stein does not try to defend the various forms of Creationism. Instead, he reveals his bias towards the Intelligent Design Theory which argues that the complexity of life receives its complexity from some form of intelligence. But the thrust of his movie was to bring the issues to the table so they might be discussed, analyzed and debated. I could not agree more with his motivations.

“Expelled” had a great impact on me because I survived the public school system. Anyone who has dared to ask questions that challenge the Evolutionary Theory know precisely what I mean. I have been shut down by teachers in high school, then professors in college. What is amazing to me is that Macro-Evolution is taught without addressing the glaring holes scattered throughout the theory.

Because I’m not a fan of giving away spoilers I won’t reveal too much more. But I will say that my favorite part of the film involves Richard Dawkins looking rather foolish within his own reasoning *grin*

I believe this to be an important movie because it has the potential to open up the door to many conversations about why so many reasonable and thinking people do not endorse the Evolutionary Theory. Why is it that two intelligent scientists examine the same evidence and come to different conclusions - one turns out to be an Evolutionist while another believes intelligence is behind life? The reason is because there is a fundamental difference in the worldviews between these two individuals. This is something else that “Expelled” covered, and boy was I pleasantly surprised! Presuppositions and worldviews are the key to this entire dialogue.

This movie isn’t perfect. But please see this movie. You have my recommendation.

Rusty

Intriguing!

http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playgroundvideo3.swf

My dad sent this to me today. It looks awesome.

April 18th.

and verily, much w00tage did thus fill the land,
Rusty

Russia Living in the Cold War

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,345514,00.html

Good news. NATO has endorsed Bush’s plan to install a missile defense system in Europe. What has struck me as odd from the beginning of these discussions has been Russia’s response.

“Russia charges the intent of the system would be to weaken its nuclear deterrent capabilities and upset the balance of power in Europe. Bush has repeatedly denied that, saying the facilities are designed to protect Europe against a potential missile attack — or even just nuclear blackmail — by Iran. The dispute has become heated at times, with confrontational, Cold War-style rhetoric from Moscow.”

From some bizarre reasoning Russia has been led to believe that the United States means her harm. Quite frankly, I do not understand this at all. Are we really to believe that the true reason President Bush wants to put a missile defense system in Europe is to weaken Russia’s military ability against the USA and her allies? Could it be that Iran and other Islamic nations might pose a threat? How about North Korea? These are realistic concerns that we cannot pretend do not exist.

Putin has repeatedly charged the U.S. of trying to tip the balance of power in her favor, to which our President has rightly responded that Russia is a friend and not an enemy. This allowed Bush to remove the issues of balance of power from the discussion of our relationship with Russia. We have even invited Russia to be a part of the cooperate effort that will oversee the production and the continued management of this defense network. Unfortunately, Russia’s response has been to seemingly ignore our efforts of extending the hand of peace and friendship by retaliating with hostile words and mild threats. This is not how peace is made. But to President Bush’s credit, he has done nothing but return Putin’s rash comments with calm, well formulated ones.

I will say that, while I am not happy with everything George Bush has done, he has handled this situation wisely, so much so that I am proud to call him my President.

Rusty