While you might have a tough time with this title, the movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed holds some serious power! This DVD is a documentary style movie covering the current status of the scientific community, specifically at universities. Ben Stein interviews several professors and scientists about their research, freedom, and environment. What he finds is presented in such a compelling way that even our nonscientific minded students were moved and shocked by what was presented.
We watched this DVD, section by section, as part of our Sunday Morning Bible Study and then discussed in small groups what they had just watched and what the implications were. We noticed three major themes: scientific evidence for a creator is abundant, freedom in the scientific community to document and discuss these findings is virtually nonexistent, and the environment in the scientific universities towards intelligent design is hostile.
The DVD contains several interviews with key people on both sides of the intelligent design/evolution debate, and lays out in a detailed, yet simple way, the research that supports the idea of intelligent design. Additionally, it systematically points out some flaws in the basic evidence and experiments traditionally used in support of Macro Darwinian evolution. In their drowsy Sunday morning stupor, did the students understand all that was being said? No, but without doubt they understood (many for the first time) that there is scientific evidence that supports the idea of creation, and you don’t have to check your brain at the door to be a Christian. Following watching the video each Sunday, we read through creation in Genesis, and we saw them engaging it as a reality more than just a story.
Another perspective the video brought up was the staggering suppression of information and hostility at the universities with regards to any evidence towards an intelligent designer. The video explained how numerous professors had been fired for even hinting at the possibility of an intelligent design in their research. It was shocking to see how unfair they were treated. We relayed unfair trials that Biblical characters faced in sharing their faith. I believe it helped the students understand that in the current culture we live in sometimes they are going to have to work hard to find the real truth, and sometimes will even have to fight to help people know the truth of God.
It’s always difficult to gauge the effectiveness of our ministry efforts, but it was awesome to hear (even months after we were done watching this video) of students challenging what was being presented in their science classrooms. We also saw them use this video in the way they shared their faith personally with their friends. Additionally, my leaders and I felt better equipped to discuss this issue with students. I implore you to consider purchasing this powerful DVD at here.
What thoughts do you have about the movie Expelled? Have you used this as an outreach tool or a discipleship tool?
As a Biology major in college I was required to take a course on evolution. It didn’t make sense. The biologists in this movie helped support my views from the coarse. Carrie is absolutely right.
Does anyone know how to start a crishtin school group?