Do Not Question Darwinism Authority
March 10, 2008
Stop what you are doing and watch this trailer for the upcoming movie Expelled. Whether you are a believer or not, this movie should rattle something in you that screams “WHAT!” In America, we have freedom to choose what and whom we believe…..
or do we?
And I will stand here, on the record, and tell you that this, among other things, is why I choose to homeschool my children.
Expelled, No Intelligence Allowed
Thanks go to Kate for putting this on her blog.
After you watch the trailer, please discuss your reactions in my comments. Will you go see this movie?
And more importantly, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
Edited to add: I think we are getting off topic in the comments. It isn’t about what is taught in schools, it is about what is not allowed to be taught. I agree that religion should be taught at home, and I believe that it is THAT important, yet I believe that I, as a parent and taxpayer, have the right to question why there are other “logical explanations” to how the earth and all its inhabitants came to be yet we are only teaching ONE. Why should a child be taught evolution and not given the option of creationism to decide for himself? Do we think that our children (or parents, for that matter) are so ignorant that they can not decide for themselves between the two? It isn’t about what is being taught in your schools, or how many “Christians” you have on your schools staff… its about the fact that the government thinks that it is okay to teach only one option and threaten those who dare to teach otherwise.
THAT is what this is about :)
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Comments
Note From Heather: All comments are welcome, but I reserve the right to delete at any time. All comments are solely the opinions of the individuals submitting them and the publication of them on this blog does not imply my endorsement or agreement. By posting your comments to the blog you are granting me the right to use them. Your submission of a comment constitutes your acceptance of this comment policy.
In other words: Play Nice
44 Responses to “Do Not Question Darwinism Authority”
I would love to hear from you!
I have been so excited since I first heard about this movie!! ESPECIALLY since I like Ben Stein, and he is a very smart man. I think people should take him seriously. My hubby and I plan to see this movie and try to have it available locally, but we’ll probably see it in Chicago.
I believe in God, the Creator. And He made it all.
Steph
What an awesome movie. I hope they play it here so that I can go see it.
I was just floored but not surprised (end times are coming)to see the trailer after hearing about it through Carter’s coach Friday night. I am somewhat wondering how it will “pan” out in the months to come. The trailer is well made. I look forward to seeing the movie with my hubby, Dave. Quite interesting. Thanks for posting it on your blog. The more people who know the better.
k- in StL
I believe I DESPERATELY want to see this movie. I want to force the world to see it. Lee Strobel on steroids, LOVE IT!
I will definitely go see it with my husband and hopefully a group from my church. Looks good!
WOW!!!
I had no idea about this movie so THANK YOU for letting us know. I WILL be going to see it.
And I am Christian!!!!!
I too hope that many people go see this movie. Trudy
Thanks so much for letting us know about the film - I had not heard of it and would love to see it, especially with my very science focused son. He’s a public school guy, but my naive hope is that he will be a light that offers a different perspective in the classroom. I’ll be interested to see if that is possible.
Anjanette
hi heather- i will definitely go see this movie- i flat-out believe that God created us and the earth and all that is within it. i am seriously considering homeschooling my three and this is just one more reasson to do so!
Hadn’t heard about this until now, will definatly try to see it.
I have seen the editor’s version of the movie. It was a really good and informative movie about the intelligent design oppression in the higher education level. No more to say, watch it!
wow…i didn’t even know about this movie! and yes, i certainly would see it! i am a Christian and i can’t wait to hear more about it in the press!
thanks for sharing…knowledge is power!
I, like a few others, have not heard about this movie…but I live on the Left Coast, so that might explain it a bit.
I have seen a lot about Intelligent Design, and look forward to seeing another major-scale production about it, and about the stigma attached to those scientists who are studying it.
Yes. They are scientists…regardless of what the evolutionary biologists want the world to think!
And while I am a believer, I know non-believers who agree with Intelligent Design, but haven’t yet crossed over to choosing to believe in and follow that designer.
I think everyone who has ever questioned the “holes” in Darwin’s theory of evolution should see this movie and investigate the theory of Intelligent Design.
The New York Times has already run TWO negative articles on this independent film…and it isn’t even out for release yet!
Now…the National Center for Science Education has built an entire website called EXPELLED Exposed.
What is going on???
Doesn’t this seem just a little bit ODD??
Big Science and Big Media…hmmm.
What are they so worried about?
geo
I believe that God created the universe and all living things. I also believe he created the evolutinary qualities those who champion Darwinism suggest is the either/or. I honestly don’t doubt many of the progressions of evolution in living things (gills to lungs, fins to arms), but it didn’t just happen. God caused it to happen. I made it all the way through public elementary/high school and large public university being very open about this and was never able to be “out argued”. In short: God created evolution. How’s that for gray and both sides of the fence? :grin:
hi heather i’m a brain guy too! the bon jovi on your previous post caught my eye i had to say “hello”…
Thanks for the heads up on this movie Heather. I will definitely see it and as a believer I find it all very interesting….has anybody taken the study called The Truth Project recently put out by Focus on the Family. I am half way through and the last two weeks have been discussing this very topic. I wrote a paper on creationism for my grade 12 biology class when the assignment called for a paper on evolution (that was over 20 years ago…yikes). I felt that my teacher was very respectful and although he did very much disagree with me, he did give me an A. I think that people can get very passionate about this topic and sometimes be unkind in the way things are expressed. As Christians we can do better than this…Christ calls us to love and kindness. It doesn’t mean we have to back down on our convictions but just be careful that our speech is full of mercy and grace. If you want to speak intelligently to this subject, you have to be informed on both sides. Unfortunately Christianity has come to be defined by a moral/ethical code and associatiated with “religious right”. This is not Christianity….God invites us to an intimate relationship with Him…as the creator of the universe. ( and I absolutely believe “something from nothing” creation). Understanding God will never fully happen on this fallen earth….that’s where the faith comes in….but to be invited to a relationship with Him because of the sacrifice of His perfect Son, deemed necessary because of my willful sinful nature…that’s Christianity. Bottom line. It’s far too simple for many to believe but it’s what it is. Thanks for your blog Heather and the amazing encouragement you are to all of your readers.
It really creeps me out. It doesn’t seem possible that stuff like this happens in America, and yet we know does and will continue to do so.
I hadn’t heard of this movie yet - so thanks for the tip and the link!
George-
Let’s see, the producers of a movie supposedly about freedom of speech are only showing previews to groups of conservative christian clergy, then requiring them to sign non-disclosure agreements?
They send an invitation for the preview to the Orlando Sentinal, find out their movie critic will attend, then want to rescind the invitation, after the review is written and published, they say the reviewer attended as an impostor!
Sure doesn’t sound like real proponents of free speech to me!
But if you dig a little deeper you will find that this is standard dishonest operating procedure from many of those promoting the idea of intelligent design, from the Discovery Institute, to the publishers of “Of Pandas and People” to the producers of Expelled.
I would be glad to amplify and substantiate this if you desire.
Welcome to the Big League. This of all topics is the one that I find to be the most mis-understood and most divisive among Christians and the lost as well. If you really want to get a book that gives very good documented facts about the issue of Evolution, get Hank Hanegraaff’s “The Face That Demonstrates The Farce Of Evolution”. It is a fairly short read, but very to the point. The Genesis account says that God created everything in six literal days. Yet the world rails against this truth. If you can cause someone to doubt the fact that God is the creator,and His Word is truth then the logical path, or should I say the path of flawed logic will lead you to also say that there is no God. This is why the secular public school monopoly fights against this argument being given a platform in the schools.
Fight the Good Fight
Stand on the Truth
Never Compromise on the Reality that God Is, and His Word is True!
GO BO!
Dad
Sounds like an amazing movie. Why can’t science include a belief in a higher power? I can’t wait to see this movie. I just hope that ((the man)) does not keep it from being released.
I think it’s great that this movie is coming out.
I went to public schools and I never felt as though my beliefs were discredited. Evolution was taught, but I don’t remember being taught that it was a fact. I do live in a mostly Christian community though. I guess this has never been a big issue for me, and I don’t have a big fear for my kids being in public schools. I don’t think it would be a good thing for all Christian parents to pull their kids out of public schools. I think public schools needs as many Christian kids as they can get.
Oh well, that’s just my 2 cent.
I know, I think that movie looks so good! Speaking of which, did you see Ben Stein’s article about Charles Darwin and Imperialism? I tought it was one of the most thought-provoking things I’d read in a while.
And congratulations on getting past the half-way point!!
Your site is so encouraging. My dad died of esophageal cancer 10 days ago. I’m sad, but thankful he had a true profession.
Mish
Thanks, for telling me about the movie. I cant wait to see it now. I am going to put something on my blog about it as well. Congrats on the half way mark. :) Still praying for you and your family.
God Bless,
Heidi
I won’t be rushing out to see this movie and I probably won’t rent the film when it is released on DVD.
I am quite happy with the education my children are receiving in our public school system. Many of my children’s teachers are faithful Christian men and women, committed to serving and teaching in inner city schools where children’s lives are ravaged by poverty.
I realize others have made different decisions with regards to home schooling their children and I both understand and am respectful of those decisions.
I would also like to say, that I have suffered enormously in my own church family. I have been shamed. I have been shunned and all because I believe the theory of evolution and a belief in Christ/God/Holy Spirit are not mutually exclusive.
I believe feuding over these kinds of differences will only serve to drain us of the strength we need to perform the real work of the Kingdom. The world we live in is a broken world overflowing with the sick and the homeless and the lost. Instead of indulging in arguments over our differences we must bear a united witness so that everyone we touch might come into relationship with God through Christ, Jesus.
That’s what I believe anyway. That’s what I try to live.
Oh, how I want to see this movie! Thanks for linking to it… I hadn’t heard anything about it before. I believe that everything the Bible says is true. God created the world and everything in it in six days and rested on the seventh. He did not create an amoeba that became a fish that grew legs then became an ape that became humans. Genesis says that God created the animals as they are, and that God created man and woman as they are, too.
I send my oldest to public school. He’s in first grade at a very small district where most of the teachers and administrators will tell you right out that they are Christians, so I don’t worry TOO much about the whole creation vs evolution thing. If the situation were different, I might consider homeschooling, but right now, I think this is what’s best for us. I do applaud you for homeschooling, though, Heather. You are an awesome testimony and an encouragement to all of us who read your blog. And congrats on the halfway mark! My sister starts chemo next week, and I’ll be praying for you, too.
I am a public school teacher and a Catholic. Some of the most devout Christians I’ve ever known, I’ve met at work.
I firmly believe that faith/religion needs to be taught at home and church, not at school. It’s THAT important.
I agree with Jerri’s post. Homeschooling is great if that’s what a family chooses to do.
I probably won’t see the movie. It doesn’t look that interesting.
I am a retired public school teacher and I am also a Catholic. I also taught with some of the most devout Christians I’ve ever known, and most of them were not Catholic. Rather than TEACH their faith in the public schools, they LIVED their faith in the public schools. They ministered to children with needs and heartaches and circumstances which were so extreme that they truly interfered with the ability of kids to learn the skills and information at whatever grade they were in. Whether it was socks for a child who wore leather shoes on bare feet, or groceries for vacation times, or tennis shoes and sports equipment for poor children with athletic ability, these teachers provided support again and again and sometimes for years.
I’m not an advocate of “teaching” relgion in public schools but I think the current climate where teachers are afraid to mention it, even in a historical sense, is very unhealthy and incredible in a nation where freedom for everything else is an array of hot button issues. There definitely seems to be a FEAR OF RELIGION in the public school and in the public arena.
Ironically, young people are seeking values and answers to what IS the meaning of life. By adolescence, so many of these kids are like sailboats with no keel. They have no direction. They have questions and no answers and they aren’t going to find the answers to life’s most important questions in the public schools.
I agree that religion needs to be taught at home and at church and in the context of a family. But many kids don’t have that. They need to at least be made aware of what are the options and what are the popular beliefs about the questions.
Furthermore, some of the most serious problems facing the world today are matters of faith and religion. Without some kind of understanding in a historical sense of the religions of the world and their importance, we will never have leaders who can handle these problems with wisdom and
integrity.
I think parents who opt to teach their children at home are undertaking a huge responsibility and I really admire them for it. In our area, children who are home-schooled are outperforming those in public schools right and left.
I would really like to see this movie because I think it looks VERY interesting.
Kay
I read your blog, because my husband is also dx with AA. I admire your faith, but I do not understand everything you believe in. Do you believe in every world in the Bible? Is it really possible to believe that the earth was created in 7 days? And do you have some scientific proof for that?
Go to Wall Mart and other stores for that matter and you will see displayed ornaments for the garden, a budha and other statues that represent “god”. Do you see a statue of Jesus, no, there would be complaints immediately.
I have often wanted to challenge this by verbally opposing the statues and I have done so in the past with “success”. I feel now that the opposition is gaining too much ground and we need more people to voice and stand up for Christ. I also understand that this can be intimmidating though.
Marie
Hi, Heather. I am a Christian and will see the movie. It’s interesting to see a celebrity sponsoring/directing these ideas! Thanks for the info…I hadn’t heard anything about it (imagine that!).
Hello Heather,
I will definitely watch this movie and email the link to my friends. Thank God for giving Ben Stein the talent, courage, and power to make this movie.
When I was in 5th grade in 1977/78 in a public school, I vividly remember being taught about the theories of how the universe was created- Big Bang, Spin-off, and GOD. Yes, I was taught that some people believe that GOD created the universe. On the test, the last question asked what we believed and stressed that we could not get this question wrong. I admit that I put Spin-off as the answer for the last question.
I was asked to gather the tests for the teacher. While gathering, I looked at my friend David’s test to see what he put for the last question. He wrote: “I have been a Christian all my life and I believe that God created the universe.” First, I felt guilty for not having the courage to write that same answer. Then, I admired David for his courage. And finally, I decided that I would never answer that question wrong again.
It does anger me that the media and politicians scream free speach until someone talks about God. God has been taken out of our public schools and is slowly being eroded from our American history. This is why I send my kids to Catholic schools. And, my kids know why they go to Catholic schools. Ask them and they will tell you, “I like going to Catholic school because I get to learn and talk about God and Jesus.”
What truly concerns me is college- it is such a secular environment. Many professors are atheist and worship at the altar of Darwin. My emotions are too strong to even begin to put my thoughts into words. I just pray that my kids are confident enough in their faith to weather the storm.
God Bless You Heather! You have been an inspiring witness to me.
Love and Peace,
Barnie
Me Again
Meditate on this from 1 Tim.4
1 Tim. 4:1-16
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, [2] by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, [3] men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. [4] For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; [5] for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
[6] In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. [7] But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; [8] for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. [9] It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. [10] For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. [11] Prescribe and teach these things. [12] Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. [13] Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. [14] Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. [15] Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. [16] Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
It tells me that if we REALLY are concerned about peoples eternal souls, we will defend the truth! Good works mixed with false doctrine equals deception & spiritual death
OH MY!
Dad
Heather,
I found your blog linked to my friend, Tina’s blog. I had a brain lesion a few years ago. It was on my brainstem and had bled. Both circumstances made it life threatening. It too was considered inoperable, but with the fairly new stereotactic radiosurgery, they decided to try it. IT worked! After 2 years the lesion had shrunk and was gone. I understand so much of what you are saying. I too, had always trusted God, but until you have to actively rely on it, you don’t get it. I couldn’t have made it through that time without my faith. They had said that it could bleed again at anytime, and that would kill me. It was a really scary time in the beginning. Then, God took over. It became the most peaceful time in my life. I too, wasn’t worried about ME. I would be with Jesus! It was my kids. How would they live without a Mommy? Then God spoke to me through my (at that time) 9 year old daughter’s prayer. She prayed, God, please heal my mommy, but if you choose not to, thank you for giving me a mommy who taught me about Jesus. It was like God telling me that everything would be okay. Whether I lived or dyed, HE was taking care of my children. Either way, HE would use this to bring Him glory! I was excited at what He would do through my illness. Maybe my son would be a great evangelist one day…or He might use me to tell others! He didn’t NEED me to raise them. It was MY blessing to get to be their mom, but He could use anybody to teach them about Him and His love. That was such a relief. Either way, HE would use this to bring Him glory! I was excited at what He would do through my illness. Maybe my son would be a great evangelist one day…or He might use me to tell others! I prayed that God would take away my fear. That Jesus would fight Satan when he began attacking, because I wasn’t strong enough, but He was! My fear was gone! I began sleeping at night and waking up in the morning. The first thing I thought was “God, thank you for another day.” Each day was closer to Him. Now it has been 5 years. I actually MISS those times of totally relying on HIM for every breath! I hate that I have begun to think of other things when I wake up instead of HIM first!
I am believing and praying, that you will be completely healed. I am praying that you will grasp the amazing peace of relying fully on Him. I pray that you too, will SOON, look back and be thankful for this time. No, we don’t want it ever to come back, but we will never forget when God took our trust and turned it into reality!
I also went to public schools and we had creation vs. darwinism debates in 10th grade biology. I did not grow up feeling my religion was being discredited in school. I felt there were two schools of thought and I was allowed to believe what I wanted to believe. I live in California.
I am currently a teacher in a Catholic school so I can talk about God all I want. :mrgreen:
Looks like a very interesting movie. Thanks for posting about it!
I was just thinkin’ over here….you must be doing some amazing things for the Kingdom of God to come under so much fire from people who have nothing better to do than argue their anti-God opinions….for example…..do you have scientific proof the earth was made in 7 days. That just cracked me up (well, not really)! You either believe or you don’t. Creation is just the beginning of a walk of faith…no science degree required. Some people just get so darn defensive of evolution and all the other lies that America has swallowed and called “politically correct”. But, anywho…
You’re right (and, I used to home school, but my kids are in public school now)that Creation should at least be presented as a theory along with evolution and then let them talk through it at home. My husband and I make it a priority to teach our children and pray for them and their classmates to know the truth.
Heather, be encouraged. You are making a difference!
That man has courage! WoW!!! :eek:
Hey Heather! I will definitely check this out. As a christian, and even before I was a christian, I have often wondered why other “theories” were not taught in the classroom when it came to creation. I found this to be interesting. I had a biology teacher in college make this statement “Science and Religion cannot go together…they are completely separate. Science you can prove, Religion (meaning God)you cannot.” Well, personally, I don’t think God is absent from Science. :grin: Thanks for sharing this Heather!
Finally! It’s about time someone creates a movie that questions certain “liberal” beliefs. My husband I will definitely see this movie. When I was in school, I was lucky to not have evolution shoved down my throat. In fact the teachers spent little time on it and told us that it was just a theory, but some students who are religious are getting it shoved down their throats, and that is not right.
While I believe in the separation of church & state, I think parents have a right to pull their students out of classes that teach Darwinism, sex ed, and other subjects/agendas that the parent doesn’t believe in.
Now all we need are some movies to counter some the other doctrines that are being preached in our society.
I had a teacher in high school that was so awesome. He taught for 30 years in my high school. He taught Biology. Every year he would teach “The Big Bang Theory” and all that and every year he would say to his class “I am told not to teach Creationism, but I will because if I have to teach one I am going to teach the other one, the one I believe in.” I Thank God for this teacher.
I go to a Lutheran High School and am a Junior. This past week, the state of Michigan made us and every other junior in Michigan take the ACT/MME tests. Supposedly, these tests measure how much we’ve learned and how adequetly we learned it. However, when I got to the science section, I was faced with more than ten questions reguarding evoltionary facts. How can the goverment say I haven’t “adequetly learned” the science material when I haven’t been taught it, because I believe they are lies?
As I continued to take the test, I became more and more disheartened. Not one single question about “intelligent deign” and everything seemed to happen “billions and billions of years ago”. It really makes me feel terrible knowing that every day, millions of kids are being fed lies and accepting them as fact. I hope this movie changes something about that.
Keep up the fight!
Lord’s blessings, have a great day!!
Katie
Our small group just finished doing the Truth Project - taught video/dvd by Dr.Dell Tacket - sponsored by Focus on the Family - it is an amazing 12 week session on world view vs. Christian world view - what is real, what has been taught, and what has been removed. It is interesting to learn about our countrie’s history with all the facts intact - there is much that has been deleted from our childrens text books - including Webstor’s Dictionary… anyway - this new movie/trailor seems to target in on the science portion. I can’t wait to see it - any facts that scientists find point straight to God - we have nothing to fear in letting the truth out! Happy Birthday! Hugs to you! Amanda
Heather~~ I did not know about this movie, so thanks for sharing!! :grin:
I believe in the literal 6 day creation. I used to question it and I leaned more toward “theistic evolution”. That is, believing God created everything, but not in the literal 6 days. Then as I grew in the Lord and got to know Him more, I realized that God didn’t need millions or billions of years!! He is God!! :mrgreen: When He speaks things happen.
I am a public school chemistry teacher. I am excited about this movie - this was the first time I heard about it. I think that it is all about freedom. Kids are now mandated by MN State Standards to take Biology. The only “theory” taught in our school is evolution. I firmly believe that it is an underhanded way of forcing this “idea” into our youths unconcious. It does not allow them to think and challenge the status quo. When are we teaching our kids to think? Can they really choose when only given one option?
Thanks Heather and blessings