Ben Stein
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Ben Stein hosts a documentary called Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. I have not seen the film yet, and at first I was quite critical about the film's position, as I saw it, of supporting creationism. But as I read more, I realize that while I don't agree with Stein's position on creationism, I do agree that those who support the hypothesis should not be persecuted--IF indeed they are exploring a hypothesis of intelligent design scientifically and not simply foisting or promulgating religious beliefs.* But if people, scientific or not, want to explore the idea that there is an intelligence behind the creation of the universe, more power to them. It's an hypothesis worth exploring scientifically. However, it is not dogma that should be accepted without evidence...or taught in our schools. As dogma, such a belief is personal and/or religious. As a hypothesis, it's worth exploring.

Regarding the film's production, I've heard accounts that some of the scientists who criticize creationism (Dawkins, etc.) were mislead by producers as to the film's intent and how their participation would be used. If true, that's really offends me and greatly reduces my interest in seeing the film.

Honestly, if we found some kind of proof of intelligent design, I'd be thrilled, but it would also lead to many, many questions. And whatever the truth is, I strongly doubt that it will reflect anything of the many religious beliefs held by much of humanity.

* No one should be persecuted, not the religious or scientific minded.

Resentment Over Darwin Evolves Into a Documentary - New York Times
"One of the sleaziest documentaries to arrive in a very long time, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed¯ is a conspiracy-theory rant masquerading as investigative inquiry."

"Positing the theory of intelligent design as a valid scientific hypothesis, the film frames the refusal of “big science” to agree as nothing less than an assault on free speech."

"Prominent evolutionary biologists, like the author and Oxford professor Richard Dawkins — accurately identified on screen as an “atheist” — are provided solely to construct, in cleverly edited slices, an inevitable connection between Darwinism and godlessness. Blithely ignoring the vital distinction between social and scientific Darwinism, the film links evolution theory to fascism (as well as abortion, euthanasia and eugenics), shamelessly invoking the Holocaust with black-and-white film of Nazi gas chambers and mass graves."

Scathing review of the film. I now have just about zero interest in seeing it...though I probably will as a rental or download, just for curiosity.
Six Things in Expelled That Ben Stein Doesn't Want You to Know...: Scientific American
RC Sproul interviews Ben Stein about the movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Good interview with Stein explaining why he participated in the film. I disagree with about everything Stein and the interviewer say about Darwinism, science, and morality, but very interesting to hear Stein's thoughts in this supportive forum.

(:googlevideo -4609561480192587449:)

YouTube - Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (Super Trailer)
This trailer raises an excellent point, if true: that scientists (or others) who promote in any way that there is an intelligent being that created the universe are persecuted by peers and others. I've been much bothered by the arrogance of atheists and fundamentalists alike (see post on Bill Maher). But I agree with Stein that if such believers feel persecuted, someone needs to come to their defense. They have as much right to share their opinions as anyone. And I have a right to disagree. But I don't have a right to persecute or shame them, though I'm afraid I may be guilty of a rant against their ideas on more than one occasion.

(:youtube xGCxbhGaVfE:)

YouTube - Sexpelled: No Intercourse Allowed (Expelled parody)
I really don't know what Ben Stein is hoping to accomplish with this documentary Expelled! No Intelligence Allowed...I'd like to see it, but to argue against Darwinism seems silly at this point...unless you don't really understand what Darwinism is. Perhaps that's the explanation.

(:youtube -ThQQuHtzHM:)

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