Comments on: Expulsion http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/ conversation and contention, for your attention Fri, 16 May 2008 20:02:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Charles http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-368 Charles Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:32:22 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-368 To Fitz, Regarding Kuhn, you're right, I was conflating social scientists' commentaries on Kuhn with the man himself, which is especially problematic because Kuhn had many objections to how others interpreted his work. That you for correcting me on that. (Of course, I still agree with those social scentists.) I like what you said on your blog about Stein's sincerity and the Wedge movement. I would be very interested in getting your thoughts on the curriculum I proposed in an earlier post. You stress that you want to keep religion out of research designs. I have no problem with that. However, I don't see why one must reject faith-based interpretations or at the least the possibility of such interpretations from discussions of the larger implications of some scientific experiments. What is the harm in discussing and respecting alternative philosophies to materialism and naturalism? To the extent that the scientific community considers materialism and naturalism the only legitimate philosophies through which scientific findings may be interpreted (even when science is considered outside the lab), I think defenders of religion are correct in asserting that scientists promote atheism. To Fitz,
Regarding Kuhn, you’re right, I was conflating social scientists’ commentaries on Kuhn with the man himself, which is especially problematic because Kuhn had many objections to how others interpreted his work. That you for correcting me on that. (Of course, I still agree with those social scentists.)

I like what you said on your blog about Stein’s sincerity and the Wedge movement. I would be very interested in getting your thoughts on the curriculum I proposed in an earlier post. You stress that you want to keep religion out of research designs. I have no problem with that. However, I don’t see why one must reject faith-based interpretations or at the least the possibility of such interpretations from discussions of the larger implications of some scientific experiments. What is the harm in discussing and respecting alternative philosophies to materialism and naturalism?

To the extent that the scientific community considers materialism and naturalism the only legitimate philosophies through which scientific findings may be interpreted (even when science is considered outside the lab), I think defenders of religion are correct in asserting that scientists promote atheism.

]]> By: Charles http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-366 Charles Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:13:10 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-366 To Doug, I take issue with phrasings such as "medievalism still in conflict with Science's advance." It's ideology claiming the mantle of objectivity, and its implicit condescension is symptomatic of the issues I have with many in the scientific community. However, that's a nuanced debate next to the steady line of bullshit and false analogies that Stein is pushing in this film. Richard Dawkins may be as much of an ideologue and a propagandist as Stein, but at least Dawkins is up front about it. To parade crap such as Expelled as an exercise in seeking "fairness" and "dialogue" is really nauseating. To Shapka, I would propose that the job of schools is not exclusively to "impart knowledge as it is known" and never has been. Schools have always attempted to shape the character of their students and promote responsibility, patriotism, and yes, morality. If you doubt this is so, I would urge you to read the standards that state education departments and local school boards REQUIRE to be taught in the classroom. Education is never values-neutral. This was true before the Supreme Court banned school prayer in '63 and it's still very much true now. And most of us, however much the concept of state indoctrination makes us squirm, would prefer for public eduation to continue to condemn racism and sexism and deplore the evil of the Holocaust and teach children that they must work hard in order to succeeed. Public schools will teach values, and inevitably those values will reflect local community standards (with occasional state and federal intervention). I am NOT suggesting that this means evolution should be disgarded simply because most parents in a particular school district don't agree with it. However, the public school is not and never has been an ivory tower removed from society, and those parents have a right to demand input in the curriculum that their tax dollars pay for. That right may be overridden by a compelling public interest AGAINST those parents' demands, such as the threat that universities will devalue high school diplomas from school systems that do not teach evolution. But parents have a right and an interest in staking their claims regarding what is taught in public schools. There are ways to acknowledge the importance of faith in cosmological questions without violating the Establishment Clause. Respect for a variety of views is one of the values that I deeply hope public schools will continue to teach and model America's children. To Doug,
I take issue with phrasings such as “medievalism still in conflict with Science’s advance.” It’s ideology claiming the mantle of objectivity, and its implicit condescension is symptomatic of the issues I have with many in the scientific community. However, that’s a nuanced debate next to the steady line of bullshit and false analogies that Stein is pushing in this film. Richard Dawkins may be as much of an ideologue and a propagandist as Stein, but at least Dawkins is up front about it. To parade crap such as Expelled as an exercise in seeking “fairness” and “dialogue” is really nauseating.

To Shapka,
I would propose that the job of schools is not exclusively to “impart knowledge as it is known” and never has been. Schools have always attempted to shape the character of their students and promote responsibility, patriotism, and yes, morality. If you doubt this is so, I would urge you to read the standards that state education departments and local school boards REQUIRE to be taught in the classroom. Education is never values-neutral. This was true before the Supreme Court banned school prayer in ‘63 and it’s still very much true now. And most of us, however much the concept of state indoctrination makes us squirm, would prefer for public eduation to continue to condemn racism and sexism and deplore the evil of the Holocaust and teach children that they must work hard in order to succeeed. Public schools will teach values, and inevitably those values will reflect local community standards (with occasional state and federal intervention). I am NOT suggesting that this means evolution should be disgarded simply because most parents in a particular school district don’t agree with it. However, the public school is not and never has been an ivory tower removed from society, and those parents have a right to demand input in the curriculum that their tax dollars pay for. That right may be overridden by a compelling public interest AGAINST those parents’ demands, such as the threat that universities will devalue high school diplomas from school systems that do not teach evolution. But parents have a right and an interest in staking their claims regarding what is taught in public schools.

There are ways to acknowledge the importance of faith in cosmological questions without violating the Establishment Clause.

Respect for a variety of views is one of the values that I deeply hope public schools will continue to teach and model America’s children.

]]> By: Shapka http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-348 Shapka Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:46:24 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-348 --I read most of the responses to this post, and it would seem that the one thing missing is this: there is not one single law or amendment on the books in the U.S. that prohibits teaching a child anything a parent might <I>want</I> to teach them <B>at home</B>. Parents don't like Evolution? Fine-- parents have the <I>right</I> to teach their kids otherwise, to <I>advise</I> them otherwise, or to simply Home School them. Parents have the right as well as the <I>responsibility</I> to imbue their children with morality. This is not the job of schools. The job of schools is to impart knowledge <I>as it is known</I>. Ultimately, it isn't wrong in any way for parents to teach their children that Science can fit inside of Religion. However, it isn't <I>right</I> for any school to try to fit Religion into Science. –I read most of the responses to this post, and it would seem that the one thing missing is this: there is not one single law or amendment on the books in the U.S. that prohibits teaching a child anything a parent might want to teach them at home.

Parents don’t like Evolution? Fine– parents have the right to teach their kids otherwise, to advise them otherwise, or to simply Home School them.

Parents have the right as well as the responsibility to imbue their children with morality. This is not the job of schools. The job of schools is to impart knowledge as it is known.

Ultimately, it isn’t wrong in any way for parents to teach their children that Science can fit inside of Religion. However, it isn’t right for any school to try to fit Religion into Science.

]]> By: doug http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-250 doug Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:53:49 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-250 Well, I screwed the pooch on this one. Dropped the ball. I didn't read the email below until it was already too late. Though I feel that this teleconference would have largely been a waste of time, and I have a sense that - with 5 or 6 people on the other end - any legitimate questions would have been overshadowed by extraneous chatting, coached rhetoric, or questions aimed back at the journalist, it would have been nice if I had participated if just to post the audio here for you all: Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:46:00 -0700 From: Bob Dixon <bob.dixon@labmediaonline.com> To: Subject: Interview Opportunity with Ben Stein Part(s): We would like to extend an invitation for you to interview Ben Stein TOMORROW, Friday, March 28th. He will be available between 2-5pm (PST). Each interview is set up for 15 minute increments. Please confirm a time as soon as possible as they are quickly filling up. If you are not able to interview Ben during this time frame, please feel free to join our Live press teleconference at 1:00pm (PST). See the enclosed attachment for details. Please confirm receipt of this email as soon as possible. Sincerely, Bob Dixon Assistant to Lesley Burbridge-Bates Motive Entertainment Partnership ********************************************************** JOIN BEN STEIN TOMORROW, Friday, March 28 at 1:00 pm. PST for an exclusive, invitation-only LIVE press teleconference! Hear Ben Stein LIVE as he talks to you and other members of media, answering your questions about his upcoming, highly-controversial movie, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed, to release nationwide APRIL 18, 2008 Hear why leaders like Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family), Don Wildmon (American Family Association), Chuck Colson, Luis Palau, Lee Strobel and many others are so enthusiastic about the release of this film, and why many others wish it would NEVER come out… Dear Media Member, As one of our appreciated media partners, Motive Entertainment cordially invites you to join a special, nationwide “conference call” press junket with actor/comedian/author/speaker Ben Stein TOMORROW, Friday, March 28th at 1 p.m. PST/3 p.m. CST/4 p.m. EST, regarding one of the most controversial films of 2008, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed. CALL-IN TO 800-983-8147 (toll-free) 866-211-2047 (toll-free) AND ENTER participant code 6481720 # - YOU MUST ALSO RSVP BELOW. Please RSVP at www.gothamconference.com/rsvp/reg.aspx?eventid=2201711bspjfri immediately, as this call will fill up fast. This is a unique, exclusive opportunity for you to listen to Ben Stein and to ask him questions live, via e-mail. The call will also be recorded and available for Podcast use. The call will be held via phone on: TOMORROW, FRIDAY, March 28th 1 p.m. PST/3 p.m. CST/4 p.m. EST Please RSVP immediately, as this call will fill up fast www.gothamconference.com/rsvp/reg.aspx?eventid=2201711bspjfri, Talent available for interviews on the call will include: Ben Stein, host and star of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed Logan Craft, Premise Media (producer of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed) Walt Ruloff, Premise Media (producer of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed Mark Mathis, Premise Media (producer of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed) Paul Lauer, president, Motive Entertainment (grass roots marketing company behind films like The Passion and Chronicles of Narnia) EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed is already receiving National News Coverage http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/science/21expelledw.html?_r=1&oref=slogin http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WhosCounting/story?id=4357170&page=1 http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080226/1a_bottomstrip26.art.htm http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hsdeba225586647feb22,0,882898.story http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=57904 http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/242196.aspx One blog is even asking the question Will This Be the "Passion" Movie of 2008? ABOUT THE MOVIE: EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed follows Ben Stein on his journey around the globe where he discovers that scientists, educators and philosophers are being persecuted in a modern day witch hunt because they dare to question Darwin’s theory of evolution and propose that life on this planet could be a part of some intelligent design and not random chance. EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed exposes Darwin elitists who suppress all who disagree with them – even scientists whose new EVIDENCE erodes Darwin’s claims. The film confronts scientists such as Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, influential biologist and atheist blogger PZ Myers and Eugenie Scott, head of the National Center for Science Education. The creators of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed crossed the globe with Ben Stein, interviewing scores of scientists, doctors, philosophers and public leaders. The result is a startling revelation that freedom of thought is being expelled from high schools, universities and research institutions. For more information, go to www.expelledthemovie.com. Leader resources can be found at www.getexpelled.com Sincerely, Lesley Burbridge-Bates Motive Entertainment lesley@motivemarketing.biz What people are saying about EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed: “Ben Stein’s film, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed, makes a powerful case for “Intelligent Design” in explaining the origins of life and the creation of the universe. It also exposes an entrenched and aggressive Darwinist establishment in academia that suffocates all competing points of view. Highly qualified professors and scientists who dare to question evolutionary orthodoxy are systematically excluded or summarily dismissed. It is political correctness run amuck on university campuses. Stein sets out on a mission to find out why I.D. is most often expelled from the public square, and what he discovers in this riveting documentary is incredibly enlightening. I recommend the film enthusiastically.” -James C. Dobson, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board, Focus on the Family "Ben Stein's EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed packs a powerful and entertaining punch that will shake the foundations of Darwin's fortress within science and education. Those who are suppressing belief in God and trying to make materialism the law of the land should beware. Ben Stein is on a mission to stop the suppression, and millions of Americans are behind him." -Pat Robertson, Host, The 700 Club, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) "Embracing and endorsing chaos devalues all aspects of life. EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed reveals that truth and scientific discovery has been disregarded by the guardians of atheistic Darwinism. Thank God for a few courageous individuals who dare to ask the difficult questions with no fear of the real answers." -James Robison, Host of LIFE Today “I love Ben Stein. We worked together in politics many years ago. He’s a charming, engaging, and very bright guy. He’s on the right track here. What he’s doing in this film is extremely important because it is opening up an honest debate in the public square where people can hear reasoned arguments on both sides and make their own conclusions.” - Chuck Colson, Radio Commentator, Founder of Prison Fellowship “This is an enormously important project and I am so proud of the fact that Ben Stein, who is a national treasure, is part of it. People know that there is a dictatorial impulse at work in the land to shut down even the most elementary questioning of this unquestionable belief in random evolution and the American people don’t like being told by their ‘betters’ what they are supposed to believe.” -Michael Medved, nationally syndicated radio host “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed is earthshaking. I was absolutely blown away. Ben Stein boldly shines a light of honest inquiry revealing that evolution’s emperor has no clothes. It will have Darwin’s disciples scurrying for the shadows. Everyone in America, even skeptics of Intelligent Design, must see this film. They can’t possibly walk away without at least admitting that the debate over who we are and how we got here is far from over. The controversy will be intense, so get ready for a rollercoaster ride.” -J. Matt Barber, Director for Cultural Issues, Concerned Women for America “Recently, our entire North America executive leadership team had the opportunity to preview EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed. As we discussed the movie following the viewing there was unanimous agreement that the movie is very well done and clearly addresses the seemingly unending attack on those who reject the notion of evolution as the cause of our being; that is, evolution, simply defined as life emerging from the ooze. The pervasive bias of many academics against exploring the reality or non-reality of transcendence is pointedly evident in the film. Ben Stein has done an outstanding job of pulling together a cross section of interviews that point out the blatant discrimination against many in the scientific community who would embrace “intelligent design” or even more specific aspects of the reality of God. At the same time his interviews with avowed atheists is well done as he elicits responses that leave grave doubt regarding their position of absolute disbelief in a creator and/or God. We highly recommend the movie to anybody. It is not only informative and challenging—it is fun to watch.” - Ken Smitherman, President, Association of Christian Schools International “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed offers a compelling examination of an important topic for everyone who values the freedom to explore ideas that challenge conventional wisdom. Ben Stein has given us a powerful documentary about the widespread repression of faith-friendly scientific scholarship. Along the way, he also makes a strong case for a return to civil discourse in a time when political correctness often overshadows the search for truth. EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed is an engaging film that features a winning combination of humor and reason with just the right tone needed to bring its significant story to the worldwide audience.” -Ronald D. Ellis, Ph.D., President, California Baptist University “It's no surprise to those of us trying to communicate the Good News that God is now excluded from most scientific discourse on campuses and in the media. We are seeing the consequences of locking matters of faith out of our classrooms. We applaud Ben Stein for casting light on today's challenges to academic freedom.” -Luis Palau, President, Luis Palau Association “Propaganda molds minds in a very direct way and that is the logjam in this situation, which the Ben Stein movie, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed, by being entertaining, seeks to break through. I wish it well – I hope under God it will have a great effect just at that point.” -Dr J.I. Packer, theologian “We had a chance to see a private, pre-screening of Ben Stein’s upcoming film, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed. The movie is powerful...shocking....intense....humorous at times....well worth seeing. This message must be given to the next generation or else....” -Jack Brown, CEO, Capitol Prayer “Something we all need to ask ourselves in life is ‘What am I here for?’ You know, if we are just ‘lucky mud’ then these questions don’t mean much at all. But there is a God and he did create us. So if the Ben Stein movie is asking these questions and if somebody is keeping us from finding out the great answers to the great questions - then maybe they are more than just questions. Maybe they are questions with eternal consequences.” -Peter Furler, lead singer, The Newsboys “It is rare to find a movie that is entertaining, educational and motivational, but that is exactly what you get with Ben Stein’s documentary, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed. Ben puts on his sneakers and interviews highly qualified scientists, academics and journalists who have had their careers ruined because they dared to question the modern day creation story of Darwinian evolution. Equally revealing are Ben’s interviews with the leading academics behind the Darwinian establishment such as Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, William Provine and PZ Myers. This movie only samples the tip of the iceberg of academic and intellectual persecution in the land of “freedom” and may trigger a cultural revolution as more people are emboldened to tell their story and make a stand.” -Dennis Wagner, Executive Director Access Research Network “Finally, someone has exposed the head-in-the-sand reaction of mainstream academia when it comes to intellectual honesty and the theological implications of modern science. This film is a wonderfully crafted gift to this needy culture. My only regret is that I didn’t make this film!” -Ed Flanagan, Manitou Motion Picture Company, Ltd. “I want to thank you for your film, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed. I appreciate that you took a thoughtful and sometimes humorous look at a very serious issue. In the cultural debate, there are few things more important than our concept of the origin of life, yet this very topic is suffering from the tyranny of censorship and honest argumentation and has been expelled from the classrooms and laboratories. Honest people have no fear of the truth. Your movie raises the question, “Why would there be such opposition to the idea of Intelligent Design?” For those who rejoice in the truth, there is nothing to lose! If ID is wrong, a healthy debate will point out its errors and if there are holes in Darwin’s theories, then an honest critique will only bring us closer to the truth. EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed is a great first step in tearing down the wall and bringing honest, vigorous debate back to the academies.” -Curtis Martin, President-Fellowship of Catholic University Students Well, I screwed the pooch on this one. Dropped the ball.
I didn’t read the email below until it was already too late. Though I feel that this teleconference would have largely been a waste of time, and I have a sense that - with 5 or 6 people on the other end - any legitimate questions would have been overshadowed by extraneous chatting, coached rhetoric, or questions aimed back at the journalist, it would have been nice if I had participated if just to post the audio here for you all:

Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:46:00 -0700
From: Bob Dixon
To:
Subject: Interview Opportunity with Ben Stein
Part(s):

We would like to extend an invitation for you to interview Ben Stein
TOMORROW, Friday, March 28th. He will be available between
2-5pm (PST). Each interview is set up for 15 minute increments.

Please confirm a time as soon as possible as they are quickly filling up.

If you are not able to interview Ben during this time frame, please
feel free to join our Live press teleconference at 1:00pm (PST).
See the enclosed attachment for details.

Please confirm receipt of this email as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Bob Dixon
Assistant to Lesley Burbridge-Bates
Motive Entertainment Partnership

**********************************************************

JOIN BEN STEIN TOMORROW, Friday, March 28 at 1:00 pm. PST for an
exclusive, invitation-only LIVE press teleconference!

Hear Ben Stein LIVE as he talks to you and other members of media,
answering your questions about his upcoming, highly-controversial
movie,

EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed, to release nationwide APRIL 18, 2008

Hear why leaders like Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family), Don
Wildmon (American Family Association), Chuck Colson, Luis Palau,
Lee Strobel and many others are so enthusiastic about the release
of this film, and why many others wish it would NEVER come out…

Dear Media Member,

As one of our appreciated media partners, Motive Entertainment
cordially invites you to join a special, nationwide “conference
call” press junket with actor/comedian/author/speaker Ben Stein
TOMORROW, Friday, March 28th at 1 p.m. PST/3 p.m. CST/4 p.m. EST,
regarding one of the most controversial films of 2008, EXPELLED: No
Intelligence Allowed.

CALL-IN TO 800-983-8147 (toll-free) 866-211-2047 (toll-free) AND
ENTER participant code 6481720 # - YOU MUST ALSO RSVP BELOW.

Please RSVP at
http://www.gothamconference.com/rsvp/reg.aspx?eventid=2201711bspjfri
immediately, as this call will fill up fast.

This is a unique, exclusive opportunity for you to listen to Ben
Stein and to ask him questions live, via e-mail. The call will also
be recorded and available for Podcast use.

The call will be held via phone on:

TOMORROW, FRIDAY, March 28th

1 p.m. PST/3 p.m. CST/4 p.m. EST

Please RSVP immediately, as this call will fill up fast

http://www.gothamconference.com/rsvp/reg.aspx?eventid=2201711bspjfri,

Talent available for interviews on the call will include:

Ben Stein, host and star of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed

Logan Craft, Premise Media (producer of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed)

Walt Ruloff, Premise Media (producer of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed

Mark Mathis, Premise Media (producer of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed)

Paul Lauer, president, Motive Entertainment (grass roots marketing
company behind films like The Passion and Chronicles of Narnia)

EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed is already receiving

National News Coverage

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/science/21expelledw.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WhosCounting/story?id=4357170&page=1

http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080226/1a_bottomstrip26.art.htm

http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hsdeba225586647feb22,0,882898.story

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=57904

http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/242196.aspx

One blog is even asking the question Will This Be the “Passion”
Movie of 2008?

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed follows Ben Stein on his journey
around the globe where he discovers that scientists, educators and
philosophers are being persecuted in a modern day witch hunt
because they dare to question Darwin’s theory of evolution and
propose that life on this planet could be a part of some
intelligent design and not random chance.

EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed exposes Darwin elitists who
suppress all who disagree with them – even scientists whose new
EVIDENCE erodes Darwin’s claims. The film confronts scientists such
as Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, influential
biologist and atheist blogger PZ Myers and Eugenie Scott, head of
the National Center for Science Education.

The creators of EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed crossed the globe
with Ben Stein, interviewing scores of scientists, doctors,
philosophers and public leaders. The result is a startling
revelation that freedom of thought is being expelled from high
schools, universities and research institutions.

For more information, go to http://www.expelledthemovie.com. Leader
resources can be found at http://www.getexpelled.com

Sincerely,

Lesley Burbridge-Bates
Motive Entertainment

lesley@motivemarketing.biz

What people are saying about

EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed:

“Ben Stein’s film, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed, makes a
powerful case for “Intelligent Design” in explaining the origins of
life and the creation of the universe. It also exposes an
entrenched and aggressive Darwinist establishment in academia that
suffocates all competing points of view. Highly qualified
professors and scientists who dare to question evolutionary
orthodoxy are systematically excluded or summarily dismissed. It is
political correctness run amuck on university campuses. Stein sets
out on a mission to find out why I.D. is most often expelled from
the public square, and what he discovers in this riveting
documentary is incredibly enlightening. I recommend the film
enthusiastically.”

-James C. Dobson, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board, Focus on the Family

“Ben Stein’s EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed packs a powerful and
entertaining punch that will shake the foundations of Darwin’s
fortress within science and education. Those who are suppressing
belief in God and trying to make materialism the law of the land
should beware. Ben Stein is on a mission to stop the suppression,
and millions of Americans are behind him.”

-Pat Robertson, Host, The 700 Club, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN)

“Embracing and endorsing chaos devalues all aspects of life.
EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed reveals that truth and scientific
discovery has been disregarded by the guardians of atheistic
Darwinism. Thank God for a few courageous individuals who dare to
ask the difficult questions with no fear of the real answers.”

-James Robison, Host of LIFE Today

“I love Ben Stein. We worked together in politics
many years ago.
He’s a charming, engaging, and very bright guy. He’s on the right
track here. What he’s doing in this film is extremely important
because it is opening up an honest debate in the public square
where people can hear reasoned arguments on both sides and make
their own conclusions.”

- Chuck Colson, Radio Commentator, Founder of Prison Fellowship

“This is an enormously important project and I am so proud of the
fact that Ben Stein, who is a national treasure, is part of it.
People know that there is a dictatorial impulse at work in the land
to shut down even the most elementary questioning of this
unquestionable belief in random evolution and the American people
don’t like being told by their ‘betters’ what they are supposed to
believe.”

-Michael Medved, nationally syndicated radio host

“EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed is earthshaking. I was
absolutely blown away. Ben Stein boldly shines a light of honest
inquiry revealing that evolution’s emperor has no clothes. It will
have Darwin’s disciples scurrying for the shadows. Everyone in
America, even skeptics of Intelligent Design, must see this film.
They can’t possibly walk away without at least admitting that the
debate over who we are and how we got here is far from over. The
controversy will be intense, so get ready for a rollercoaster
ride.”

-J. Matt Barber, Director for Cultural Issues, Concerned Women for America

“Recently, our entire North America executive leadership team had
the opportunity to preview EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed. As
we discussed the movie following the viewing there was unanimous
agreement that the movie is very well done and clearly addresses
the seemingly unending attack on those who reject the notion of
evolution as the cause of our being; that is, evolution, simply
defined as life emerging from the ooze. The pervasive bias of many
academics against exploring the reality or non-reality of
transcendence is pointedly evident in the film. Ben Stein has done
an outstanding job of pulling together a cross section of
interviews that point out the blatant discrimination against many
in the scientific community who would embrace “intelligent design”
or even more specific aspects of the reality of God. At the same
time his interviews with avowed atheists is well done as he elicits
responses that leave grave doubt regarding their position of
absolute disbelief in a creator and/or God. We highly recommend the
movie to anybody. It is not only informative and challenging—it is
fun to watch.”

- Ken Smitherman, President, Association of Christian Schools International

“EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed offers a compelling examination
of an important topic for everyone who values the freedom to
explore ideas that challenge conventional wisdom. Ben Stein has
given us a powerful documentary about the widespread repression of
faith-friendly scientific scholarship. Along the way, he also makes
a strong case for a return to civil discourse in a time when
political correctness often overshadows the search for truth.
EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed is an engaging film that features
a winning combination of humor and reason with just the right tone
needed to bring its significant story to the worldwide audience.”

-Ronald D. Ellis, Ph.D., President, California Baptist University

“It’s no surprise to those of us trying to communicate the Good
News that God is now excluded from most scientific discourse on
campuses and in the media. We are seeing the consequences of
locking matters of faith out of our classrooms. We applaud Ben
Stein for casting light on today’s challenges to academic freedom.”

-Luis Palau, President, Luis Palau Association

“Propaganda molds minds in a very direct way and that is the logjam
in this situation, which the Ben Stein movie, EXPELLED: No
Intelligence Allowed, by being entertaining, seeks to break
through. I wish it well – I hope under God it will have a great
effect just at that point.”

-Dr J.I. Packer, theologian

“We had a chance to see a private, pre-screening of Ben Stein’s
upcoming film, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed. The movie is
powerful…shocking….intense….humorous at times….well worth
seeing. This message must be given to the next generation or
else….”

-Jack Brown, CEO, Capitol Prayer

“Something we all need to ask ourselves in life is ‘What am I here
for?’ You know, if we are just ‘lucky mud’ then these questions
don’t mean much at all. But there is a God and he did create us. So
if the Ben Stein movie is asking these questions and if somebody is
keeping us from finding out the great answers to the great
questions - then maybe they are more than just questions. Maybe
they are questions with eternal consequences.”

-Peter Furler, lead singer, The Newsboys

“It is rare to find a movie that is entertaining, educational and
motivational, but that is exactly what you get with Ben Stein’s
documentary, EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed. Ben puts on his
sneakers and interviews highly qualified scientists, academics and
journalists who have had their careers ruined because they dared to
question the modern day creation story of Darwinian evolution.
Equally revealing are Ben’s interviews with the leading academics
behind the Darwinian establishment such as Richard Dawkins, Daniel
Dennett, William Provine and PZ Myers. This movie only samples the
tip of the iceberg of academic and intellectual persecution in the
land of “freedom” and may trigger a cultural revolution as more
people are emboldened to tell their story and make a stand.”

-Dennis Wagner, Executive Director Access Research Network

“Finally, someone has exposed the head-in-the-sand reaction of
mainstream academia when it comes to intellectual honesty and the
theological implications of modern science. This film is a
wonderfully crafted gift to this needy culture. My only regret is
that I didn’t make this film!”

-Ed Flanagan, Manitou Motion Picture Company, Ltd.

“I want to thank you for your film, EXPELLED: No Intelligence
Allowed. I appreciate that you took a thoughtful and sometimes
humorous look at a very serious issue. In the cultural debate,
there are few things more important than our concept of the origin
of life, yet this very topic is suffering from the tyranny of
censorship and honest argumentation and has been expelled from the
classrooms and laboratories. Honest people have no fear of the
truth. Your movie raises the question, “Why would there be such
opposition to the idea of Intelligent Design?” For those who
rejoice in the truth, there is nothing to lose! If ID is wrong, a
healthy debate will point out its errors and if there are holes in
Darwin’s theories, then an honest critique will only bring us
closer to the truth. EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed is a great
first step in tearing down the wall and bringing honest, vigorous
debate back to the academies.”

-Curtis Martin, President-Fellowship of Catholic University Students

]]> By: seekue http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-248 seekue Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:57:15 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-248 The Dawkins' review: http://richarddawkins.net/article,2394,Lying-for-Jesus,Richard-Dawkins The Dawkins’ review:
http://richarddawkins.net/article,2394,Lying-for-Jesus,Richard-Dawkins

]]> By: doug http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-244 doug Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:39:29 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-244 I sent Michael Shermer a link to this blog. Though I realise that I have little to say on the topic relative to those who were actually in the film, I felt I should make him aware of Expelled's suspicious defensiveness, as its promoters have worked hard to attribute this very attitude to their "neo-Darwinist" interviewees. I offered, of course, to type up a report for Skeptic. Shermer, it turns out, is also in the film. He feels that we should refrain from comment until after we've seen the film. I look forward to chatting with him after we have. I assume that we'll hear Dawkins's take fairly soon. I sent Michael Shermer a link to this blog. Though I realise that I have little to say on the topic relative to those who were actually in the film, I felt I should make him aware of Expelled’s suspicious defensiveness, as its promoters have worked hard to attribute this very attitude to their “neo-Darwinist” interviewees. I offered, of course, to type up a report for Skeptic. Shermer, it turns out, is also in the film. He feels that we should refrain from comment until after we’ve seen the film. I look forward to chatting with him after we have. I assume that we’ll hear Dawkins’s take fairly soon.

]]> By: seekue http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-243 seekue Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:51:34 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-243 PZ Myers is Expelled from Expelled http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/03/expelled.php [snippet] "I went to attend a screening of the creationist propaganda movie, Expelled, a few minutes ago. Well, I tried … but I was Expelled! It was kind of weird — I was standing in line, hadn't even gotten to the point where I had to sign in and show ID, and a policeman pulled me out of line and told me I could not go in. I asked why, of course, and he said that a producer of the film had specifically instructed him that I was not to be allowed to attend. The officer also told me that if I tried to go in, I would be arrested. I assured him that I wasn't going to cause any trouble." ... "They singled me out and evicted me, but they didn't notice my guest. They let him go in escorted by my wife and daughter. I guess they didn't recognize him. My guest was … Richard Dawkins. He's in the theater right now, watching their movie." PZ Myers is Expelled from Expelled
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/03/expelled.php
[snippet]
“I went to attend a screening of the creationist propaganda movie, Expelled, a few minutes ago. Well, I tried … but I was Expelled! It was kind of weird — I was standing in line, hadn’t even gotten to the point where I had to sign in and show ID, and a policeman pulled me out of line and told me I could not go in. I asked why, of course, and he said that a producer of the film had specifically instructed him that I was not to be allowed to attend. The officer also told me that if I tried to go in, I would be arrested. I assured him that I wasn’t going to cause any trouble.”

…

“They singled me out and evicted me, but they didn’t notice my guest. They let him go in escorted by my wife and daughter. I guess they didn’t recognize him. My guest was …

Richard Dawkins.

He’s in the theater right now, watching their movie.”

]]> By: Fitz http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-242 Fitz Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:16:37 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-242 "All three are Jewish." I suppose using Jewish individuals will make things more acceptable then if they brought out the Unification Church devotees. Honestly, I don't know why they don't bring in the Scientologists. For years they ran their anti-Darwin "Man is Just and Animal!" Dianetics commercial in the US, way ahead of the ID folks. Oh right...Moonies and Scientos won't go over with the Choir as well as a few Jewish people would...I keep forgetting. “All three are Jewish.”

I suppose using Jewish individuals will make things more acceptable then if they brought out the Unification Church devotees.

Honestly, I don’t know why they don’t bring in the Scientologists. For years they ran their anti-Darwin “Man is Just and Animal!” Dianetics commercial in the US, way ahead of the ID folks.

Oh right…Moonies and Scientos won’t go over with the Choir as well as a few Jewish people would…I keep forgetting.

]]> By: doug http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-238 doug Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:57:01 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-238 Sorry I've been away so long. Charles - your proposed approach to teaching science following an introduction to the Philosophy of Science from, it appears, medieval to modern times - with medievalism still in conflict with Science's advance - seems non-controversial, but I had thought that you were originally proposing that "inherent purpose" be taught as fact? To update you all on the film in question: I received a mass email to all media, from the production company, of an article written about the film (which I share with you all below). Apparently, this is the type of "journalism" the good people of Motive are looking for: By Jack Cashill Executive Editor of Ingram’s Magazine A rousing SRO preview on Tuesday of the new Ben Stein documentary, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, brought a Kansas City audience to its feet. And with good cause. Stein’s often funny, always engaging frontal assault on the oppressive neo-Darwinist establishment is arguably the smartest and most sophisticated documentary ever produced on the right side of the cultural divide, on any subject, ever. As such, Expelled represents still another blow to the progressive orthodoxy of government-issued science in its winter of discontent. The winter started early when in November two separate labs, one in Wisconsin, one in Japan, announced the breakthrough discovery that adult skin cells can be reprogrammed to mimic embryonic stem cells. Just two years earlier, the elfin journalist Chris Mooney had likened adult stem cell research to creationism and assured the readers of his best seller, The Republican War on Science, that this “dogma” had been "resoundingly rejected by researchers actually working in the field." As the winter rolled on, and as all four major global temperature tracking outlets showed a precipitous drop in annual global temperature, and as snow fell in Baghdad for the first time in recorded history, only Al Gore remained in meltdown. Meanwhile, on a seemingly daily basis, the neo-Luddites from the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front have been putting a distinctly left wing face on the “war on science,” in this case a real war on real scientists. And into this breach, armed with his trademark tennies and bemused grin, marches Ben Stein, America’s only economist/ presidential speechwriter turned comic actor. The producers at Premise Media could not have recruited a better on-screen presence. Although the role Stein plays has been compared to the one Michael Moore plays in his film, the Stein persona is conspicuously brighter and more benign. Nor do Stein and his producers resort to the kind of editing that make Moore movies something other than documentaries. In Bowling For Columbine , for instance, Moore cobbles together five different parts of NRA honcho Charlton Heston’s Denver speech a week after Columbine. Moore then inserts into the mix a “cold, dead hands” remark from a speech Heston gave a year later. In the process Moore turn Heston’s conciliatory Denver address into a provocative call to arms. This isn’t film making. This is fraud. Stein resorts to no such tricks. He gives certain interview subjects all the time and all the rope they need to hang themselves, unedited. One highlight among many is Stein’s one-on-one interview with Richard Dawkins, the dashing Brit who has made a small fortune as the world’s most visible neo-Darwinist. To his credit, and to the utter discomfort of the public education establishment, Dawkins does not shy from discussing the atheistic implications of Darwinism. Indeed, Dawkin’s anti-deity call to arms, The God Delusion, has sold more than a million copies worldwide. Where Dawkins wanders into a black hole of his own making is in his discussion of the origins of life on earth. To Stein’s astonishment, Dawkins concedes that life might indeed have a designer but that designer almost assuredly was a more highly evolved being from another planet, not “God.” Stein does not respond. He does not need to. For the past hour of the film, the audience has met one scientist after another whose academic careers have been derailed for daring to suggest the possibility of intelligent design. If only they had thought to put the designer on another planet! The choice of Stein as narrator is inspired for another reason. That reason becomes most apparent when he and two “creationist” allies, mathematician David Berlinski and nuclear physicist Gerald Schroeder, visit a remnant of the Berlin Wall, the central metaphor of the film. At the wall, the three discuss the value of freedom, the central idea of the film, and the need for the same in science. The audience has already met Berlinski, an amusingly sophisticated American living in Paris. The audience has seen less of Schroeder, but he is wearing a yarmulke. All three are Jewish. Indeed, it would be hard to imagine any three individuals on the planet who less resemble the Inherit the Wind stereotype that Darwinists have been scaring soccer moms with for the last half century. Expelled opens nationwide on April 18th. The neo-Darwinists and their allies in the major media will do their best to kill it. Co-producer Mark Mathis tells me that two network news producers have already chosen not to cover the film because it was “biased,” unlike, say, the much-covered Fahrenheit 911. The producers have contracted with the same firm that marketed Mel Gibson’s The Passion to get the word out. They will use much the same strategy. Central to this strategy is the creation of a powerful buzz and a strong enough opening weekend to catch Hollywood’s attention and hold it. Put April 18 on your calendars. Bring the kids. You won’t be disappointed. Sorry I’ve been away so long.
Charles - your proposed approach to teaching science following an introduction to the Philosophy of Science from, it appears, medieval to modern times - with medievalism still in conflict with Science’s advance - seems non-controversial, but I had thought that you were originally proposing that “inherent purpose” be taught as fact?

To update you all on the film in question: I received a mass email to all media, from the production company, of an article written about the film (which I share with you all below). Apparently, this is the type of “journalism” the good people of Motive are looking for:

By Jack Cashill
Executive Editor of Ingram’s Magazine
A rousing SRO preview on Tuesday of the new Ben Stein documentary, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, brought a Kansas City audience to its feet.

And with good cause. Stein’s often funny, always engaging frontal assault on the oppressive neo-Darwinist establishment is arguably the smartest and most sophisticated documentary ever produced on the right side of the cultural divide, on any subject, ever.

As such, Expelled represents still another blow to the progressive orthodoxy of government-issued science in its winter of discontent.

The winter started early when in November two separate labs, one in Wisconsin, one in Japan, announced the breakthrough discovery that adult skin cells can be reprogrammed to mimic embryonic stem cells.

Just two years earlier, the elfin journalist Chris Mooney had likened adult stem cell research to creationism and assured the readers of his best seller, The Republican War on Science, that this “dogma” had been “resoundingly rejected by researchers actually working in the field.”

As the winter rolled on, and as all four major global temperature tracking outlets showed a precipitous drop in annual global temperature, and as snow fell in Baghdad for the first time in recorded history, only Al Gore remained in meltdown.

Meanwhile, on a seemingly daily basis, the neo-Luddites from the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front have been putting a distinctly left wing face on the “war on science,” in this case a real war on real scientists.

And into this breach, armed with his trademark tennies and bemused grin, marches Ben Stein, America’s only economist/ presidential speechwriter turned comic actor. The producers at Premise Media could not have recruited a better on-screen presence.

Although the role Stein plays has been compared to the one Michael Moore plays in his film, the Stein persona is conspicuously brighter and more benign.

Nor do Stein and his producers resort to the kind of editing that make Moore movies something other than documentaries.

In Bowling For Columbine , for instance, Moore cobbles together five different parts of NRA honcho Charlton Heston’s Denver speech a week after Columbine.

Moore then inserts into the mix a “cold, dead hands” remark from a speech Heston gave a year later. In the process Moore turn Heston’s conciliatory Denver address into a provocative call to arms.

This isn’t film making. This is fraud.

Stein resorts to no such tricks. He gives certain interview subjects all the time and all the rope they need to hang themselves, unedited.

One highlight among many is Stein’s one-on-one interview with Richard Dawkins, the dashing Brit who has made a small fortune as the world’s most visible neo-Darwinist.

To his credit, and to the utter discomfort of the public education establishment, Dawkins does not shy from discussing the atheistic implications of Darwinism.

Indeed, Dawkin’s anti-deity call to arms, The God Delusion, has sold more than a million copies worldwide. Where Dawkins wanders into a black hole of his own making is in his discussion of the origins of life on earth.

To Stein’s astonishment, Dawkins concedes that life might indeed have a designer but that designer almost assuredly was a more highly evolved being from another planet, not “God.”

Stein does not respond. He does not need to. For the past hour of the film, the audience has met one scientist after another whose academic careers have been derailed for daring to suggest the possibility of intelligent design.

If only they had thought to put the designer on another planet!

The choice of Stein as narrator is inspired for another reason. That reason becomes most apparent when he and two “creationist” allies, mathematician David Berlinski and nuclear physicist Gerald Schroeder, visit a remnant of the Berlin Wall, the central metaphor of the film.

At the wall, the three discuss the value of freedom, the central idea of the film, and the need for the same in science. The audience has already met Berlinski, an amusingly sophisticated American living in Paris.

The audience has seen less of Schroeder, but he is wearing a yarmulke. All three are Jewish.

Indeed, it would be hard to imagine any three individuals on the planet who less resemble the Inherit the Wind stereotype that Darwinists have been scaring soccer moms with for the last half century.

Expelled opens nationwide on April 18th. The neo-Darwinists and their allies in the major media will do their best to kill it.

Co-producer Mark Mathis tells me that two network news producers have already chosen not to cover the film because it was “biased,” unlike, say, the much-covered Fahrenheit 911.

The producers have contracted with the same firm that marketed Mel Gibson’s The Passion to get the word out. They will use much the same strategy.

Central to this strategy is the creation of a powerful buzz and a strong enough opening weekend to catch Hollywood’s attention and hold it.

Put April 18 on your calendars. Bring the kids. You won’t be disappointed.

]]> By: Fitz http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-234 Fitz Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:40:10 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/25/expulsion/#comment-234 "Are you familiar with Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions? Science has a significant record of “proving” scientists’ assumptions/interpretations and declaring them to be absolute truths, until the next “truth” comes along. " If that was the conclusion that you drew from reading Kuhn, you might want to re-read his work. The core of Kuhn's argument was that method of observation tends to dictate the kinds of results likely to comef rom such observations and that when methods of observation change for a given scientific field it tends to revolutionize how that field views its subject matter. "'Whatever the fuck I want by whatever means I can get it' worked well for Anton Lavey" That's a pretty gross mischaracterization of Dead Tony's viewpoint. “Are you familiar with Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions? Science has a significant record of “proving” scientists’ assumptions/interpretations and declaring them to be absolute truths, until the next “truth” comes along. ”

If that was the conclusion that you drew from reading Kuhn, you might want to re-read his work.

The core of Kuhn’s argument was that method of observation tends to dictate the kinds of results likely to comef rom such observations and that when methods of observation change for a given scientific field it tends to revolutionize how that field views its subject matter.

“‘Whatever the fuck I want by whatever means I can get it’ worked well for Anton Lavey”

That’s a pretty gross mischaracterization of Dead Tony’s viewpoint.

]]>