Comments for THE PROCESS IS... http://www.process.org/discept conversation and contention, for your attention Fri, 16 May 2008 20:01:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 Comment on The Empty Safe by greyling http://www.process.org/discept/2008/03/24/the-empty-safe/#comment-529 greyling Wed, 14 May 2008 10:53:32 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/03/24/the-empty-safe/#comment-529 I dated a stage magician once, and learned far more than i ever expected about the art.One thing that i can say for this very hard-working bunch: they're totally honest about deceiving you. It's actually part of the mystique. You know they're putting you on, they SAY they're putting you on, and yet... without some knowledge of exactly WHERE the switch is happening, or the bird is concealed, or the magnet is placed... our brains are hardwired to follow the flow and are surprised every time when something new happens. I think of it as experiencing first-hand the brain's predilictions and lazinesses. I think of religion with the same respect, having read too many times Ana-Maria Rizutto's Birth of the Living God. Yeah, we know it's man-made. And the best practitioners will TELL you it's man-made. And then you find yourself in the darkness, talking to transitional representations, and it still works. Or else they don't tell you that it's man-made, and i spend the next two hours watching them and gleefully pointing out where the tricks are to nearby members of the audience as a petty revenge. (Warning: Catholics don't seem to mind this early as much as evangelical baptists. Be careful about doing this in church.) I dated a stage magician once, and learned far more than i ever expected about the art.One thing that i can say for this very hard-working bunch: they’re totally honest about deceiving you. It’s actually part of the mystique. You know they’re putting you on, they SAY they’re putting you on, and yet… without some knowledge of exactly WHERE the switch is happening, or the bird is concealed, or the magnet is placed… our brains are hardwired to follow the flow and are surprised every time when something new happens.

I think of it as experiencing first-hand the brain’s predilictions and lazinesses.

I think of religion with the same respect, having read too many times Ana-Maria Rizutto’s Birth of the Living God. Yeah, we know it’s man-made. And the best practitioners will TELL you it’s man-made. And then you find yourself in the darkness, talking to transitional representations, and it still works.

Or else they don’t tell you that it’s man-made, and i spend the next two hours watching them and gleefully pointing out where the tricks are to nearby members of the audience as a petty revenge. (Warning: Catholics don’t seem to mind this early as much as evangelical baptists. Be careful about doing this in church.)

]]> Comment on The Empty Safe by doug http://www.process.org/discept/2008/03/24/the-empty-safe/#comment-432 doug Mon, 05 May 2008 05:06:18 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/03/24/the-empty-safe/#comment-432 Fitz, This is beautiful information, and I hope to find myself in Manhattan soon enough. I will report on it here. I agree with you in regards to occultism. Using practises of occultism can, I believe, be useful as frames-of-reference, maps. Of course, by and large, it is a refuge for those who hopelessly confuse maps for their territories. Fitz,
This is beautiful information, and I hope to find myself in Manhattan soon enough. I will report on it here.
I agree with you in regards to occultism. Using practises of occultism can, I believe, be useful as frames-of-reference, maps. Of course, by and large, it is a refuge for those who hopelessly confuse maps for their territories.

]]> Comment on Unintelligence: “Expelled” Reviewed by teresa http://www.process.org/discept/2008/04/27/unintelligence-expelled-reviewed/#comment-430 teresa Sat, 03 May 2008 19:08:48 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/04/27/unintelligence-expelled-reviewed/#comment-430 Ironically enough, Stein breeches the ID campaign on many accounts by simply naming God. The only, regardless of its credibility, claim ID has in public schools and Universities is that of design and designer without implying a supreme being. Ironically enough, Stein breeches the ID campaign on many accounts by simply naming God. The only, regardless of its credibility, claim ID has in public schools and Universities is that of design and designer without implying a supreme being.

]]> Comment on Fear by christina http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/15/fear/#comment-427 christina Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:34:20 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/15/fear/#comment-427 People in various positions in our lives can turn a profit using our fear against us. And not just a monetary profit, they use us[our response to fear] for their own ends. Reading the recountings of a former soldier, he described how having fear always gave him that extra edge . Fear has been a huge enemy in my life. I have let it take so much of my time and energy. Be a friend to yourself, I say. There is no pain like your own... People in various positions in our lives can turn a profit using our fear against us. And not just a monetary profit, they use us[our response to fear] for their own ends. Reading the recountings of a former soldier, he described how having fear always gave him that extra edge . Fear has been a huge enemy in my life. I have let it take so much of my time and energy. Be a friend to yourself, I say. There is no pain like your own…

]]> Comment on Fear by Thomas Stacey http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/15/fear/#comment-375 Thomas Stacey Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:53:05 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/02/15/fear/#comment-375 I am afraid of what happens after death. I think about it a lot. I think an individual's answer to that question defines how they live their lives. I am struggling to explore this fear through art. I am afraid of what happens after death. I think about it a lot. I think an individual’s answer to that question defines how they live their lives. I am struggling to explore this fear through art.

]]> Comment on Expulsion 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.

]]> Comment on Expulsion 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.

]]> Comment on The Erosion of Quality by Shapka http://www.process.org/discept/2008/01/08/the-erosion-of-quality/#comment-349 Shapka Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:01:48 +0000 http://www.process.org/discept/2008/01/08/the-erosion-of-quality/#comment-349 Sames' true of everything, dude. Anymore, it seems like the more you pay for a thing, the worse you got suckered, and that really <I>does</I> pertain to "value." Not "cultural values," as I do believe that a person <I>can</I> be cultured and never attend an Opera-- but the <I>value</I> attached to GETTING WHAT YOU PAID FOR. If you spend 400.00 USD on the Opera, you should get 400.00 USD worth of Opera. In a Real Glass. Sames’ true of everything, dude. Anymore, it seems like the more you pay for a thing, the worse you got suckered, and that really does pertain to “value.”

Not “cultural values,” as I do believe that a person can be cultured and never attend an Opera– but the value attached to GETTING WHAT YOU PAID FOR. If you spend 400.00 USD on the Opera, you should get 400.00 USD worth of Opera.

In a Real Glass.

]]> Comment on Expulsion 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.

]]> Comment on Expulsion 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

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