I was a bit hesitant to go to the screening of a film you have probably heard of by now—it’s causing quite a stir. I was worried I might not understand it or be able to follow along (it’s about science).

 

But to my utter surprise and enjoyment Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed was not over my head (perhaps I underestimated myself), yet the caliber of those interviewed was undeniable (even those I disagreed with). It introduced me to subjects I am only vaguely familiar with, but the information is presented so well that I was easily able to grasp the message.

 

This film discusses intelligent design at length, but it is about so much more than that. It is about censorship and freedom.

 

Stein also explores the link between Darwinian theory and atrocities committed by its followers such as Adolf Hitler. This part of the film was particularly thought-provoking for me as Stein visits a former concentration camp and “hospital” where mentally and physically handicapped people were gassed. I hated to hear again about what went on at these two places. But what stood out to me was that the woman who worked at the memorial hospital said she didn’t think the “doctors” were crazy or insane. I almost got the feeling that she didn’t want to give those people any “excuse,” if you will, for the horrid things they did.

 

One of my favorite interviews is the one Stein had with Richard Dawkins toward the end of the film. Dawkins is the guy who wrote that “The idea of a personal God is quite alien to me and seems even naive” in The God Delusion comments throughout the documentary. But in this conversation Stein pushes him on his belief in a higher power. After seeing this, I felt a hope that there is still a chance for Dawkins to believe.

 

This documentary, which took two years to make, is so full of information and intelligent banter that it’s hard to just give a glimpse. And as a bonus, this film is also appropriately funny. Go see Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. It might make you mad. But more than anything it will make you think!

 

 

This film is rated PG. The topics and some of the footage make this more appropriate for pre-teen and up.