Ben Stein's Expelled is a must-see movie for Christians.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
 
Applying such a phrase as "must-see" to a film is perilous and borders on hyperbole. Nevertheless, without meaning to overstate the case, I do feel this is a very good film. I say so from an entertainment perspective, but more so for the message with which it challenges viewers.
 
Expelled documents Ben Stein's inquiry into the debate, or lack thereof, surrounding the academic pursuits of the Intelligent Design movement. Stein poses some simple questions asking why it is so bad for scientists, including the most highly credentialed and substantive thinkers in their fields, to ever consider the possibility of an intelligent design agent in their studies. Why, with just the mention of the term "Intelligent Design" is it that so many academicians and other liberally indoctrinated individuals get hysterical, venomous, and desperately frightened? Why do these same people vociferously, uncritically, and unilaterally try to shout down all opposition to their own way of thinking, without ever considering all the evidences presented for consideration?
 
As corollary, Stein asks if scientists, no matter how brilliant, are never allowed to suggest the possibility that evolutionary theory may be flawed how any real science can be conducted. In such an oppressive and ludicrous atmosphere, where all debate is squashed before it can even be aired, how will truth ever be found?
 
In the film these questions are brilliantly juxtaposed to scenes of the Berlin wall, and other atrocities of the Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe. The affect is to underscore how such thinking is antithetical to the entire notion of free speech, free thinking, common sense, and the very basis for the American experiment.
 
While Expelled circles the larger Biblical questions surrounding Intelligent Design, the film can still be considered a tool for pre-evangelism. The reason for this is found in its powerful assault on atheism's greatest tool, Darwinian evolution. Furthermore, Expelled can help teach Christians a strategy for maintaining a biblical worldview without feeling the need to compromise or remain silent.
 
 The key to the strategy is using the well understood principles of free speech for keeping communication lines open while salting biblical truths in our discussions. In other words, since the principles of free speech are already accepted, and expected, as a universal right we should leverage our right to say what needs to be said without apology.
 
Consider the apostle Paul who "opposed him (Peter) to his face" in Antioch. Paul spoke with the freedom of one in Christ. I do not suppose he did so arrogantly or with deliberate offense. Likewise our manner of our speech must still be taken into consideration, but if we can establish a right to speak, like Paul, we have one less battle to fight against those who wish to keep us silent.
 
If you are still put off by the idea of intelligent design, or engaging in debate, let me offer this anecdote to persuade you differently about seeing this film.
 
For a number of years I put off viewing what is now one of my top 10 films, Chariots of Fire.  Initially, I had no interest in seeing the movie because, on the surface, it was about running, which in my opinion is a decidedly monotonous exercise. I was finally persuaded to watch the film, but only as condescension to the woman whom I so dearly love.
 
To my surprise I quickly found myself engrossed in the story. What I had forgotten was that the particular subject matter of any film is but a vehicle for telling a story. In the case of Chariots of Fire the story was so compelling and so well told that the distasteful detail about the running part was completely transcended. In fact, it was such a great film that I came away with an appreciation for running which I never knew I could have.
 
Although I do not want to propose that Expelled is of the same caliber a movie as Chariots of Fire I will venture to say it will hold the attention of an average viewer. Unlike running, there are few people for whom freedom of speech is not important.
 
As an added bonus the producers have captured priceless footage of several high priests of Darwinism floundering in the dark effluence of their own imaginings. What the film makes clear is that those who follow the blind faith of evolution are unable, or unwilling, to answer the most basic questions regarding the tenets of their faith. In response, all they can do is ridicule the truth which points to their own inability to reason with the known facts.
 
So, if you simply want to be entertained, or if you want to be intellectually challenged, this is a film worth seeing.