How to Share Your Faith Using Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Are faith and science truly at odds? If you've ever sat through the average high school biology class you might be inclined to answer that question with a resounding "Yes!" Should they be?
That's the question Ben Stein's upcoming movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" tackles with a mix of deadpan humor and thought-provoking insight. Stein invites you along on his journey as he lays bare the reality that teachers, students and scientists are being silenced and persecuted for the fact that they believe there is evidence of "design" in nature. Stein's inquiries uncover the harsh reality that questioning Darwinian evolution, despite the increasing scientific evidence that challenges the theory and points toward an Intelligent Designer ("God"), is enough to get you ridiculed and sometimes fired.
"Expelled" makes a strong case for challenging the existing academic status quo and demanding that the free exchange of ideas, so highly-valued in other areas of academic inquiry, be extended to the origins of life debate. Stein documents the close-minded treatment many scientists give these new evidences for design. To learn more about these scientific evidences, you can check out Expelled's free leader guide on the movie's website.
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Stein actually captured footage of 'famous' atheist Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, acknowledging that he is more inclined to believe that life originated on earth as a result of a visit from aliens, than to entertain the scientific possibility that an Intelligent Designer could exist. No surprise here, but Dawkins is reportedly a bit upset about how he comes across in the movie…
Why is this whole debate about Intelligent Design even important? Because Scripture tells us the natural world is a billboard for God's existence, if only you have the eyes to see it. Check out these passages from the Bible:
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world (Psalm 19:1-4).
Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:19-20).
The freedom to follow the scientific evidence down whatever road it leads, including the road that points to an Intelligent Designer, is a deep-seated longing in the human soul!
"Expelled" provides a great opportunity for you to engage your unreached friends (particularly those with a bent toward science) in spiritual conversation. So consider buying your friends a ticket to see this movie and plan some God-talk time to debrief after the movie. Here are some ideas to help you launch your conversation:
• Do you think Intelligent Design is a legitimate scientific theory on the origin of life? Why or why not? Listen and share what you believe. For help with this go to http://www.getexpelled.com/leaders.php
• Do you think scientists should have the freedom to follow the scientific evidence wherever it leads? Do you think they currently have that freedom?
• Have you ever had a personal experience where you felt uncomfortable because you believe a Designer had a hand in creating life?
• Does it matter what's taught in schools about this topic? Why or why not?
• Do you think this topic has an impact on how people answer larger questions like "what is the meaning and purpose of life?"
Colossians 1:17 tells us, He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. As a believer, you can have confidence in knowing that the Intelligent Designer holds all creation together. Take the opportunity to you share this Good News with your friends this week.
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Jane Dratz works for Dare 2 Share Ministries in Arvada, Colo., a ministry committed to energizing and equipping teens to know, live, share and own their faith in Jesus. For more information on Dare 2 Share Ministries, please visit www.dare2share.org. Send feedback to jane@dare2share.org.
