BeliefNet reviews Expelled
See also BeliefNet's Idol Chatter ReviewThere may be a good argument to make on behalf of teaching Intelligent Design in science class, but this documentary from Ben Stein does not make it. The movie itself is an example of design by faith and emotion rather than intelligence, defined as rationality grounded in proof. Instead of making a straightforward case for Intelligent Design as a scientific theory, Stein employs misdirection and guilt by very tangential association to try to make his case.
Like many cannonades in the culture wars, "Expelled" is designed to not to scatter the enemy, but to hearten the loyal. After the Potemkin battle is inevitably won, Stein is sure to award himself a gaily ribboned medal. His own peroration is intercut with footage of President Ronald Reagan speaking in Berlin, challenging Gorbachev to "tear down this wall," equating "Expelled" with the fight against Communist oppression and Stein himself to the Great Communicator. If you believe that one, you'll believe we were put here by space aliens.
7 Comments
Frank J · 18 April 2008
Skimming BeliefNet site I see all sorts of religions, but does anyone know if they lean left or right, or are "apolitical"?
The reason I ask is that PT regulars know that I'm tired of reading negative reviews from liberals and atheists, while there are surely many more conservatives and theists who have even more scathing criticisms to offer.
Joe Mc Faul · 18 April 2008
They lean "religiously conservative==Huckabee territoty.
Olorin · 18 April 2008
"See also BeliefNet’s Idol Chatter Review"
Probably unintentional, but hilarious anyway: a religious column has "Idol Chatter"??
me · 18 April 2008
wow
that beliefnet review must be what it looks like when a mother eats her young
skyotter · 18 April 2008
i [heart] Beliefnet
"idol chatter" is quite intentional, i'm sure. they have a great sense of humor there
i'd say it's "apolitical", but in my experience there a lot of conservatives don't act happy with Beliefnet's ecumenicalism and science-mindedness, so of course they consider it "lefty"
patrick · 22 April 2008
just saw Expelled... Ben Stein's goal in making Expelled (i gather) is to promote free thought, especially more thinking about motivations that drive American academia and a lot of other behind-the-scenes worldview that we tend to take for granted. not so much a religious goal
american idols · 18 March 2010
After the Potemkin battle is inevitably won, Stein is sure to award himself a gaily ribboned medal.