Dawkins crashes screening of Expelled

By Barb Anderson

Ben Stein, known for the catchphrase “Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?” in the 1986 movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, is challenging the elitist academic establishment for attacking our freedom of speech in the documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. He is willing to sound the alarm, but he needs your help.

Just as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off dealt with rebellion, this time Ben Stein is encouraging students to rebel against Big Science and the academic suppression of anyone who questions Darwinism—including scientists and college professors who are sympathetic to intelligent design (ID). This groundbreaking documentary makes shocking and profound points about how professors and scientists who dare to disagree are being silenced, penalized and removed from academic posts.

On Thursday, March 20th, 2008, a private, invitation only showing was held at the AMC Theater at the Mall of America. In this revealing documentary, viewers learned about scientific evidence that questions the claims of Darwin, heard from scientists who are being silenced for questioning Darwinism, and listened to the views of several of the world’s best-known atheists who appear in the documentary. Professor Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist from Oxford University and author of The God Delusion, was given considerable video footage in the film to present his anti-God views.

At the conclusion of the documentary, Associate Producer Mark Mathis took questions from the audience. Audience members were surprised when Richard Dawkins himself, stood up in the middle of the theater, was visibly angry, and accused the producer of expelling Professor Myers (a biology professor at the University of Minnesota who also appeared in the film) from the March 20th showing. Dawkins, apparently himself a gate crasher, complained that he had been duped into being a part of this movie, and that his comments were taken out of context.

Mathis calmly and respectfully replied that Dr. Myers was not expelled from the movie—that this event was a private showing by invitation only. He observed that Dr. Myers is welcome to attend the movie on opening weekend in April when he can purchase a ticket like everyone else.

Mathis also reminded Professor Dawkins that he had been thoroughly informed of the premise of the film, was given ample time on camera to express his views, and that he was also given a “healthy check” to appear in the movie. Mathis openly expressed his respect for the intelligence of Dr. Dawkins, however, he added, “Sir, you do have one blind spot—God!”

True science does not function well with blinders. The freedom to view and discuss new ideas makes it possible to reject outdated concepts and advance better ones. For those who have dared to challenge political correctness and have been attacked for doing so, this fast-paced, entertaining documentary just might be a dam breaker.

Apparently, Expelled has been well received as it landed in the Top 10 box office money-makers in it’s opening weekend April 18th. You will love this movie and at the same time you can be a part of making positive change in the culture by supporting this film and its message. Help Ben Stein sound the alarm!