Wow...

Last night we went to see the new movie by Ben Stein. It's called "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," and it was a GREAT film. It was a documentary about how those who even mention Intelligent Design as a viable possibility have been treated in recent days. It shows how these people have had drastic measures taken against them as "discipline" for talking about this issue in public colleges and universities. I will stop there in my description of the film in hopes that you will go see it and support it yourself. However, I will tell you how I was affected by what I saw in the movie.

When we left the theatre last night, I felt alot of emotions stirring around inside. I relayed them to Dustin on the way home, and I found that he was having many of the same thoughts that I was having. Listed below are some of those emotions, and some thoughts that we were left thinking, in no particular order.

Shock: I could not believe that we have dropped so low as a nation. I don't know why I was so shocked by this realization, but I was. It is really amazing that people have such disdain for God, and that they can be so ignorant of the signs that are right in front of them!

Fear: This could also go under "Shock," but it was really scary to see how our freedoms are being limited in the world today. College professors are free to discuss evolution, and even the religious opinions of other religions, but if their comments take any tendencies toward the idea that there could have been a designer, they are disciplined, fired, or warned at the very least. There are limitations on where we can pray, on where we can post the Ten Commandments, and now on what scientific possibilities we can discuss in reference to the origin of the world. I wonder what this world will be like during my children's generation... a scary thought.

Sadness: I am sad that so many people are living without a relationship with God. It was heart-wrenching to hear these people speak with such assurance of a ridiculous and unproven idea like evolution. It was terrible to see the anger in their eyes and hear the hatred in their voices when they spoke about God or the idea of Intelligent Design. It was interesting, though, that the evolutionists were to ones who got really angry, but the Creationists all spoke calmly and confidently.

Anger: I really had control my anger in a few parts of the movie. I was squirming in my chair when Richard Dawkins (an atheist and evolutionist) read a quote from his book about his opinion of God. God gave him life, breath, health, family, and so much more, yet Dawkins denies God's existence and curses even the idea of Him.

Thankfulness: During those angry moments I was feeling thankful for the justice of God. I was happy that one day Richard Dawkins and the other atheists will KNOW that God exists, and that judgement day will not be a happy day for them. But then I realized that my sin is just as ugly as theirs. I am just as guilty of disobedience to God in many areas of my life, and I only have hope because Jesus Christ covered my sin with His blood. So my thankfulness for justice changed to thankfulness for forgiveness and redemption.

Conviction: I am so glad that Ben Stein is making such a bold move. This message is desperately needed in our world. It inspired me to do my part in raising awareness of this issue, but my platform is so small compared to Mr. Stein's. But then I was convicted of how little I take opportunities to share what Jesus has done for me. I may not be able to reach millions, or even hundreds, but I have no excuse for keeping my joy to myself.

In conclusion, I hope that all of you will go and give this movie your support. It is worth watching several times, and I'm looking forward to seeing it again!