"Bueller....Bueller..." This was the beginning of a great career by a brilliant mind. By constantly repeating this catchphrase from the 1986 Hughes film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," Ben Stein became a po-culture icon. He then faded to obscurity for about a decade, until he reemerged as Comedy Central's game-show host to the hit show "Win Ben Stein's Money" in 1997. Contestants had to answer tough questions that ranged across a crap-shoot of topics. If the final contestant could answer more questions correctly then Ben Stein, the contestant would win a large sum of Ben Stein's own money. This show continued through 2003, and also jump-started the career of a couple people (Jimmy Kimmel was his co-host through 2001). Since then, he has primarily hung around as the spokesperson for Clear Eyes.
Jump forward to 2008. Ben Stein is re-emerging as a man with a mission. His mission: to call into question the absolute validity of Darwinism. On April 18th, his documentary "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" will debut in select theaters across the globe. In it, Ben Stein will examine the role of Darwinism in the classroom, how it has stamped out unique ideas and suppressed "intelligent design" theories, and has also had a integral role in the Nazi movement and Planned Parenthood.
Ben Stein will bring a slew of special guests, including intelligent design theoricist Willian Dembski and nuclear physicist Gerald Schroeder.
So why am I stating that Ben Stein is my hero? Because it seems as though for the first time in a long time, someone is entering the ring of evolution theory with little to no religious priorities except a balance to both sides. Also, Ben Stein relates information in a almost-purely logical manner, with little to no emotional stance showing. If Christianity is missing one thing, it is the ability to discuss topics of dissention in an academic manner; at least not publicly. Now, I know that's an unfair remark, but when was the last time you saw a Christian debate with non-Christians that was televised other than political cross-fire and the 700 Club? I can't think of any.
Gone are the theologians who are willing to get attacked without attacking back. Gone are the theologians who desire conversation with others of opposite ideas in the name of academic advancement.
I miss the college classrooms for this very reason. Maybe Ben Stein will jump start theological debate in pop-culture. "Intelligent design....Darwin....Bueller...."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Good to have you back! Consider yourself "subscribed to."
Feel free to submit something to Jesus Manifesto as well. I think you could really write something that would strike a chord in the categories of "culture" or "doxis." I finally figured out that I can blog everyday on Recliner Ramblings for my 20 readers, or I can publish things at JM where nearly 2,400 people stop by every week.
To interact with your post, I think this is why many of us "younger evangelicals" have opted into conversation with the Emergent Church, even if we don't buy whole sale into it (although, many do). For many of us, the EC is the only place where questions are constantly raised and deep thinking/conversation occurs. If other streams of the Church did that better, they wouldn't have to be so threatened by the EC.
Glad to have you back.
I take it back. Either my reader isn't working right now (which seems unlikely because google is a machine at getting things fixed) or the feeder on your page isn't quite ready to go.
Which feeder are you using?
Nevermind, we're good to go now.
Mike, thanks for the kind words...and I will probably take you up on the chance to write for JM. I agree that the EC has become the open forum for discussion and deep thought. My only question is how can we make that "safe zone" a reality within denominations and even our local churches?
Jason,
You beautiful man... It was great see a comment from you on my blog. I didn't know you had one. And some good thoughts bud. This is a really interesting post you have here. I like that Stein's taken this upon himself, and especially think it's great that he has little emotion involved in it. Fresh and unbiased perspective is a good thing. I'll definately have to check out the documentary. I hope you're well man. It made my day to hear from you.
Look out for a post on this topic by one of JM's more consistent readers in the next week. He hasn't watched the film, but has read a lot about it and offers his thoughts. He's not a huge fan. Just thought I would give you the heads up.
Post a Comment