EXPELLED the tip of the iceberg

_{William Dembski

April 15, 2008

Expelled}

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Here’s an excerpt from a news story about EXPELLED. The excerpt describes one of a multitude of cases that didn’t make it into the movie. It will be interesting to see what happens when more and more people like this come forward:

. . . These incidents do not count the number of other scientists and professors who feel the need to hide their convictions in order to survive in the academy. For example, David Klinghoffer, writing for Townhall Magazine on February 26, 2008, reveals the following true story:

A biologist I know recently bleached his hair and changed his appearance in other ways so as to be almost unrecognizable. I’m being deliberately vague about his looks and identity because he was going undercover. When I last saw him, he was ready for a stint of researching and lab work on intelligent design at a university that he declined to name. On returning to the lab after winter break, he said he would adopt a different disguise?.

The purpose is to avoid being spotted by scientists hostile to intelligent design (ID). If Darwinists realized that this stealthy biologist was working in their midst, as the guest of a professor at the same university, they could make that host professor pay a heavy career price.

Welcome to the underground world of Darwin-doubting scientists, who say they fear for their professional future. The challenges faced by these academic nonconformists have implications that go far beyond the faculty lounge. . . .

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Comments

Guys, guys! I don't personally know the individuals involved in the story, nor the details of their situations, nor am I in a position of authority over them, so of course I can't and shouldn't "pass judgment" on them. I was merely using the story as a springboard to remind my fellow Christians of a couple of general principles we don't want to lose sight of. Specifically, I think we should teach our children that, in the absence of extreme and unusual extenuating circumstances: 1. It is morally wrong to dissemble in order to keep or promote one's position in the world. 2. It is morally wrong to dissemble in order to maintain or further one's research. Can I get an "Amen!" to that, brothers and sisters?Gerry Rzeppa_{April 16, 2008
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I have no objection to all this Christian theologising but I am moved to say that (i) one of the theoretical cornerstones of ID is that religion has got nothing to do with it, and (ii) some of us (well, me, at least) who visit UD are not religious. As such, I personally find it all a bit irrelevant and distracting.duncan_{April 16, 2008
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Well, the Bible does tell us in fact that we need to make judgment. I wouldn't pile on with the "don't judge others" line. But, we are advised not to judge too quickly, either. As for not casting the first stone, that wasn't judgment, that was the penalty, the sentencing for the judgment. Jesus was saying that we, as sinners, didn't have a moral enough high ground to condemn. He still told the woman to leave her life of sin, however. I very much agree with Gerry and the concept of not entangling yourself/ourselves with the world and it's economy. I believe, however, that how that is to be carried out, over the course of every step we take on this narrow path, isn't written in stone. I believe the narrow path is finer than a razor's edge, yet, in the Spirit, we can freely dance upon that edge as if it were infinitely wide.Brent_{April 16, 2008
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Hi Gerry, Thanks for your response and your merited thoughts. My first follow-up has already been asked by Brent. And perhaps you already answered it. There is no reason to think that the scientist is a Christian. Second, even if he is a Christian, exposing his ID leanings is not necessary even if he is upfront about his Christian beliefs. There is no reason he must disclose his information at his own peril. Rather than disclose his location Paul escaped Damascus out a window. And rather than be stoned prematurely Jesus slipped through the crowd in Galilee. When He healed he charged that the leper man tell nobody. Did the allies owe Hitler a heads up before D-Day? Were they immoral to send him deceptive information about their plans? Christians are supposed to spread the Word to all nations. What would you suggest a Christian do who feels moved to preach in a nation where it is illegal for him to do so - write the government a letter expressing his intent and then announce his presence when he arrives at the border? Or might he enter the country without announcement? While I agree with your sentiment I must disagree on a point or two more:
The end does not justify the means. It is not right to do evil that good may come of it. No matter how important one perceives his position or his research to be, lying to maintain or advance that position or research is just plain wrong. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
1) The end very well can justify the means. It is evil to kill but not to preserve innocent lives. 2) It may be more evil to leave a lie hidden than to lie to expose it. 3) You've left off part of that commandment. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Your conviction about how you live your life is noble and Biblical, but it is also BIblical that you are not the one to judge how others ought to live theirs. Sorry to be piling on here, but I think there is a time when stealth is appropriate and Christ-like. Anyway, the researcher in question doesn't owe his colleagues a full accounting of his time spent away from them, does he?Charlie_{April 16, 2008
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Gerry I'm no religious expert but a couple of things I recall from somewhere seem to be relevant to your general behavior. Judge not lest ye be judged. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Maybe you should do a little less preaching and a little more practicing. By the way, is your question for Dawkins "Do you know enough to come in out of the rain?" You're starting to look a little wet yourself. DaveScot_{April 16, 2008
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Bill I understand that Premise has what they called "8 hours of solid gold" which had to be reduced to 90 minutes of documentary footage. The DVD release won't have a 90 minute restriction. I suspect a lot of that gold will be leveraged to sell the DVD even to people who already saw Expelled in a theater.DaveScot_{April 16, 2008
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Gerry - like the Pharisee's of old, you are over your head on judging this one.alan_{April 16, 2008
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Gerry: Wise as serpents, gentle as doves ... Why do you classify this as evil action? I struggle with that. Who said that this individual was trying to protect his own hide? Apparently he was trying to protect someone else's. Who said this scientist was a Christian? Are all I.D. researchers born again believers? Apparently angels go undercover; we have the opportunity to entertain them unawares. I'm seriously into black and white, Gerry, but I think there are some cases where it's wise to hold onto that brush a moment or two before applying. Perhaps this is one of those times?Brent_{April 16, 2008
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Charlie asks, "Is it morally right for a cop to go undercover?" If he's a Christian, I don't think so. As a Christian his job is to make disciples of all nations, love his wife, his kids, fellow believers, neighbors, etc. It's certainly not his responsibility to take up a career that requires frequent and sustained lying to assist the secular government in the management of the unregenerate. And if he's not a Christian, the only advice I have for him is to become one. Charlie asks, "Is it morally right for an employee to blow the whistle on a corrupt company?" If he's a Christian, it's clearly his responsibility not to be part of such a company. And if the established government requires his testimony against them, it's his duty to give it. But again, it's not our job, as Christians, to "fix the world" except by the approved method -- one soul at a time. Charlie further asks, "What is the moral obligation in throwing yourself under the bus unnecessarily?" None, of course, if you really meant "unnecessarily". In fact, Christians are prohibited such acts. One may choose to "lay down his life for his friends" as an act of love, however. But I suspect you're speaking of a metaphorical bus, and so... Charlie continues, "...Especially if it results in your inability to do the good work required?" The end does not justify the means. It is not right to do evil that good may come of it. No matter how important one perceives his position or his research to be, lying to maintain or advance that position or research is just plain wrong. Thou shalt not bear false witness.Gerry Rzeppa_{April 16, 2008
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Hi Gerry, Why would it not be? Is it morally right for a cop to go undercover, for an employee to blow the whistle on a corrupt company, or for an anonymous tipster to report a crime? What is the moral obligation in throwing yourself under the bus unnecessarily? Especially if it results in your inability to do the good work required?Charlie_{April 16, 2008
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Apollos says, "Did you really just play the “brother” card?" I didn't realize it was a "card". Or that this was a game. I take the Body of Christ seriously. And I think there are serious issues here, as well. "Religious moralizing" is taking place on both sides. Consider just two questions in the context of this thread and I think you'll see what I mean: 1. Is it morally right to dissemble to protect one's career? 2. Is it morally right to dissemble to advance a cause, such as intelligent design research?Gerry Rzeppa_{April 16, 2008
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LOL :lol: Gerry, did you really just play the "brother" card?Apollos_{April 16, 2008
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Dr. Dembski says, "I know the case in question, and it is a matter of getting the ID research done in a hostile environment." You obviously have me at a disadvantage. Are there are no other means of getting said research accomplished? Is said research is important enough to justify "hiding one's convictions"? Say "yes" twice and I'll take your word for it. Or better, write me privately with the facts so we can discuss the matter on level ground. But there's really no need to threaten a brother like that.Gerry Rzeppa_{April 15, 2008
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Gerry: Watch the religious moralizing -- I have very little patience for it. I know the case in question, and it is a matter of getting the ID research done in a hostile environment.William Dembski_{April 15, 2008
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"...scientists and professors who feel the need to hide their convictions in order to survive in the academy." It sounds like these guys value an unequal yoke with unbelievers more than friendship with their own consciences. Our best moral decisions are made when we leave the consequences entirely in God's hands.Gerry Rzeppa_{April 15, 2008
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"So much for standing up for one’s beliefs." Loose the battle to win the war. Jesus probably didn't believe that mere thieves should be crucified, but he was on a mission. My wife describes it as going with the stream, around the boulders, and not trying to make the boulder move out of the way for your canoe. Of course, I just try to move the boulders (and what's a tiny boulder vis-a-vis a little faith?) But we all have our different talents.William Wallace_{April 15, 2008
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"The purpose is to avoid being spotted by scientists hostile to intelligent design." So much for standing up for one's beliefs.Gerry Rzeppa_{April 15, 2008
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I can't wait until Friday. I am trying to find a backup baby sitter as our first choice has prior engagements (I think she's going to the film too). The evolander establishment has been so concerned for so long that I expect some of them to go apoplectic Monday morning, when evolander professors might have their hands full.William Wallace_{April 15, 2008
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See this is why the Darwinists are so dangerous to science! It's just like Galileo in the 1500s, but at least the establishment wasn't as established then. Is there any way to see what research this scientist has done without revealing his identity? All the information around this movie has me so excited that there's proof of a designer and I can't wait to see the research and evidence when - hopefully - this movie allows people to start seeing what's out there!Marie_{April 15, 2008
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