EXPELLED: NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED
Funny, insightful and transformational — a documentary worth seeing.
Should You Watch It?
You should see this documentary if you want a funny, forceful defense of academic freedom and rational scientific inquiry. Ben Stein investigates scientists who, according to the film, faced professional consequences after mentioning Intelligent Design or questioning Darwinian explanations. The film also examines the relationship it presents between Darwinism, fascism, Communism, atheism and eugenics.
The filmmaking gives the argument unusual energy. Popular music, dramatic vignettes, documentary footage and Stein’s questioning often produce genuine laughs, while the film’s treatment of Nazi violence and its challenges to atheistic claims can be heart-rending and convincing. The final third, especially Stein’s interview with Richard Dawkins, is described as extraordinarily captivating.
The movie’s perspective is unapologetically clear, and its discussion of violence is difficult in places. For older children through adults, this is worth the trip.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESBen Stein begins with the idea that the United States was built on freedom, then investigates whether academic institutions still protect freedom of thought.
He interviews scientists and professors who say they were expelled or professionally punished after mentioning Intelligent Design or opening discussion beyond Darwinian viewpoints. From there, Stein questions academic administrators, examines historical examples of totalitarianism and eugenics, and explores the origin and complexity of life.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this documentary succeeds both as filmmaking and as persuasion. It is wry, funny and well-crafted, with an effective juxtaposition of popular music, dramatic vignettes, documentary footage and Ben Stein’s quest for truth.
The movie is also heart-rending, convincing and transformational. A few moments allow the tension to relax, but most of the film remains captivating. The final third is especially strong because Stein’s interview with Richard Dawkins gives the documentary a compelling dramatic focus.
The Worldview
The film presents a strongly Judeo-Christian worldview. It offers positive proof of God, positive references to God and Jesus Christ, and a refutation of Darwinism, atheism and what it calls the false philosophies of the age. Its perspective is more theistic from a Jewish perspective.
EXPELLED also argues that Darwinian thinking contributed to National Socialism, Nazi violence, Communism and eugenics. It presents scientists who say that Darwinian education converted them from Christianity to atheism, leaving them to believe that death is the end, free will does not exist and life has no meaning. The film counters these claims by emphasizing rational scientific inquiry and the complexity of the cell.
The documentary’s central conviction is that people should be free to question the existing academic order. That concern aligns with Scripture’s call to seek truth and wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Judeo-Christian worldview with positive proof of God and refutation of Darwinism and atheism and the false philosophies of our age, with positive references to God and Jesus Christ, but more theistic from a Jewish perspective, making a clear link between National Socialism (Nazi), Communism and Darwinism; one “h” word and two references to butt; documentary footage of violence at the Berlin Wall, Nazi violence, concentration camps, piled up bodies, discussions of violence, movie vignettes with slapping, other minor violence, and recreating old 1950s educational instructional movies; no sex; no nudity; no drinking; no smoking; and, nothing else objectionable but the whole movie is eliciting cries of outrage from the pseudo-scientific Darwinian community.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Why does the film connect freedom with the ability to question accepted ideas? How should Christians pursue truth while speaking with humility?
James 1:5 · 1 Peter 3:15The documentary contrasts beliefs that give life meaning with claims that life has no meaning. Where do you find your meaning and hope?
John 10:10 · 1 Peter 1:3–4How should Christians respond when institutions or communities discourage open discussion? What does Scripture say about testing what we hear?
Acts 17:11 · 1 Thessalonians 5:21The film examines the suffering caused by Nazi violence and eugenic ideas. What does the Bible teach about the value of every human life?
Genesis 1:27 · Psalm 139:13–14The Final Word
EXPELLED: NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED is funny, polished and deeply committed to defending academic freedom, faith and rational inquiry. Its difficult historical footage and brief mild content concerns do not outweigh its strong family rating. For older children through adults, WORTH THE TRIP.
