2 of 2

Unlocking introduces crucial figures of the Intelligent Design movement, many of them young scientists offering articulate descriptions of the central issues. Listening to these young researchers, one sees how certain patterns of thought and criticism in Intelligent Design have restructured the entire debate about creation and evolution.

For example, Jonathan Wells of the Discovery Institute, whose book The Icons of Evolution inspired much of the Icons video, is a frequent commentator in both videos. One segment in Unlocking shows philosopher Paul Nelson summarizing the flaws of Darwin's own theory, supplemented by shots of odd birds and reptiles on the Galápagos Islands. Leading Intelligent Design thinker Phillip Johnson makes a few brief comments in Unlocking, but the film devotes more time to his young colleagues Steve Meyer (who helped write the script) and William Dembski.

Icons of Evolution offers its own cameo appearances by important figures. A segment on the Cambrian Explosion, the sudden appearance of dozens of complex animal phyla in ancient rocks with no apparent ancestors, features Dr. Jun-Yuan Chen. This legendary leader of digs in southern China has uncovered many precious Cambrian fossils, and acknowledges that current Darwinian theory is inadequate to explain the new discoveries.

Icons also shows a U.S. Senate debate on whether public schools should present all sides of the evolutionary debate. I will not spoil the surprise of which senator spoke in favor of Rick Santorum's proposal to "teach the controversy."

Icons of Evolution and Unlocking the Mystery of Life tell the story of an old scientific paradigm that clings to power, using bullying tactics that are an inversion of the scientific spirit. Darwinism still rules the classroom, but as these films show, it is now the target of scrutiny and piercing criticism from a growing university-based movement. In this rare case, I would not mind if my students watched the movie rather than reading the book.

Thomas E. Woodward is the founder and director of the C. S. Lewis Society, which holds apologetics seminars on college campuses and in churches. He teaches the history of science, philosophy, and systematic theology at Trinity College of Florida.

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Unlocking the Mystery of Life and Icons of Evolution are available at Christianbook.com, as is the book that inspired Icons of Evolution.

The official sites for Unlocking the Mystery of Life and Icons of Evolution have more information.

Reviewer Thomas E. Woodward is the founder and director of the C.S. Lewis Society.

first page |  2 of 2

share this page

March 2003, Vol. 47, No. 3