Pebble in the Pond

 I watched Ben Stein’s documentary, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. I hardly know where to begin after watching such a direct and stimulating video. In a summary, Stein gathered scientific opinions on Darwinism and the idea of Intelligent Design. Stein starts off the documentary talking about the Freedoms that we have in American and how those freedoms have shaped who the American people are today. He goes on to say that our freedom is being taken away in a sense because the ideas we are getting from media and other electronic sources are being filtered, and to some degrees, suppressed. I had a hard time understanding some of the clip due to very complex ideas and theories that some of the scientist explained. From I understood however, is that today’s world is fraught with the constant “war” between science and religion. From the many scientists interviewed, it seemed that there cannot or should not be a mixture of science or religion.

While I watched many of the scientists’ talk about their alteration to Atheism when beginning to study science in depth, I was saddened and I little defensive at how they described people who believed in a God. The Darwinists’ said that religion should be completely taken out of society or at the very least become a hobby as one would knit. They believed it should be a “side dish” rather than the “main course”. I couldn’t help but think that this is exactly what the adversary wants. He wants us to take God out of everything. Why take away light in an every darkening world? They went on to say that by taking religion out, it would create a utopian society. They compared this to Hitler and what he did in trying to create that “perfect” society. The main thought that I had during the rest of the film is that our Heavenly Father created us. He also made it possible to have families that would center their lives on Christ. What would happen if society took Christ out of the picture? We would be a fallen people. The video made me a little scared for what is to come, if that is what the influential and “educated” people are leaning towards doing and trying to persuade government officials to allow. I know that the family and God are under attack like they never have been before and am grateful Ben Stein closed the video clip by saying that the freedoms we enjoy should not be brushed under the rug, but should be utilized and spoken of. How is this situation going to correct itself if no one will stand up for what they believe is truth? How will I change to better myself and society? I think I can be a pebble in the pond if I am an example to those around me and share my light with others. What will you do? Elder Dallin H. Oaks challenges us to become the best person that we can by becoming truly converted and act in righteousness. I am trying to become the best person I can be so that I may be the best wife I can be to my husband. I am trying to become truly converted in Christ. To become converted is to have entirely changed perspectives and no longer want the life you left behind. My role in my family and future family is essential as is everyone else’s. Strive to be the best you can and don’t just settle for good.

 

 Ben Stein's Video; "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" :http://digitalcampus.swank.com/byui/SDC/Watch.aspx?v=74af2e2ac2b04fde825a471ca5c8b29a

 

 

 

 

Introduction

I am creating this blog for one of my college Family classes. The objective for the class is to gain a deeper understanding of family values through the exploration of The Family: A Proclamation to the World, which was available to the world in 1995 by The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints (link at the bottom). 
Some of the things that I am going to write about are going to be pulled from what I have learned week by week. Some of the principles being taught are: Marriage: Ordained of God, Marriage: Equal Partnership, Preparing for Marriage, Parenting Principles, Parenting Practices, Family Happiness, Special Challenges and Opportunities, and Public Policy and The Family. I will be writing about these particular doctrines in this exact order and am excited to share that through Jesus Christ’s foundational principles, we can have strong, happy, and united families!
The Family: A Proclamation to the World:
(http://www.lds.org/Static20Files/PDF/Manuals/TheFamily_AProclamationToTheWorld_35538_eng.pdf)