What is Freedom?

So recently I watched "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" at school. I had always wanted to see it but hadn't until now. I have to say it was rather interesting, and disturbing... And it made me think.


Ben Stein reminded us that our country was founded on the principle of "freedom." Freedom from being told what to think and what to worship. And yet, the supposed intellectual society blacklists and belittles those who even mention the phrase, "Intelligent Design." They are deemed "intellectual terrorists."

This is a frightening situation. According to Ben Stein, "Science" has become a multi billion-dollar industry that is limiting our academic freedom. Scientists, researchers, and professors are no longer able to pursue truth at any cost. One scientist said he simply wants "the ability to follow the evidence, wherever it leads."

What if it leads to God? What if it leads to Christ?

This is what the powers-that-be in the field of "Science" don't want! And so they put undue pressure on those who dare to ask the question.

Does this sound like "freedom" to you? Is this freedom of religion? Freedom of thought? Freedom of worship?

Interestingly enough, we have come to the opposite side of the pendulum-swing than we were at before. It used to be that "The Church" governed people's thoughts, worship, and levels of education. Those who questioned "The Church" were called heretics, and some were put to death. People wanted the freedom to study and research and find out TRUTH for themselves! They wanted the freedom to worship any God they wanted -- or none, if that was their inclination.

Once given that freedom, they became hypocrites: now THEY are limiting what can be taught in the schools and what type of research Federal grant-money will go to. Now THEY are the ones telling the masses what to think and who (or what) to worship. Those within their cultural sphere who utter the words "Intelligent Design" are called the modern-day equivalent of a heretic (the "intellectual terrorist") and they are put to death professionally.

Those who were oppressed have become the oppressors... And all in the name of Freedom.

So where is the balance? Is there one to be found? What is "freedom"?

A couple of definitions: (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/freedom)
1. Exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
2. the power to exercise choice and make decisions without constraint from within or without; autonomy; self-determination.

What is the nature of "oppression"? (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/oppression)
1. the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.

So what IS the nature of freedom, anyway? Is "freedom" synonomous with "anarchy"? Is it possible, in a fallen world, to have freedom? Will someone always be the oppressed, and someone always be the oppressor? Does freedom for one group eventually lead to oppression for another?

Just some thoughts that came to my mind as I watched this film.

What do YOU think?