Check It Out: The Unbelievers

December 16, 2013 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us

 

From a reader

I want to make Revolution readers aware of a documentary film called The Unbelievers. To quote from the movie's website (unbelieversmovie.com):

"The Unbelievers" follows renowned scientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss across the globe as they speak publicly about the importance of science and reason in the modern world—encouraging others to cast off antiquated religious and politically motivated approaches toward important current issues.

The film includes interviews with celebrities and other influential people who support the work of these controversial speakers...

Early in the film, the question is posed: what is more important— to explain science or destroy religion? I won't "spoil" the answer(s) but you get a sense of the approach and attitude of the speakers from that. The celebrities in the film and their perspectives include some surprises.

Especially in these days of enforced ignorance and obscurantism (something the film addresses on some levels) it was very refreshing to hear that discussion, as part of an unflinching promotion of evolution and an exchange over where the universe as we know it, and human beings, came from. I didn't follow all of, or necessarily agree with everything that the featured scientists had to say about the nature of matter in the context of understanding the Big Bang Theory and the origins of the universe, or their specific perspectives on elements of the process through which evolution has developed. I'll be going back to my copy of "The Science of Evolution and The Myth of Creationism, Knowing What's Real—and Why it Matters" by Ardea Skybreak as well as restudying Bob Avakian's piece "'Crises in Physics,' Crises in Philosophy and Politics," with some new questions and perspectives in mind.

The Unbelievers is running now in New York City but you can find out about showings in your area at the film's website. I encourage readers to think about ways to connect the movement for revolution with the audiences that will be attracted to this film. The film itself only very tangentially addresses the ways in which the current oppressive world order enforces, and is reinforced by religion and ignorance. But I'll bet some people who see it will be attracted to a perspective that does address that, and will be attracted to a perspective that appreciates how a fully scientific understanding of the world is essential for the real revolutionary change. So be sure to bring Revolution newspaper and BA Everywhere fundraising materials to the screenings.

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