Is religion an ideal barometer
of Western values or merely an oppressor of them? The
conclusions set forth in the documentary The Theft of Our
Values definitely fall into the latter category.
Christianity promotes itself as
a great stabilizing force upon society.
The religion's
ideology is often cited as the only true cure for the illnesses
of the world. In the midst of radical Islamic terrorism, for
example, many believe that the only viable solution lies in a
wider embrace of christian values and teachings.
The film's point of view, however, is that
Christianity itself
is the problem, and constitutes a major threat to progress in
nearly every aspect, including scientific advancement, rational
thought and harmonious relations between individuals,
institutions and nations alike. It's the great divider...
To illustrate his argument, the filmmaker provides a point by
point dissection of
The Defibrillator, a defense of
God and christianity penned by christian philosopher
David Wood.
While Wood and others claim that their religion has been an
essential jumping off point for all meaningful scientific
discovery throughout human history, the film contends that it
has actually oppressed this progress only to take credit for it
later.
Centuries ago,
scientists who asserted atheistic views were often
burned at the
stake; therefore, the preponderance of early scientific progress
harbored ties to the christian faith. Today, in our more
tolerant times, the scientific community is overwhelmingly
populated by atheists.
The film also protests the notion that the United States was
founded upon christian values.
How could that be
when so many of the country's basic freedoms - including freedom
of speech, the press and religion - are antithetical to those
values?
Additional talking points include the barbaric torture of
atheists throughout history, the beliefs of influential figures
during the Scientific Revolution, the separation of church and
state, and religious iconography as depicted in our most
enduring works of art.
Confidently researched and narrated with forceful clarity,
The Theft of Our Values may prove divisive to viewers who
don't share the filmmaker's atheistic tendencies.
But many others will
appreciate the opportunity to ponder a thoughtful voice of
opposition...
Source
