Educational Media Reviews Online

In Kansas versus Darwin, filmmakers Jeff Tamblyn, Jeff Peak, and Mark von Schlemmer document the 2005 Kansas State Board of Education subcommittee hearings which sought to determine if Darwin’s theory of evolution ought to be challenged within the state’s science curriculum. Interviewing leaders from fields that encompass the majority of opinions on this issue as well as “regular“ individuals, the filmmakers succeed in chronicling the hearings as well as providing audiences with a introduction to the debate itself and the thoughts and theories of proponents on all sides.

The film makes clear that the debate is even more than excluding Darwinism or forcibly including religion or, perhaps better, “non-scientific” thought into the science class, but also means a complete reconceptualization of the meaning of the word and discipline of science itself. That is, as those scientists who are against redefining the science curriculum point out, to successfully challenge the teaching of Darwinism means that the study of nature would be, if not excluded, put on par with religious teaching that simply are not scientific. Interestingly, we meet a number of pro-Darwin scholars who indicate no hostility toward religion itself, but who simply refuse to allow it to be taught in a science class where other theories have shown more intellectual validity.

In this and many other ways, Kansas versus Darwin does present a very “fair” portrayal of the numerous sides of this debate: There seems to be no filmmaker interference in presenting differing views; they let the advocates from whatever position speak for themselves.

Through only the fault of many competing factions, it might be hard for some audiences to follow which individuals are the pro-Darwin scientists, which are the Creationists (divided thence into “Young Earth“ and “Old Earth“), which are the Intelligent Design advocates -- it does, indeed, get a bit confusing! But, again, it is generally clear from what the individuals are saying to which group they belong.

The film makes itself more engaging through its use of gentle humor—though this is generally provided by the speakers themselves. While Kansas versus Darwin is clearly on the side of Darwinism, it follows the proceedings well; and individuals who state that “God is a process…of becoming happy!” or somehow express (very odd) analogies between divorce, secular humanism, and Intelligent Design say it for themselves. Further, the film allows speakers to express (somewhat bizarrely) that teaching evolution leads to suicide and “misuse of [children’s] bodies”—but also (somewhat touchingly) that a non-contested promotion of evolution might make students forget that “they were born for a purpose” and might “[take] away their hope!” Perhaps everyone who has looked through a telescope has had the feeling of being truly insignificant within the scope of the universe, but who might advocate destroying them all?

In any case, the film does not shy away from showing how pro-evolution scientists and proponents effectively boycotted the School Board proceedings as well as their reasoning behind this act, but also how this might have been somewhat hard-headed. This is contrasted to the hearings themselves, in which an amusing montage of Young Earth Creationists consistently tried to hedge their ways out of admitting their beliefs in a 6,000 year old earth. In short, the film is probably as fair as possible to all of the major players, but does provide a good deal of amusement for students and other audiences that might shy away from the debate not for theological reasons but because the debate might seem somewhat dull.

Kansas versus Darwin also touches upon the world-wide media storm regarding the proceedings, which will serve to highlight the importance of this debate. Its ramifications are underscored by a Turkish “weigher-in,” who leads an obviously biased school board member to enthuse how overturning the teaching of evolution will show the world that the United States is somehow abandoning its “religion of materialism” and that this might avert Muslim terrorism! (Note that this board member was not reelected.)

Kansas versus Darwin is simply a good film that deals as well as possible with this heavily-charged debate. The film is highly recommended for junior high school students to adults, and similarly lauded for library and media collections that specialize in evolution, general science, and religion.

Awards

• Audience Award: Secret City Film Festival, 2007