Approved for 12+

On a Level Playing Field: Vol 1 – Series Introduction

Where did we come from? Why are we here? How did life start? For thousands of years, scientists, theologoians and philosophers have tried to answer these questions. Over the last 200 years two theories have dominated this exploration into life's biggest questions and still do.

The series concept: Evolution. Creation - This series tackles these tough theories on a level playing field. The only agenda is a good honest exploration and debate of thiese theories and the science they explore.

Volume One: Series Introduction - We believe both theories should be investigated based on their scientific merits. Good science demands testing. So get ready for the ultimate examination of life's biggest questions.

Level: 7-12 grades. Designed for science classes.
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Dove Review

I don’t think that Phil Pfanstiel, journalist and teacher, will become popular after viewers see this DVD. He presents both sides to the evolution/creationism argument and basically leaves it up to the viewer to decide. Both sides will possibly decide he wasn’t strong enough on one side of the coin. He mentions the Bible and the Koran, and also speaks of Christians, Jews and Muslims and some viewers may not like the lack of distinction but the grouping together of these various religions, although as he points out all three groups believe in God and in creation. He seems to favor some aspects of evolution coupled with creationism and again, this may not prove to be popular with viewers.

Pfanstiel constantly jokes as he teaches and comes across as goofy, knowledgable and actually a bit humorous too. He hits himself in the head at one point, and a few moments later he tears up as he says, “Let’s agree to disagree!” However, as he mentions famous teachers of the past including Darwin, William Paley (who taught the watchmaker theory or that life had a designer), and he lists theory, hypothesis, and various forms of dating the earth’s age, one suspects the guy knows a lot about the various opinions and teachings surrounding the subject of the earth’s beginnings. He delves into theories of Noah’s flood, which he seems to believe, and also speaks on the topic of the extinction of the dinosaurs.

In another silly scene, he mentions he is on his soap box and the viewer soon sees that he actually is standing on a box of soap! He is not conventional but his lessons in history are enjoyable to listen to. Although both creationists and evolutionists will not be entirely happy with this DVD, Pfanstiel does encourage the viewer to look into the topic which encourages self study. There is nothing which prevents us from awarding our Dove Seal to this DVD, and if the viewer wants to become more educated regarding the famous teachers of the past and their beliefs, then this is the DVD for you. We award it our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal and suggest parents check out the content listing below.

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The controversial topic of evolution vs. intelligent design and creationism; talk of God or gods; God referred to as the Christians, Jews and Muslims view Him; the idea that perhaps both concepts include truth.

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