“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” This defining quote of the thought provoking, critically acclaimed 2011 movie from DreamWorks The Help sums up its humanistic naturalistic theme, where even “God” is used to promote human interests and advancement. The quote is spoken several times to by the black maid Abileen to her white girl charge. The goal is the improvement of the self through belief in the self. Self-realization based on these three descriptors is the main character development thrust of the film. Abileen, played by Viola Davis, narrates the film. Although it is set up to follow the story of Skeeter, played by Emma Stone, a young aspiring journalist who looks to make her big break by exposing the daily lives of black maids in her white dominated Southern Mississippi town of Jackson, is actually just a mover and shaker that starts the self-realization process for the maids.

Skeeter is told by her mama, “Your eggs are dying. Would it kill you to go on a date?” In this quote the mindset, that a single girl is only worth something if she is dating, is set, against which Skeeter must struggle for the duration of the movie. She struggles to be seen as kind by the maids until Abileen decides to trust her. She struggles to be seen as smart and more than just a potential wife by her lone suitor, Stuart Whitworth, played by Chris Lowell. His attitude of single women is represented in his comment: “Isn't that what all you girls from Ole Miss major in—professional husband hunting?” She struggles to be seen as important by the New York editor with whom she desperately wants to work. Skeeter’s journey to self-realization pivots on the moment that Abileen decides to trust her. Once she is seen as kind by the maids, she can begin to show the world, and Stuart, that she is also smart as she gathers information to write her book about the help in Jackson which then leads to her work getting recognized as important by the big New York editor. The end result is the fulfillment of her life-long dream, a job in New York City. Skeeter improves herself and her community through believing in her own potential to effect change in her small town.

However, it is Abileen’s journey that is the centerpiece of the film. It is her story being told, the story of an African-American maid who is kind, smart, and important, but who must defer to white supremacist power in order to keep her job. In doing so, she buries herself. Her kindness shows in her interaction with her little white charge, a sweet child who Abileen tells over and over again: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” It is only when someone takes the time to listen to her story that she starts to believe that she is smart and important. Skeeter invites Abileen to believe in herself, and that begins a revolution that turns the town upside-down. The culmination of the film is found when Abileen refuses to be stepped on anymore and quits her job. She asks her little girl to repeat the saying and once she does one last time, Abileen walks away, to freedom. As she walks away, she narrates the ending of her story: “God says we need to love our enemies. It hard to do. But it can start by telling the truth. No one had ever asked me what it feel like to be me. Once I told the truth about that, I felt free. And I got to thinking about all the people I know. And the things I seen and done. My boy Treelore always said we gonna have a writer in the family one day. I guess it's gonna be me.” She discovers her freedom and the true expression of herself by believing that she is kind, smart, and important. That mindset sums up the naturalistic thrust of the film.

Although “God” is mentioned in the film, he is seen in a negative light or used as a vehicle for driving the naturalistic evolution of the characters. He is portrayed as an impersonal, motivating idea to be used by the characters on either side in the town to achieve their own ends. Whites use the church to gain power for themselves by oppressing others. For example, one of the white ladies refuses to lend money to her maid so that her two twin sons can go to college, drawing on the ‘fact’ that Christians don’t enable others. She avoids helping her fellow human being by abusing the Scriptures, focusing on one portion to the exclusion of the others. Accordingly, Christians are not supposed to enable others, but they are supposed to aid the poor. This white woman used the Bible as a tool of oppression, a gross misuse of the words of God. In this case, the white Christians are the enemies of the maids’ naturalistic evolution of self.

However, African-American people are not portrayed in a much better light. African-Americans use the Bible as well to serve their own means, using it for empowerment instead of a means of oppression. For example, Abilene is inspired to talk to Skeeter after a talk at church about courage. Again, “God” is portrayed in a purely moral sense. Although Abileen does reference Scripture in her quote, “love your enemies,” that quote is wrapped up in a theme of self-realization. The focus quickly turns from “God” to more humanistic thinking. “God” is not intimately involved in daily life; the idea of “God” is simply a tool used by the characters for their own human betterment, whether that betterment results in oppression or in empowerment is up to the wielder of the words.

Based on the above themes, the worldview of this movie would have to be naturalism, where God is only a tool or prop to humans who are in charge of realizing their own potential, in charge of evolving to their fullest potential through believing in their own kindness, intelligence, and importance.

—Clarissa

Warrior is a sport drama film directed and produced by Gavin O’ Connor and starring Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte. The film was released in September of 2011, received many positive reviews, and earned Nolte an Academy Award Nomination. Warrior tells a story of two estranged brothers entering a mixed-martial arts tournament, and deals with the brothers’ struggling relationship with each other and with their father.

The worldview portrayed in this action-thrilled and dramatic movie is very atheistic. Both of the characters are products of the environment that surrounded them, which was deprived of love and care. Underneath the brokenness and bitterness rooted so deep in the hearts, the devastation of broken relationship, hatred, and misery there lays the intrinsic goodness of humankind. The movie is very optimistic on its outlook on life. Even though life seems to be meaningless, there is that sense of a happy place, that missing piece that could just turn everything back to normal. In the end, the brothers were reconciled and it was not toward religious faith that the father looked to solve the problem, neither was it any other form of spiritualism. They only needed to tap into that innate but hidden “goodness” within their own hearts. This film paints a perfect picture of the practicality of a naturalistic worldview.

—Enlet

Set in harsh and unforgiving cold wilderness of Alaska, The Grey stars Liam Neeson as a rugged man named Ottway. After a violent plane crash in Alaska, Ottway becomes a leader of 6 other crash survivors. The men attempt to stay alive as long as possible and make it to safety. However, there is a wild and ferocious pack of wolves who, seeing the men as a threat, start hunting Ottway and his friends. These oil-rig tought guys band together and travel across the Alaskan wilderness looking for safety. The film deals with questions regarding the difference between men and animals, the meaning of life, and the existence of God.

As soon as the plane crashes, wolves immediately attack the survivors. After gathering wallets in order to remember the dead, the men, led by Ottway, head for the tree line hoping to find some cover, shelter, and a better way to defend themselves. As the movie progresses, however, the men prove virtually helpless against the merciless wolves. Each attack results in a bloody death. Once in the trees, the men build a fire and are taunted by the wolves. During the night, the men stand around a fire and hear nothing but howling wolves surrounding them. We hear, but do not see, a wolf fight in the distance ending in one wolf killing the other. Ottway, a wolf expert, explains that the now dead wolf had challenged the Alpha male. Immediately following this incident, one of the men, named Diaz, challenges the leadership of Ottway and a fight between the two of them breaks out. Ottway is the clear victor. This is a significant statement in the movie; there is a difference between men and animals, and yet an uncanny similarity. Ottway, unlike the Alpha wolf, does not kill his challenger. However, we see that the men are operating in a similar fashion as the wolves.

There is a scene in which the men discuss fate and the existence of God. It is clear that most of them do not believe in a God. They only believe in things that can be seen and touched. Diaz says that fate is totally random and there is no meaning to life, we die randomly by chance with no one watching over us. Ottway lets out a breath and as his breath rises in the cold he says something to effect of, “See, that’s real. I only care about this life, not the next.” This is a blatantly atheistic statement; what is real can be seen and touched.

Whether by wolf attack, freezing, or accidents, the men keep dying. The film ends with Liam Neeson as the lone survivor of the group. After his last companion dies, he cries out to God. He curses him and begs him to help crying out, “DO SOMETHING!!! I’M CALLING ON YOU RIGHT NOW!! I NEED YOU NOW, NOT LATER, NOW!” The desperate prayer goes unanswered, just a blank silence to which Ottway reponds, “Fine, I’ll do it myself.”

The movie ends with Ottway accepting his imminent death. He pulls all the men’s wallets and looks through their pictures, remembering them. We find that as he does this, Ottway, is surrounded by wolves. Ottway prepares for one last fight, taping a knife and broken tequila bottles to his hand. As Ottway and the Alpha wolf lunge at each other, the movie ends. there is no doubt he will die. The movie is incredibly nihilistic. There is no hope for survival for these men. The weak die first and the strongest do not survive either. Our life is a like their journey across a barren arctic wasteland with no hope. Our battle for existence will end in a cold, merciless death with nothing. If we’re lucky, people will remember us, but only for a time.

—Tyler

In 2011 the romantic, science fiction film, “The Adjustment Bureau” came to theaters. This movie engages philosophical questions about God, fate vs. free will and the cost of “true” love.

This film was loosely based on a story written by Philip K. Dick entitled the Adjustment Team. The story is basically about a guy and a girl falling in love (typical romance). However, these two lovers are being kept apart by a certain power that is predetermining their lives. David Norris is politician anticipating winning his seat in the U.S. Senate, but his life changes when he runs into the gorgeous ballerina Elise Sellaan. They meet according to predestined “plan,” but then both their plans are supposed to have been adjusted so that they never meet again. Mysterious men with certain powers do all they can to keep them apart. These men are, as they say in the movie, “the people that make sure things happen according to plan; we monitor the entire world.” David, however, finds out that he is opposing “the agents of Fate itself” and has to choose: he must either accept his “predetermined path” by letting her go (according to what the mysterious men say is “true” love) or decide to go against Fate itself to be with her. I believe the worldview presented here is an atheistic form of determinism.

I believe this is the worldview because the movie shows that the world is operating according to pre-determined factors over which we as humans have no control. Also they seem to find truth through their own resources like science, math, logic and own strength. There is no personal, involved “god” in this movie or acknowledgement of any supernatural involvement into the natural world. The mysterious men compel the people do what is has pre-determined, yet there is no identification of who are what establishes the plan or guides the mysterious men. This movie is deterministic, meaning “relating to the doctrine or belief that everything, including every human act, is caused by something and that there is no real free will.” It is also fatalistic , that is, “feeling or demonstrating resignation in the face of events regarded as controlled by fate.”

This movie is suspenseful! Its appeal, as was stated in the promotional trailer is presented in the message that “if you believe in free will, if you believe in chance, if you believe in choice, fight for it.”

—Jaime

Starring James Franco, Tom Felton and John Lithgow, this film takes the audience on a heart racing ride through ironic science fiction. Will Rodman is a brilliant scientist who works for a pharmaceutical company (Gen Sys) which is run by money-hungry Steve Jacobs. Thinking they have invented a virus (ALZ 112) that will enable to brain to recreate new cells, both Rodman and Jacobs appear before the board to opt for human testing. However, in the middle of the board meeting, “Bright Eyes”, a genetically enhanced chimpanzee, escapes her cage and runs amok in the building. Her chaos causes a shut down of the entire project.

As it turns out, “Bright Eyes” had a child. Will agrees to care for the infant ape and names him Caesar. At home, Caesar makes a playful and fun companion for Charles, Will’s father who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. After several years, Caesar is showing signs of increased intelligence while Charles’ condition worsens. It is clear the Caesar inherited the virus from his mother before she died.

Desperate to save his father’s life (and dignity), Will steals a vial containing ALZ 112 and administers it to his father. Almost immediately, Charles recovers from Alzheimer’s. However, after time, the effect wears off due to Charlie’s immune system, which has created antibodies to fight the virus.

After an altercation with the neighbor, Caesar is sent to an ape “sanctuary” which turns out to be almost unbearable. Will goes back to the lab and creates a stronger virus, ALZ 113. His father refuses treatment and dies. During ape testing, however, we find out that ALZ 113 is too strong for humans (but not apes, which have stronger immune systems) and demobilizes their immune system, killing them. It is also contagious. Through a series of events, Caesar uses his intelligence to unite the apes at the sanctuary and steal some ALZ 113 to make all of his fellow apes intelligent. A breakout occurs at the sanctuary climaxing in a fight on the Golden Gate Bridge in which the apes overcome. The film ends with the group of apes living in freedom in the Redwoods while there is an outbreak of the ALZ 113 virus killing all the humans.

This film operates under an atheistic worldview. There is no higher “god” than scientific technology, which has escaped human control and fallen into control of the apes. Military power and even love cannot stop its lethal path. The apes’ immune system enabled them to withstand a fatal virus that made humans extinct. In naturalistic terms, this is called Survival of the Fittest. Nature determines who will live and who will die. Humans, who are no longer the “fittest” die out and the next step in evolution occurs. The apes are superior in intelligence and strength and therefore become the dominant species on earth. Humans who had supposedly evolved from apes have ironically become out-evolved by the apes.

—Tyler

Firefly is a science-fiction/western that premiered on Fox in September of 2002. Despite gaining a cult following immediately, the show was cancelled by Fox after only 11 episodes to the outrage of many fans (myself included). The remaining filmed episodes were released on the DVD set. Despite many attempts by fans to get the series revived it never was. Fans did find consolation through the release of Serenity in 2005. Serenity picked up Firefly’s story line and wrapped up many loose ends that were never resolved in the series.

Ironically, it seems that the longer the show is “dead” it continues to gain a larger audience than when it was first aired. Thinkgeek.com continues to sell various Firefly memorabilia and in October of last year, three graphic novels were released that filled in plot gaps between the ending of the series and the release of the movie. Additionally, Firefly continues to show up in pop-culture with references to it in TV shows such as Family Guy, The Big Bang Theory, and Castle. Even as I write this, there is a strong grassroots movement by fans to raise millions of dollars to buy the right to Firefly in order to get the show back in production. Though the show has been “dead” for over a half-dozen years, it has never had a more dedicated and loving following.

The show takes place in a fictional future where the human race has expanded to planets and moons beyond Earth. Many of these planets are ruled by an interplanetary government known as the Alliance. Originally the Alliance only ruled a few core planets but later fought the Unification War as it sought to expand its rule to the remaining planets known as the outer worlds. The Alliance gained victory over an independent faction known as the Browncoats that wanted to outer worlds to remain free.

The show follows Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds and his crew as they try to stay outside the reach and control of the Alliance on board his firefly class ship, Serenity (both the series and the movie derive their name from the ship). Mal prefers to steer clear of the Alliance not only because he enjoys his freedom but also because he fought as a sergeant for the Browncoats in the Unification War. He lost over 4000 soldiers in the bloodiest battle of the war fought in Serenity Valley. As a result of his avoidance of the Alliance, Mal and his crew are forced to find whatever work they can on the outer planets where the Alliance’s reach is weakest. More often than not they find work as smugglers, low-level thieves, and scavengers.

The show works within a mixture of post-modern and existentialist worldviews. This can be seen through the morals displayed by various characters. One of the crew members, Inara, is known as a companion. A companion is basically a prostitute, however, in this future world being a companion is one of the most respected jobs and Inara is the classiest person aboard the ship. Also, the Captain Mal and his crew regularly find themselves stealing, killing to protect themselves, and smuggling. In general, the crew does what they must to survive and hold on to freedom. This freedom is presented as the greatest value. Therefore, the only wrong or sin one can commit is to try and infringe on one’s freedom. This is why the Alliance is portrayed in such a negative light.

The show also has clear existentialist themes. This can be seen most clearly in two scenes involving a character named Shepherd Book. Shepherd Book is a traveling preacher who has decided to stay on Serenity for a while. The values and morals that he derives from the Bible often create conflict with other members. In one episode, River, a mentally damaged but brilliant girl is seen tearing out pages and writing in notes in an attempt to fix a book she see as broken and filled with contradictions. In response to River’s ideas the Shepherd states that it doesn’t matter if the Bible is correct or not, what is important is believing in something and letting that belief change you. In another scene from the movie, Shepherd book tells the Captain that it does not matter what one believes in, so long as they believe in it.

—Scott

Glee is currently one of the most popular shows on the Fox network, and the influence of the show is affecting much of the teenage culture in America. Glee appeals to many different types of individuals, both the “popular” and the “unpopular.” In fact, supporters of the show often refer to themselves as “Gleeks.” The characters in the Glee club are portrayed as being the unpopular students and yet they still do what they love without feeling like they have to change who they are in order to fit in. The message for standing up against peer pressure and just being yourself is quite commendable. In the past year and a half, Glee has won a handful of major awards, and the show is gaining a reputation for breaking established stereotypes and prejudices. The positive diversity messages of the show are far-reaching, and it has done much to break down discrimination and intolerance. Glee has an actress with Down Syndrome on the cast, and they have replaced the word handicap with “handi”capable.

One of the student characters on the show, Kurt, is openly gay. Much of the storyline follows his struggles and there is much sympathy aimed at him. Kurt is also recognized for being the most responsible, caring, kind, open, and self-controlled Glee club member on the show. At the most recent Golden Globe awards, Chris Colfer, the actor who plays Kurt, won best supporting actor.

In determining the worldview of Glee, it is important to note that all religions and belief systems are given credence and are openly talked about on the show. However, after a season and a half on the air, atheism is the overarching viewpoint. Mr. Schuster, the Glee teacher, and Kurt, are both atheists. However, they respect others for having different viewpoints, and the writers make a point to show that this respect makes them very moral people, regardless of whether or not they believe in a higher power. We are all good people deep down and this is shown through how we treat others. There is also a Christian character on the show named Quinn. She is considered to be very conservative and is the president of the celibacy club. Early in the first season she becomes pregnant from a one-night stand, and when her parents find out they kick her out of the house and father refuses to acknowledge her existence. This picture of a conservative Christian family is not positive at all.

In the second-season episode “Grilled Cheesus,” the worldview of the characters are most clearly shown. Kurt, who was mentioned earlier, has two rather deep comments. In the first he says, “I appreciate your thoughts, but I don't want your prayers” when speaking towards his classmates. The second comment hits even deeper into the reasons why he doesn’t believe in God. He says, “God makes me gay and then makes His followers go around saying it's a choice, as if I'd choose to be mocked every day of my life.” In the same episode, Sue, the cheerleading coach, makes a comment about believing in God, “asking someone to believe in a fantasy, no matter how comforting, is cruel.” This episode is very definitive in its final message and solidifies Glee’s status as an atheistic show.

—Ellen

            Behind cool government labs and sneaky cover-ups, the British government hides the biggest secret in human history: dinosaurs are back. Created by Adrian Hodges and Tim Haines (creators of the Walking With Prehistoric Life documentary series), Primeval uses high-end CG effects to bring the prehistoric past to life. The British series launched in 2007 and went on to gain an international audience. Primeval’s fourth season aired in 2011 on ITV, BBC America, and SyFy.

When paleontology professor Nick Cutter discovers an anomaly linking present day with prehistoric eras, the opportunities for scientific discovery abound. But these mysterious, sporadic anomalies also let in dangerous extinct creatures. By stepping into the present, these creatures – a few evolutionary steps behind interspecies tolerance – not only mess up the natural evolutionary order, but also eat whomever they can find. Cutter joins a team of scientists and government officials who set out to return wayward prehistorics (preferably before anyone gets eaten) and discover the secrets behind the anomalies.

Primeval is mostly about people running away from dinosaurs. However, the characters sometimes stop running and discuss deeper questions. The series portrays multiple aspects of atheism. Cutter clearly advocates naturalism, believing that the anomalies must be stopped before they can irreparably damage the natural evolutionary order. Another character takes a relativistic stance, asking if anyone can tell what the natural order is anymore. The show never answers their questions, but it subtly sides with Cutter. Episodes focus on restoring the evolutionary balance and humanity’s survival by being smarter and more evolved than other species.

Besides unquestionably accepting a Darwinian view of the universe, Primeval contains strong naturalistic streaks. All the characters are atheistic; Spirituality or the supernatural is so outside the “natural order” that it isn’t even considered. Nature or evolution is the only guiding force, and survival of the fittest is a central theme. Interestingly, the dinosaurs’ hapless victims are usually the unlikable, greedy, or socially unfit.

Primeval also displays postmodern elements. The show often has a snarky, irreverent view toward prehistoric attacks and situations in general. In several episodes, the team journeys through an anomaly to a bleak, post-apocalyptic future where a highly-evolved species has destroyed the human race. While Cutter accepts this as evolution’s natural course – saying evolution can’t be bent to human will; however, his estranged wife, Helen, says they can change evolution and must because nature doesn’t care about them. Eventually, Helen decides humans are ruining nature and tries to prevent humans from evolving. However, characters usually stay hopeful and positive, believing they can figure out the anomalies and preserve prehistoric life.

Although Primeval dabbles with postmodern relativism and despair, the show clearly presents a naturalistic worldview. Primeval suggests humans are the fittest and will progress, as long as they stay one step ahead of the dinosaurs.

—Alaina

©2007 20th Century Fox

The Illusionist, based on a book written in the 1990s, has as its setting in Vienna at the turn of the twentieth century. The film follows the story of Eisenheim, a mysterious magician who doesn’t care for all the wealth that tricks provide for him. He is driven by his love for his childhood friend, Sophie von Teschen, stating in the middle of the film that his chief end is “to be with her.” Later in the movie, he reflects more on this thought in his conversation with Sophie when he recalls, “I went to Prague, Russia, Asia, and the Orient. I kept thinking I’d find a real mystery, but the mystery I could never solve is why I couldn’t let you go.” His greatest happiness on earth, the object on which he set all his affections and energy, is that of obtaining the continued companionship of his love.

The crown prince, to whom Sophie is engaged, is revealed as desperate for power, hot tempered, and once beat his former wife so badly that, in order to cover up the evidence of his anger, he threw her over a balcony to kill her. It is his insecurity that drives him to figure out the “power” behind Eisenheim in a search for control, and drives the height of his insecurity to unbearable levels.

For Eisenheim to be with Sophie, he must outthink the powerful and controlling prince. They are unable to run away together, since as Sophie recounts, “As long as we are alive he will hunt us.” With the only possible solution pointing to someone’s death, the entire movie is about crafting this increasing conflict, climaxing in the inevitable resolution. Through a carefully crafted series of events, the prince ends up pinned into a corner of his own making, caught for attempting to overthrow his father, the king. The ending reveals a beautiful woman stroking a horse on a remote hill with a quaint little cabin in the background. It’s just them now, Eisenheim and Sophie, with the ability to live “happily ever after.”

While The Illusionist is known for its beautiful cinematography, clever plot, great actors, and a well-crafted script, it remains true to its title in the illusion it presents. The entire movie speaks of the value of reason and logic, with which both Eisenheim and the prince are obsessed. All who watch are astounded at Eisenheim’s power over the supernatural, and yet his consistent response is that “It’s only an illusion.” The audience is left to conclude that the protagonist won only because he was smarter than his enemies. Themes of naturalism and survival of the fittest underscore that right and wrong are determined by the situation and what does the greatest good for the most people. The audience is led to approve of the illicit relationship between the two lovers. Because of Sophie’s abusive relationship with the prince, it is perfectly excusable for her to be free with her true love. Why does it matter that deceit is used to obtain the “prize?” It’s for everyone’s good, after all.

Many audiences love The Illusionist; it’s beautiful to the eyes and captivating to the mind. But also, in constructing a reality where humanistic, self-serving materialism reigns, this film fits its title ironically well. Nature is all there is in a dog-eat-dog world, and survival against competitors requires reason, logic, and wit. Eisenheim’s ability to obtain his goal, the love of his life, creates the positive feeling that one must only follow their heart and do better than everyone else in order to live a carefree life with the companion of their dreams, living happily ever after. The perfect ending to a perfect illusion.

—Meghan

©2006-

The Big Bang Theory is just entering its fourth season and has gained a strong following over the years. The show revolves around two best friends and roommates who work at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California. Leonard Hofstadter is an experimental physicist and Sheldon Cooper is a theoretical physicist. The two live across the hall from Penny, and attractive blond waitress from Nebraska, who is also an aspiring actress. In the show are Howard Walowitz and Rajesh Koothrappali, best friends and co-workers at Caltech University. With Sheldon and Leonard, they form a picturesque group of what is the epitome of all that is geeky and nerdy. They frequently play Klingon Boggle, debate which comic book character would win in a battle, and have extensive knowledge of and own memorabilia from various science fiction/fantasy movies and television series such as Star Trek, Battlestar Galatica, and Lord of the Rings. In addition to being extreme nerds each of the men has various social impediments.

Sheldon seems to have no ability to grasp most social norms (including sarcasm) and tends to view himself as superior to all others because of his high IQ. Sheldon is also highly OCD to the point of organizing his cereal by bran content. Rajesh, who hails from India, is unable to communicate directly with females unless he is intoxicated. Rajesh’s inability to socialize with women is juxtaposed with Howard’s extraneous and deplorable attempts to begin a relationship with any woman, which can be extremely creepy. Howard is also a 30-year-old Jew who still lives at home with his mother. Leonard stands out from the four as one who wants more socially and is most open to new things. He was instantly captivated by Penny when she moved in during the Pilot episode of the series and has consistently attempted to begin a relationship with her which has been the only developing theme in the series’ plot.

Most of the humor in the series is derived from the social inadequacies of the four men as they grow in friendship with Penny who is far more socially adept and their dependence on logic and science in all areas of life. For example, Sheldon often struggles with understanding Penny’s sarcasm in humorous ways. With the exception of sexual innuendos and discussion and the abnormal use of humor the show is pretty clean. Often times the characters over apply logic to cultural norms and relationship problems creating humorous situations.

The general worldview of the show is atheism, specifically naturalism. With the exception of Penny, all four men operate from an extremely logical and scientific approach to life. As shown by their conversations and lifestyles, the only tangible truth is that which can be empirically or scientifically proven. This includes discrediting all religious and spiritual beliefs. For example, when Sheldon finds out that Penny is a Sagittarius he classifies her as one who "participates in the mass cultural delusion that the sun’s apparent position relative to arbitrarily defined constellations at the time of your birth somehow affects your personality.” Most of the characters morals come from social constructs and vary since science doesn’t apply to morals. They maintain common cultural morals such as lying, stealing and killing but view sex as a purely physical act. Also, the name of the show should tip off the viewer immediately to the worldview present as The Big Bang Theory is generally accepted among naturalistic atheists.

—Scott