When Faith, Science, and Politics Collide
The republic's Christian founders made it clear that no faith should have a privileged position in America and that religion should not intrude in the workings of government.
Courts have consistently upheld this principle. A notable example is the Scopes "Monkey Trial" in Dayton, Tennessee, where defense lawyer Clarence Darrow questioned William Jennings Bryan about the Bible on July 1, 1925.
Advocates for ideas draw conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. The Scopes trial, which took place a century ago, was a highly publicized event that attracted journalists and spectators from across the country.
The Baltimore Sun's H.L. Mencken described it as the "monkey trial."
Local high school science instructor John T. Scopes, 24, was accused of violating a new Tennessee law against teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Author's summary: Faith and science collide in America.
- The Scopes trial highlighted the conflict between faith and science.
- The trial continues to haunt us today.