The Scopes Trial and Its Long Shadow

Bibliographic Data

ID3131034
AuthorsDavid H Nikkel (0000-0003-4471-2563, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue7
Pages871
Publication date2025-07-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16070871
OpenAlexW4412085126
LanguageEN
References cited10

With the centennial this year of the Scopes "Monkey" Trial, this article examines the antagonistic relationship between American Christian fundamentalism and science, particularly evolution and other scientific knowledge challenging literal biblical interpretation. While the trial itself spanned only eleven days, its shadow has been quite long indeed. The article analyzes the background of the trial, fundamentalism then and now-including a later doubling down, contesting interpretations of the trial's outcome, misremembrances and revisionism in the historical appropriations of the trial, and developments in evolutionary theory relevant to religion. In the process of these analyses, the article evidences the relationships of the Scopes trial on evolution and religion to law, politics, secondary and higher education, and communications and media. Finally, the article highlights past opportunities missed and lessons to be learned that might lessen conflict between religion and science in the future

Psychoanalysis · Computer Science · European Political History Analysis · Historical Economic and Social Studies · Psychology · Scottish History and National Identity

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