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.
A century ago, journalists and onlookers flocked to the small Tennessee town of Dayton to witness the "monkey trial," as described by H.L. Mencken of the Baltimore Sun.
Local high school science instructor John T. Scopes, 24, had been accused of violating a new Tennessee law against teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
- Courts have heard cases involving the intersection of faith and science.
- Defense lawyer Clarence Darrow questioned William Jennings Bryan about the Bible on July 1, 1925, during the Scopes trial.
The "monkey trial" continues to haunt us.
Advocates for ideas draw conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.
Author's summary: Science and faith collide in America.