When Faith, Science, and Politics Collide
The republic's Christian founders emphasized that no faith should have a privileged position in America, and religion should not interfere with government workings.
A century ago, journalists and spectators gathered in Dayton, Tennessee, to witness the infamous "monkey trial."
Local high school science instructor John T. Scopes, 24, was accused of violating a new Tennessee law by teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Courts have drawn conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data, as seen in the Scopes trial, where defense lawyer Clarence Darrow questioned William Jennings Bryan about the Bible.
The "monkey trial" continues to haunt us.
Author's summary: Faith and science collide in America.
- Key figures: John T. Scopes, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, H.L. Mencken, Charles Darwin
- Key events: The Scopes "Monkey Trial" in Dayton, Tennessee, 1925