The Scopes Trial occurred in Dayton, Tennessee in 1925. Although, despite the common idea that the trial was a true incident of unlawfulness, there lies within a controversy that resonates the idea that this trial contained no true legal value, it simply allowed for more tourist dollars and publicity in the small town of Dayton (Singham 23). In all actuality it is exceedingly unclear whether John Thomas Scopes truly taught evolution during his substitute teaching career (26-27). In support of this controversy, proof exists that instead of continuing to jail after his arrest, Scopes spent his time playing tennis and swimming (26). During his time about the town, Scopes was spotted associating civilly with a member of the prosecution team that
…show more content…
Though, the geographic location and slow-spreading idea of a secularized America immensely affected the trial.
The Scopes Trial was based from a controversy between modernists and fundamentalists. Ben Sonder, an acclaimed author, states in his book “Evolution and Creationism” that modernists believed in Darwin’s theory of evolution, and fundamentalists believed in the traditional creationist theory (21). The evolution theory presented by Charles Darwin is based upon the proposal that humans descended, over the course of millions of years, from ape-like ancestors. Here many creationists would object that all humans have been created by a higher power and dismiss evolution as nonsense. Sonder suggests that an abundant amount of Darwin’s theory is supported by the reputable findings of Gregor Mendel, a monk who discovered evidence that humans share some genetic patterns with a variety of other organisms (12). Edward J. Larson’s work in “Summer for the Gods” allows his audience a great deal of information on the matter of the comparing evolution and creationism. Many Americans, despite apparent evidence …show more content…
In his book, “God vs. Darwin,” famed theoretical physicist and philosopher Mano Singham spews details about the defense lawyer, Clarence Darrow. As a child, Darrow was raised by liberal parents. His parents reflected their liberal beliefs by supporting their son in his pursuit of becoming a civil rights advocate (28). As an adult, Darrow expressed his agnostic ideas bluntly and without cease; he flourished as a prominent advocate against a creationist dominated America (31). Larson supports Singham’s claims pertaining to Darrow’s liberalism by articulating a similar opinion on Darrow in relation to his courtroom tactics. Darrow tended to defend controversial “underdogs” that represent the unpopular ideologies in America (71). James W. Fraser, a history professor at NYU Steinhardt, in his book, “Between Church and State,” adds to the idea of a certain controversial entity within the defensive team. Darrow’s team of lawyers all practiced the Jewish faith, other than Darrow (130). Although this information may seem trivial, it is in fact crucial to the underlying controversy of the trial. Singham expresses that the religious affiliation of the defensive team contributes to the liberal-conservative controversy during the trial since conservative Americans often took a strong dislike to people of the Jewish faith while liberals were much more accepting
Though, the geographic location and slow-spreading idea of a secularized America immensely affected the trial.
The Scopes Trial was based from a controversy between modernists and fundamentalists. Ben Sonder, an acclaimed author, states in his book “Evolution and Creationism” that modernists believed in Darwin’s theory of evolution, and fundamentalists believed in the traditional creationist theory (21). The evolution theory presented by Charles Darwin is based upon the proposal that humans descended, over the course of millions of years, from ape-like ancestors. Here many creationists would object that all humans have been created by a higher power and dismiss evolution as nonsense. Sonder suggests that an abundant amount of Darwin’s theory is supported by the reputable findings of Gregor Mendel, a monk who discovered evidence that humans share some genetic patterns with a variety of other organisms (12). Edward J. Larson’s work in “Summer for the Gods” allows his audience a great deal of information on the matter of the comparing evolution and creationism. Many Americans, despite apparent evidence …show more content…
In his book, “God vs. Darwin,” famed theoretical physicist and philosopher Mano Singham spews details about the defense lawyer, Clarence Darrow. As a child, Darrow was raised by liberal parents. His parents reflected their liberal beliefs by supporting their son in his pursuit of becoming a civil rights advocate (28). As an adult, Darrow expressed his agnostic ideas bluntly and without cease; he flourished as a prominent advocate against a creationist dominated America (31). Larson supports Singham’s claims pertaining to Darrow’s liberalism by articulating a similar opinion on Darrow in relation to his courtroom tactics. Darrow tended to defend controversial “underdogs” that represent the unpopular ideologies in America (71). James W. Fraser, a history professor at NYU Steinhardt, in his book, “Between Church and State,” adds to the idea of a certain controversial entity within the defensive team. Darrow’s team of lawyers all practiced the Jewish faith, other than Darrow (130). Although this information may seem trivial, it is in fact crucial to the underlying controversy of the trial. Singham expresses that the religious affiliation of the defensive team contributes to the liberal-conservative controversy during the trial since conservative Americans often took a strong dislike to people of the Jewish faith while liberals were much more accepting