This article reflects on the enduring relevance of the Scopes 'Monkey Trial,' which occurred 100 years ago on July 10, 1925. The trial, where high-school teacher John Scopes was prosecuted for teaching human evolution, is examined through the lens of a new book, 'The Hundred Years’ Trial,' by Alexander and Harold Gouzoules. The authors argue that the trial's themes—science vs. religion, expert testimony, and curriculum control—continue to resonate in modern debates over issues like climate change, vaccination, and the separation of church and state in the U.S.
Why the Scopes ‘Monkey Trial’ still matters, 100 years later
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️This article reflects on the enduring relevance of the Scopes 'Monkey Trial,' which occurred 100 years ago on July 10, 1925. The trial, where high-school teacher John Scopes was prosecuted for teaching human evolution, is examined through the lens of a new book, 'The Hundred Years’ Trial,' by Alexander and Harold Gouzoules. The authors argue that the trial's themes—science vs. religion, expert testimony, and curriculum control—continue to resonate in modern debates over issues like climate change, vaccination, and the separation of church and state in the U.S.
Trending- 1 1859: Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' published.
- 2 May 1861: Punch cartoon 'Am I a man and a brother?' published.
- 3 July 10, 1925: Scopes 'Monkey Trial' began in Tennessee.
- 4 1960: 'Inherit the Wind' film released.
- 5 2005: Kitzmiller v. Dover case.
- 6 2022: U.S. Supreme Court set aside the Lemon test.
- 7 This year: Donald Trump issued executive order requiring eradication of 'anti-Christian bias'.
- Scopes found guilty and fined $100 (later overturned on technicality)
- Trial cemented public perception of a fight between faith and reason
- Continued debate over evolution in classrooms and the role of science in public policy
- U.S. Supreme Court set aside the Lemon test in 2022
- New executive orders on 'anti-Christian bias' issued by Donald Trump
What: Reflection on the 100th anniversary of the Scopes 'Monkey Trial' and its continued relevance to contemporary debates on science, religion, and public policy.
When: July 10, 2025 (100th anniversary of the trial's start). Trial lasted 11 days in 1925. Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' published in 1859.
Where: Dayton, Tennessee (implied by 'Tennessee courtroom'), Down House (Charles Darwin's residence in England).
Why: To highlight how the core issues of the Scopes trial—the role of science in public policy, the separation of church and state, and curriculum control—remain contentious and relevant a century later.
How: The article reviews 'The Hundred Years’ Trial' by Alexander and Harold Gouzoules, which re-examines the trial's context, personalities, and lasting impact, connecting it to current events like the U.S. Supreme Court's setting aside of the Lemon test and executive orders on 'anti-Christian bias.'