Intro/Background to the Scopes Trial
Evolution
Evolution
What's So Important?
The theory of evolution gives an explanation to where humans came from. In the case of the Scopes trial, the reason why evolution is so relevant to the case is because it disproves creationism, which prior to Darwin's studies was the accepted theory for where humans came from.
What Exactly is Evolution?
" A change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift." (Dictionary.com)
"Darwin's Theory of Evolution is the widely held notion that all life is related and has descended from a common ancestor: the birds and the bananas, the fishes and the flowers-- all related. Darwin's general theory presumes the development of life from non-life and stresses a purely naturalistic (undirected) "descent with modification". That is, complex creatures evolve from more simplistic ancestors naturally over time. In a nutshell, as random genetic mutations occur with an organism's genetic code, the beneficial mutations are preserved because they aid survival-- a proccess known as "natural selection". These beneficial mutations are passed on to the next generation. Over time, beneficial mutations accumulate and the result is an entirely different organism." (All About Science)
The theory of evolution gives an explanation to where humans came from. In the case of the Scopes trial, the reason why evolution is so relevant to the case is because it disproves creationism, which prior to Darwin's studies was the accepted theory for where humans came from.
What Exactly is Evolution?
" A change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift." (Dictionary.com)
"Darwin's Theory of Evolution is the widely held notion that all life is related and has descended from a common ancestor: the birds and the bananas, the fishes and the flowers-- all related. Darwin's general theory presumes the development of life from non-life and stresses a purely naturalistic (undirected) "descent with modification". That is, complex creatures evolve from more simplistic ancestors naturally over time. In a nutshell, as random genetic mutations occur with an organism's genetic code, the beneficial mutations are preserved because they aid survival-- a proccess known as "natural selection". These beneficial mutations are passed on to the next generation. Over time, beneficial mutations accumulate and the result is an entirely different organism." (All About Science)
Modernism and Agnosticism in the 1920's
At the turn of the century, America was rapidly changing. One of their biggest changes was in technology and education. Science grew popular and people began believing in science and evidence besides faith and religion (Digital History). During this time period, America began revolutionizing their education system, and in consequence many young people started becoming modernists (Digital History). Traditionalists worried that everything they valued was slowly ending. Younger modernists no longer asked whether society would approve of their behavior, only whether their behavior met the approval of their intellect (Linder).
All this in return has had a significant contribution towards the scopes trial and the decision that was further made in the trial (Digital History).
"Many Christians came to believe that through reform efforts, through reform legislation dealing with child labor, with slums and tenement houses and unsafe working conditions, human beings really could build the Kingdom of God on earth." "(American Experiences History)
"To counter the argument of the Social Darwinists, Bryan compared society to a garden. In a garden, said Bryan, you don't let the weeds triumph over the roses simply because the weeds are stronger. You protect the roses from the weeds. And if you want a society where you have good people, kindness, charity, and equality, you have to do some weeding."
"The Fundamentals" outlined the bedrock truths that all Christians should believe. Fundamentalists believed in a "back to basics" American theology: The Bible was not a text to be interpreted, but the revealed word of God."
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (American Experiences History)
All this in return has had a significant contribution towards the scopes trial and the decision that was further made in the trial (Digital History).
"Many Christians came to believe that through reform efforts, through reform legislation dealing with child labor, with slums and tenement houses and unsafe working conditions, human beings really could build the Kingdom of God on earth." "(American Experiences History)
"To counter the argument of the Social Darwinists, Bryan compared society to a garden. In a garden, said Bryan, you don't let the weeds triumph over the roses simply because the weeds are stronger. You protect the roses from the weeds. And if you want a society where you have good people, kindness, charity, and equality, you have to do some weeding."
"The Fundamentals" outlined the bedrock truths that all Christians should believe. Fundamentalists believed in a "back to basics" American theology: The Bible was not a text to be interpreted, but the revealed word of God."
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (American Experiences History)