Science vs. Religion in the 1920s

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the cultural battle that was fought in the 1920's, in America, between the cultures of the traditional rural American and the newly developing culture found in American cities. It specifically looks at the role of science in the debate. The paper briefly looks at the Scopes trial from 1925, the arguments between science and religion and the outcome of the trial.

From the Paper:

"The defense had it planned out very well when and if their scientists were going to be able to testify. A major issue that was in the back of the minds of the prosecution was that the defense might have tried to prove that the theory of evolution was a valid scientific proposition that did not necessarily negate the teachings of the Bible. The defense called its first expert witness, Dr. Maynard Metcalf who was a distinguished zoologist professor at John Hopkins (99). The prosecution objected when they felt that the testimony did not aid in determining Scopes' guilt or innocence. The Judge allowed Dr. Metcalf to be questioned about the theory of evolution only to have the testimony ruled inadmissible the very next day. The defense then tried to call everyone to the stand that was an expert on the theory of evolution, only to have it denied every time."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Moran, Jeffrey P. The Scopes Trial: A Brief History with Documents (Bedford/St. Martin's, 2002).

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• Analytical Essay # 86507 : "Religion in the Scientific World"

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