This Week in Religion - What the Scopes trial changed – and what it didn't

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Lead story

1 in 4 Americans reject evolution, a century after the Scopes monkey trial spotlighted the clash between science and religion

Editor's note:

This month marks the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Trial, which took place in Dayton, Tennessee. The trial was a major event, drawing between 150 and 200 reporters to the small town, and was the first in the United States to be broadcast live over radio.

The trial found John Thomas Scopes, a young science teacher in Dayton, guilty of teaching evolution – recently outlawed by Tennessee’s Butler Act. But the media coverage of the trial “portrayed fundamentalists as ignorant rural bigots,” as University of Dayton scholars William Trollinger and Susan Trollinger explain.

In the aftermath of the trial, fundamentalists developed a form of “science” to support the idea of a “young Earth.” This theory argues that the Earth is only a few thousand years old and that the biblical flood produced the geological strata and mountain ranges that make the Earth appear ancient.

This version of flood geology “remains ubiquitous among fundamentalists and other conservative Protestants,” the Trollingers write. A network of fundamentalist schools and homeschools present young Earth creationism as true science.

One hundred years after the trial, one-quarter of Americans believe in creationism and reject evolutionary science. 

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Religion News

The Dalai Lama says he plans to reincarnate, ensuring the institution will continue

His statement ends years of speculation that started when he indicated that he might be the last person to hold the role. By Sheik Saaliq/The Associated Press

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, whose ministry was toppled by prostitution scandals, dies at 90

Swaggart, who became a household name amassing an enormous following and multimillion-dollar ministry, died decades after his once vast audience dwindled. By The Associated Press

At memorial, friends mourn loss of Jennifer Lyell, SBC whistleblower and publishing exec

Jennifer Lyell, who lost her Christian publishing career after accusing a Southern Baptist professor and missionary of abuse, died earlier this month at age 47. By Bob Smietana/Religion News Service

In Arizona borderlands, a sacred saguaro harvest marks the Tohono O'odham's New Year

The laborious, weekslong process reinforces crucial connections to the Creator, the natural environment and fellow O’odham across generations. By Giovanna Dell’Orto/The Associated Press

Three shootings at Utah Hare Krishna temple raise concerns about hate, safety

About 20 shell casings were recovered by Utah County police, who stated shots were likely fired from over 100 yards away from the temple property. By Richa Karmarkar/Religion News Service

 

Commentary and Analysis

‘Monkey Biz-ness’: Pop culture helped fan the flames of the Scopes ‘monkey trial’ 100 years ago − and ever since

Pop culture about the ‘trial of the century’ reflected broader cultural rifts. By Ted Olson for The Conversation

Dylann Roof killed my mom and cousins. But I still oppose the death penalty.

The death penalty is racist, implemented unfairly and only extends the grief of victims’ families. By Sharon Risher/Religion News Service

White supremacists use the idea of ‘accelerationism’ to push for a white-only country

A scholar of right-wing extremism provides an overview of some of the key white supremacist groups that pose significant threats to public safety. By Art Jipson for The Conversation

Lafayette helped Americans turn the tide in their fight for independence – and 50 years later, he helped forge the growing nation’s sense of identity

Hailed as a returning hero, the Marquis de Lafayette made a grand tour of the US in 1824-25, just before the country’s 50th birthday. By Matthew Smith for The Conversation

 

Photos of the Week: Dalai Lama turns 90, Muharram and more

Attendant monks help Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama wear a ceremonial hat as he presides over an event celebrating his 90th birthday, according to a Tibetan calendar, at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, Monday, June 30, 2025. The Tibetan leader's birthday falls on July 6, according to the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most parts of the world. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

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