Creationism Resilient a Century After the Scopes Trial
WILLIAMSTOWN, Ky. — The 1925 Scopes monkey trial is often viewed as a significant setback for biblical fundamentalism. However, almost a hundred years later, the debate between creationism and evolution is still alive and well, with many Americans holding firm to the biblical account of creation.
John Scopes, a teacher in Tennessee, was found guilty in 1925 for breaking a state law that prohibited teaching human evolution. Although this conviction was seen as a win for advocates of evolution, it was not without its complications. The primary advocate for the prosecution, William Jennings Bryan, struggled during his testimony to defend the complexities of biblical accounts of creation.
Despite challenges, belief in creationism remains strong. Surveys indicate that between 16% and 33% of Americans align with young-Earth creationism, depending on how the questions are framed.
In northern Kentucky, this belief is particularly evident. The region is home to the Creation Museum and a large replica of Noah’s Ark, attracting around 1.5 million visitors each year. This phenomenon has raised concerns among science educators, who argue that the evidence supporting evolution is substantial and believe creationism undermines scientific integrity.
A Hub for Creationism
Ken Ham has been a vocal supporter of creationism for five decades. He founded Answers in Genesis, a comprehensive initiative that includes books, videos, and educational materials. In 2007, his organization opened the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky. The museum features exhibits promoting a literal interpretation of the Bible, including a portrayal of children and dinosaurs coexisting peacefully in the Garden of Eden.
In 2016, the Ark Encounter theme park was launched nearby, featuring a massive ark replica billed as the largest freestanding timber structure in the world. The park includes various attractions and attractions focused on the biblical account of Noah’s Ark, all reinforcing the message that the history found in the Bible is true.
Core Beliefs of Creationism
Christian creationists hold several foundational beliefs, including:
- God created the universe and Earth in six literal days, with humans as the pinnacle of His creation.
- The Earth is just a few thousand years old.
- Sin entered the world through humanity, resulting in suffering and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
- A global flood wiped out most of humanity, with Noah and his family preserving animal life aboard the ark.
- This flood accounts for various geological features, such as the Grand Canyon.
Concerns from Science Educators
The scientific community widely rejects these claims. Experts agree that the Earth is billions of years old, life evolved over millions of years, and geological features resulted from extensive processes like tectonic movement. A Pew Research poll in 2014 indicated that 98% of American scientists accept evolution as a fact.
Many education organizations advocate for evolution and deep time as necessary components of science education. They assert that creationism distorts the scientific process by starting with a predetermined conclusion rather than relying on evidence.
The Legacy of the Scopes Trial
Although creationism and evolution may not dominate current discussions, the Scopes trial established a blueprint for ongoing culture wars regarding education policies. Words from Bryan resonate today: “Teachers in public schools must teach what the taxpayers desire taught.”
The trial resulted in Scopes’ conviction for teaching that humans descended from a lower order of animals in violation of Tennessee law. While Tennessee repealed the law in 1967, subsequent Supreme Court rulings ruled against teaching creationism as an alternative to evolution, declaring it a promotion of religion.
Recent surveys illustrate diverse viewpoints on human origins. A Pew Research Center survey revealed that 17% of U.S. adults believe humans have existed in their current form since the beginning of time. A Gallup poll indicated that 37% think God created human beings at some point within the last 10,000 years.
Despite the majority of Americans accepting some form of evolution, many conservative religious groups continue to advocate for young-Earth creationism, emphasizing the importance of their beliefs in shaping education and culture.
