Doubletake: Evidence Unseen – A Centennial Reflection on the Scopes Trial

July 19, 2025 | WORLD Radio’s "The World and Everything In It"

As the centennial of the Scopes Trial approaches, WORLD Radio's "Doubletake" episode titled "Evidence Unseen" delves deep into the intricacies of one of America's most iconic legal battles. Hosted by Les Sellers and featuring insights from contributors Jenny Ruff, Lynn Vincent, and expert guests, the episode re-examines the famed "Monkey Trial" beyond its popular depiction as a mere clash between science and Christianity.

1. The Setting: Dayton, Tennessee in 1925

The story begins in the modest town of Dayton, Tennessee, known as the "buckle of the Bible Belt." By 1925, Dayton was grappling with economic decline, prompting city leaders to seek innovative ways to rejuvenate their community.

Jenny Ruff narrates:

"Jobs were scarce. Dayton's businesses had been closing, and that prompted people to move away."
(02:01)

In a strategic move, the town's leaders convened at Robinson's Drugstore to brainstorm solutions, ultimately deciding to leverage the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) offer to challenge the Butler Act—a Tennessee law prohibiting the teaching of Darwin's theory of evolution.

2. The Butler Act and the Genesis of the Trial

The Butler Act was Tennessee's pioneering legislation against the teaching of evolution, stating:

"Any theory that denies the story of the divine creation of man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals."
(02:01)

To spotlight Dayton and rejuvenate the town's image, the leaders devised a plan to have a teacher, John Scopes, deliberately teach evolution, thus setting the stage for a legal showdown.

Les Sellers explains:

"People often cite the Scopes trial as a pit that pitted science against Christianity, evolution versus creation. But the reality is much more complex."
(00:00)

3. Recruiting John Scopes: The Reluctant Defendant

John Scopes, primarily Dayton's football coach and a part-time science instructor, was chosen for his minimal entanglements—being young, single, and with no ongoing teaching obligations that a full-time educator might have faced.

Kevin Woodruff recounts:

"He came in from playing tennis and they called him over the table and said, hey, would you be willing to do us a favor?"
(02:33)

Despite not being a biology teacher, Scopes agreed to the proposition, understanding the gravity and publicity the trial would bring to Dayton.

4. The Titans of the Trial: Bryan vs. Darrow

The prosecution featured William Jennings Bryan, a renowned politician and fervent advocate against evolution, while the defense was spearheaded by the legendary Clarence Darrow, despite the ACLU's initial reservations about involving him.

Edward Larson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, provides context:

"The Scopes trial from the start has been carried on in a manner exactly fitted to the anti-evolution law and the simian imbecility under it."
(16:27)

Casey Luskin, from the Discovery Institute, highlights Darrow’s strategic maneuvers:

"If some diabolical higher power will intervene on Darrow's side... Clarence Darrow offered his services directly to John Scopes himself and he accepted."
(14:02)

5. The Trial Proceedings: A Battle of Wits and Ideologies

The courtroom became a national spectacle, broadcast live over radio for the first time, drawing thousands to Dayton. Journalist H.L. Mencken provided vivid accounts:

"The trial started like a breeze... But on jury selection, it became clear the jury was overwhelmingly against evolution."
(18:24)

Key moments included Darrow's expert witness, Dr. Maynard Metcalfe, whose testimony was skillfully undermined by Bryan, showcasing the courtroom as a battleground for academic freedom versus majority rule.

Lynn Vincent summarizes the legal dynamics:

"It was about freedom versus democracy. That's the issue. It was about American democracy and American freedom."
(10:36)

6. The Verdict and Its Aftermath

Despite Darrow's relentless defense, the jury found Scopes guilty after a mere nine minutes of deliberation, imposing a $100 fine. Shortly after, William Jennings Bryan passed away, heightening the trial's dramatic legacy.

Jenny Ruff reflects:

"The jury deliberated for just nine minutes before returning a verdict. Guilty."
(31:56)

7. Legacy and Misrepresentation in Popular Culture

The episode critically examines how the Scopes Trial has been romanticized and distorted in works like the Broadway play and movie "Inherit the Wind," which portrayed Christians as antagonistic and evolutionists as progressive heroes.

Kevin Woodruff asserts:

"Most people know about the Scopes Trial primarily because of the play and movie 'Inherit the Wind,' which is the worst possible way to learn about the trial."
(33:59)

8. Modern Perspectives: Evolution and Faith Still at Odds

Fast forward to 2025, the debate persists. Experts like Casey Luskin and Lagarde Smith argue that evolutionary theory remains flawed and irreconcilable with Christian faith, citing issues like the origins of sexual reproduction.

Casey Luskin notes:

"Evolution is very scientifically weak. I don't think the evidence supports... macroevolutionary claims that... all the history of life is the result of a strictly unguided, blind material process."
(35:15)

Lagarde Smith adds:

"Is there truth to it? Is there factual credibility behind that theory?"
(36:48)

9. The Enduring Debate and Conclusion

The Scopes Trial, far from a simple dichotomy of science versus religion, was a complex interplay of legal strategy, societal norms, and evolving worldviews. As the episode concludes, it underscores the trial's lasting impact on American education, law, and cultural discourse.

Les Sellers wraps up:

"Smith's book 'Darwin's Secret Sex Problem' highlights evolution's flaw, the mystery of sexual reproduction and its origins... So big they call it the queen of evolutionary problems."
(37:19)

Jenny Ruff finalizes:

"The debate over origins continues. Both Luskin and Smith say standard evolutionary biology will never be reconciled with Christianity because Darwin's theory... takes God out of the equation."
(41:52)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Les Sellers [00:00]: "People often cite the Scopes trial as a pit that pitted science against Christianity, evolution versus creation. But the reality is much more complex."

• Kevin Woodruff [02:33]: "He came in from playing tennis and they called him over the table and said, hey, would you be willing to do us a favor?"

• H.L. Mencken [16:27]: "What interests everyone is its mere strategy... No one here seems to doubt that Bryan will win."

• Edward Larson [10:36]: "It was about freedom versus democracy. That's the issue."

• Casey Luskin [35:15]: "Evolution is very scientifically weak. I don't think the evidence supports some of the grander, neo Darwinian macroevolutionary claims."

• Lagarde Smith [36:48]: "Is there truth to it? Is there factual credibility behind that theory?"

Conclusion

"Doubletake: Evidence Unseen" offers a nuanced exploration of the Scopes Trial, dissecting its historical context, the legal and cultural battles waged within the courtroom, and its enduring legacy in modern debates over science and religion. By challenging the simplistic narratives perpetuated by popular media, WORLD Radio provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why the Scopes Trial remains a pivotal moment in American history.

Produced by: Les Sellers, Jenny Ruff, Lynn Vincent, and Ben Jaiker
Special Thanks to: Kevin Woodruff, Lagarde Smith, Casey Luskin, Edward Larson, John Fine, and John Gager

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