This Day in History March 13, 1925

I was quite intrigued concerning today's feature.  As a Christian, the freedom to teach both sides of the coin concerning the origin of life debate is incredibly important to me.  And on this date in 1925, part of that was actually taken away.  That's right.  In Tennessee, the Butler Act was passed.  This made it illegal to teach evolution in any public school.  There was a fine proposed for all violators ranging from $100 to $500.  This was challenged famously by the Scopes "Monkey" trials July 1925.  This law was not repealed until May 13, 1967.

You might be surprised that I didn't like this law, but here's the thing.  I have no real problem with being taught the evolution theory as long as it is presented as such.  I don't want anyone to outlaw the teaching of any scientific theory.  After all, let's examine the evidence.  Yes, I believe in creationism, but I don't want any legislation that says only this theory can be taught.  I want to be able to have the freedom to teach both as viable theories.  Let the students decide what they choose to believe.  After all, now the teaching of creationism is basically outlawed, and only evolution can be taught.  That's not right either.

If you would like to see a fantastic film that is loosely based on this issue, I would highly recommend the 1960 film Inherit the Wind.  It stars Spencer Tracy, Frederic March, and Gene Kelly, to name a few.  It is a fictionalized account, but it is well-acted and quite an intriguing story.  Yes, there is some mild profanity in it, but extremely mild.  I first watched it as a teen and never quite forgot it.  It does not take a side in the issue.  I think it could potentially make evolutionists and creationists uncomfortable.

For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butler_Act
http://www.todayinsci.com/S/Scopes_John/ButlerAct.htm
http://evolution.about.com/od/controversy/g/The-Butler-Act.htm
http://famousdaily.com/history/tennessee-law-prohibits-teaching-evolution.html

This Day in History November 24, 1859

I would bet that most of my readers would be surprised to see me covering this day in history featuring Charles Darwin.  Let me say that I am not endorsing Darwin's beliefs, but this is still an important day in history fact.  You see, it was on this day in 1859 that Charles Darwin published his earth-shattering Origin of Species.

I recently had the opportunity to watch part of a documentary called Darwin's Darkest Hour when I was subbing in a science class.  When I first saw that I had to watch this, I wasn't too happy.  I am a creationist, and I will always be.  But I chose to watch the film with an open mind.  I thought I might learn something that would be beneficial when talking with my evolutionist friends.

I actually would like to see the entire documentary--I was quite impressed.  I was struck with the fact that Charles Darwin did not set out to disprove Christianity, and he realized that the opposition to his ideas would be great.  I believe that his ideas of natural selection, adaptation, and survival of the fittest are true scientific principles.  I cannot endorse his evolution ideas, but that does not mean that his views are not at least worth listening to.

The thing that struck me the most in this documentary was that before he came along, scientists seemed to blindly accept the Biblical view of creation without considering other possibilities.  It was as though trying to explain the origin of life scientifically was heresy.  Scientists answered all questions about how life began by quoting the Bible.  They did not even try to reconcile the Bible and science.  

Darwin did the unthinkable.  He actually challenged these views, and although I don't think he reached the correct conclusion, I believe that his work caused those (like me) who still hold to creationism to examine the scientific evidence for and against their beliefs.  I think God and the Bible are big enough to withstand criticism, don't you?  I think it is important that everyone examines what they believe and why they believe what they do.  I get tired of people who, when challenged about their beliefs, say, "Because the Bible says so."  If that is your typical response to your beliefs, than you may want to do some more research.  Yes, it is a valid response, but even my daughter can answer questions about what she believes and why (and my English friend says her responses are really good). 

If you would like to examine some more about Darwin's book, check out these links:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/origin-of-species-is-published

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/The_Origin_of_Species