The Thomistic Institute The Scopes Trial & the Myth of Warfare between Science & Religion – Prof. Kenneth Kemp
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Feb 3, 2026 
Prof. Kenneth Kemp, emeritus philosophy professor who studies history and philosophy of science and religion, reevaluates the Scopes trial as legend rather than a simple science vs religion clash. He traces the legal, political, and local motives behind the case. He examines key players, competing theological views, and how the trial shaped public education and the myth of warfare between science and faith.
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Trial As Test Case And Spectacle
- The Scopes trial functioned as a test case and civic spectacle more than straightforward persecution of a teacher.
- Clarence Darrow’s courtroom victory in public opinion did not equate to legal vindication for Scopes.
How Scopes Became The Defendant
- John T. Scopes was persuaded in a Dayton drugstore to be a test defendant after admitting he used the mandated textbook to review biology material.
- He agreed to the plan despite uncertainty about whether he had actually taught evolution in class.
Bryan And Darrow Amp Up The Drama
- William Jennings Bryan came to Dayton as a celebrated progressive turned anti-evolution campaigner and drew Clarence Darrow to defend Scopes.
- Darrow volunteered despite the ACLU preferring lawyers focused strictly on constitutional issues.
