Lead story
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.
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
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
Pop culture about the ‘trial of the century’ reflected broader cultural rifts. By Ted Olson for The Conversation
The death penalty is racist, implemented unfairly and only extends the grief of victims’ families. By Sharon Risher/Religion News Service
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
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
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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