Scopes: Creation on Trial

by John D. Morris

Although much has been written about the famous 1925 "Monkey Trial" in Dayton, Tennessee, most accounts are skewed in order to shed the best possible light on evolution. This handy, 48-page booklet, however, outlines the real facts surrounding the case. For example, far from being a dedicated teacher hounded by fundamentalists, high school teacher John Scopes never taught evolution at Dayton, but rather allowed himself to be a "test case" for those who wanted to see evolution taught in public schools. Meticulously researched and illustrated, this book sets the record straight.

Genres: History, Creation Science, Science, Nonfiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

John D. Morris was an American young earth creationist and the son of the "father of creation science", Henry M. Morris. He received a Doctorate in Geological Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1980 and briefly served on the university's faculty. In 1984, he joined the Institute for Creation Research (ICR); after his father's death in 1990, John Morris became the president of ICR.

Reviews

[Kevin Giles]

Great read, lost at the beginning trying to keep up with a flood of names, dates and details. Felt like the summarized details aptly outlined both sides of the story. Enjoyed the strong arguments for creation as the book drew to a conclusion.

[Tim Franks]

Short and sweet look at one of the most famous trials in the history of our country. So much evidence about this trial being mostly a circus at the time and having farther implications later on. Good response to a few of the major arguments put forward by the evolutionist camp. Underwhelming in the reporting of some of these parts, but it is a short work. The Scopes Trial in Dayton, TN was an important moment in our country's history and there are major implications for all parties involved. The Gospel presentation at the end is a great added bonus for all that read it!

[Jimmy]

A very brief book but also very informative. This booklet shows that the trial was more of a media stunt rather than an actual trial. If it had been an honest criminal trial, as many evolutionists would pretend, it probably would have been over on the first day. All that the court had to do was to simply put John Scopes on the witness stand and ask him if he taught evolution; if he denied the charge, then examine the students of the biology class. The fact is that Scopes never even testified to defend himself.