A Background

Science vs. Theology – CCC # 159 - Since both are Truth, they have to

agree • "Though faith is above reason,

there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth."

Authors: Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

• working together as founders of Armed Forces Radio during WWII,

• wrote Inherit the Wind as a response to increasingly censorious climate of McCarthyism, (Arthur Miller and Crucible)

• McCarthyism - Senator Joseph McCarthy held hearings to root out Communism in America

• - chose event in recent history to explore clash between fundamentalists and free thinkers.

ITW as an allegory

The allegory explores the condemnation of leftists and individualists (seen in the play as heretics) in America as Communists

The Play . . . • Has been performed almost every

night somewhere in the world, 50 yr. after play, 70 yr. after trial

• Not history, issues have "acquired new dimension and meaning since 30 yr. ago"

• setting "It might have been yesterday. It could be tomorrow."

• Fictional names to characters

What are the authors commenting on?1) Danger of a limited perspective and being unwilling to

see different perspectives2) Intellectualism vs. FundamentalismIntellectualism - finding human mind sacred and arguing that the freedom of thought is a basic rightFundamentalism - taking the Bible literally, exactly as it is there

3) Free thought - for Drummond, free thought is on trial - Can you accept what someone tells you without thinking about it?

Drummond's Intention:- not to tear down legitimate belief but only to fight ignorance and bigotry

So, the truth . . .

Scopes Trial, aka the "Monkey Trial"

• 1925, Dayton, TN

John Scopes put on trial for teaching evolution in its schools

• 1st time trial nationally broadcast by radio

The Butler Act: Anti- Evolution Law

- Restricts teaching of evolution ACLU advertised for challenge of law. - Rappalyea gets a hold of them *(the story)*

– Wrote the ACLU asking for funding in case in Dayton testing the Anti - Evolution law.

- Asks friend, John Scopes, if willing to be arrested for violating the new law

The Line-up John Scopes - Bertram Cates -

• Reality: math/science teacher and coach, subbed for biology class. Lived in boarding house

• ITW - mid to late 20's, broke law, thought it unjust to withhold new ideas from people simply because they may be in conflict with religion

• Attended dinner in honor of Bryan's arrival

Clarence Darrow - Henry Drummonddefense attorney

• Reality, Darrow, less cynical and biting, condemned anti- intellectualism, portions of Darrow, Portions of Drummond's defense are lifted directly from trial transcript

• ITW- agnostic, good lawyer, passionate about law, views it as a search for the truth.

• Idealist at heart, realist view of law.

Goal - defend rights of an individual to think and reason for him/herself

William Jennings Bryan –Matthew Harrison Brady

prosecution lawyer • ITW - Fundamentalist, orator, politician, self proclaimed expert on the Bible. Lost two bids for President, senator from Nebraska, condemn "evil-ution"

• Reality - familiar with Darwin, may have understood evolution, exuberant, funny, discerning and focused, 3 Democratic bids for president

H. L. Mencken (Baltimore Evening Sun)

E. K. Hornbeck (Baltimore Herald) • ITW - columnist, not

reporter, opinionated, wise cracking, pokes fun at simple life of Hillsboro.

• Reality - wrote part of Scope's defense

• http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft9702/iannone.htm