In the Beginning: Science and Religion in America
From: BackStory with the American History Guys
Series: BackStory with the American History Guys: Full Episodes
Length: 54:00
In 1925, Tennessee high school teacher John Scopes was charged with violating a state law banning the teaching of evolution. Back then, many people believed the Scopes "Monkey Trial" would be the last gasp of the anti-evolution movement. But 85 years later, about the same percentage of Americans believe in creationism as believe in evolution.
On this episode of BackStory, the History Guys explore the ways Americans have attempted to grapple with the biggest question of them all: “Where did we come from?” Together, they trace the ups and downs in the relationship between science and religion. Are there times when the two have not been at odds? How did the Founders conceive of “creation,” and why did the idea of extinction pose such a challenge to their worldview? How were Darwin’s ideas received in the U.S., and why did it take six decades before public school systems started challenging the teaching of his theories? What lessons does history offer those interested in charting a peaceful relationship between science and religion in the future?
Guests Include:
- Ronald Numbers - Professor of the History of Science and Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Joe Wilkey - Head of the Department of Science at Rhea County High School, Evensville, TN.
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Piece Description
In 1925, Tennessee high school teacher John Scopes was charged with violating a state law banning the teaching of evolution. Back then, many people believed the Scopes "Monkey Trial" would be the last gasp of the anti-evolution movement. But 85 years later, about the same percentage of Americans believe in creationism as believe in evolution.
On this episode of BackStory, the History Guys explore the ways Americans have attempted to grapple with the biggest question of them all: “Where did we come from?” Together, they trace the ups and downs in the relationship between science and religion. Are there times when the two have not been at odds? How did the Founders conceive of “creation,” and why did the idea of extinction pose such a challenge to their worldview? How were Darwin’s ideas received in the U.S., and why did it take six decades before public school systems started challenging the teaching of his theories? What lessons does history offer those interested in charting a peaceful relationship between science and religion in the future?
Guests Include:
- Ronald Numbers - Professor of the History of Science and Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Joe Wilkey - Head of the Department of Science at Rhea County High School, Evensville, TN.
Timing and Cues
SENDER:
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SHOW:
HOSTS:
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PRSS SHOW TITLE: BACKSTORYSCIENCEANDRELIGION
BROADCAST WINDOW: 5/11/12-7/11/12
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SHOW RUNDOWN
06:00 – 19:00
VFH RADIO – CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
"BACKSTORY" RUNDOWN –IN THE BEGINNING”
BACKSTORY WITH THE AMERICAN HISTORY GUYS
BRIAN BALOGH, PETER ONUF, ED AYERS
59:00
SEG A
IC: Major support for Backstory is provided by the National
Endowment for the Humanities.
OC: The preacher-scientist who flickered his way into classrooms
across the nation.
6:00 - 13:09
13:10 – 19:00
Them Dry Bones
Peter takes Brian to Monticello to look at some of the
bones collected on the Lewis and Clark expedition, and
they discuss Jefferson’s views on science and religion.
Scientific Theories
Brian speaks with historian Ronald Numbers about Darwin
and the development of science as a discipline.
19:00 – 20:00
20:00 – 39:00
STATION BREAK 1 (MUSIC BED)
SEG B
IC: This is BackStory…
OC: We’ll be back in a minute.
20:00 – 30:27
30:28 – 28:34
The Bible Told Him So
Contributing Producer Catherine Moore introduces us
to the work of Irwin Moon, an evangelist preacher who
devoted his life to exploring the resonance between the
Bible and science.
Scoping Out
Ed speaks with Joe Wilkey, the science teacher at Rhea
County High School, the school where John Scopes once
taught and caused controversy.
39:00 – 40:00
40:00 – 59:00
40:00 – 46:09
46:09 – 57:26
STATION BREAK 2 (MUSIC BED)
SEG C
IC: We’re back with BackStory
OC: …at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
Debate Club
We return to Brian’s interview with Ronald Numbers to
discuss the origins of the intelligent design debate.
Listener Calls
Peter, Ed, and Brian take listener calls.
58:15 – 59:00 PRODUCTION/FUNDING CREDITS
***********************************************************************
Contact: Producer, Tony Field (434) 924-8922, tfield@virginia.edu
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