Creating Controversy

The theory of evolution has been controversial since its proposal. For many, evolution contradicts the Biblical version of the creation of the world, and it has been challenged on religious grounds many times.

One area in which evolution has been particularly divisive is education. The majority of educators recognize evolution as a legitimate scientific theory worthy of being taught in public schools. However, some school districts or individual teachers have been unwilling to teach evolution, as they believe it goes against their religious beliefs.

The most prominent example of this clash is the 1925 trial of John Thomas Scopes, a teacher accused of violating Tennessee's law prohibiting the teaching of evolution in a state-funded school. Scopes was convicted, but the verdict was later overturned on a technicality.

The Scopes Monkey Trial, as it came to be known, highlighted the opposition between science and tradition and brought the issue of evolution to the forefront of American thought. These issues still persist 90 years later, with some groups still working to prevent the teaching of evolution in public schools.

Not "just" a Theory

The scientific theory of evolution is more than just aguess about how life on earth developed—it is supported by significant evidence and has been repeatedly tested. It is highly unlikely that new evidence will be found that disproves the theory of evolution completely, though it will continue to be modified and updated.

SCIENTIFIC THEORY

A well-supported explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate scientific laws, hypotheses, and facts

Testable

Allows scientists to make predictions

Subject to change and refinement with new evidence

POPULAR THEORY

An idea that is suggested or presented as possibly true but that is not known or proven to be true.

• A speculation, hunch, or guess
• Minimally supported by evidence