Religion In Inherit The Wind

In Inherit the Wind, a 1960s film adaptation directed by Stanley Kramer, the battle between religion and science was tested, portrayed through the Scopes Trial of 1925. In the trail, John Scopes, a high school science teacher, was accused and convicted of teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, curriculum that was forbidden by Tennessee state law. It is clear that a focal point of the film was the discussion of whether religion should be the driving force behind education, or if science and empirical study is a better alternative. This discussion is alive and well in 2017, crucial in a time where Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, is a known believer in theories of ‘intelligent design,’ a theory that suggests divine guidance in the

Drummond frowns upon Brady’s understanding of The Bible as a universal explanation of the world, explaining how, “It frightens me to imagine the state of learning in this world if everyone had your driving curiosity” (Kramer). It is clear that to Drummond, The Bible is not a sufficient explanation for every phenomenon that occurs in the world, instead driving him to teach and investigate alternative modes of thinking such as Evolution. Perhaps the most important illustrator of Drummond’s philosophy of the world can be found when Brady questions whether or not there is anything that an agnostic individual. Drummond explains that there is, saying,

“The individual human mind. In a child's power to master the multiplication table there is more sanctity than in all your shouted "Amens!", "Holy, Holies!" and "Hosannahs!" An idea is a greater monument than a cathedral. And the advance of man's knowledge is more of a miracle than any sticks turned to snakes, or the parting of waters! But are we now to halt the march of progress because Mr. Brady frightens us with a fable?”

On the one side, the vocal religious right, mainly in the US, promises Hell and damnation for those who do not believe their version of the truth. On the other side, equally extremist views, put forward by Dawkins and his ilk, further alienate the moderates. By reading the media, it would seem that there is little room for compromise between the two sides, especially when prominent politicians become involved” (Shuttleworth)

Shuttleworth’s analysis of the current political situation illustrates the danger of Brady’s dogmatism, proving how the media’s portrayal of polarization between religious extremists and fundamental scientists can drive a lack of compromise between each group. While it is obvious that not every person on either side of this schism is dogmatic, extremist views have caused ripple effects throughout modern society. One of the most notable areas in which dogmatism within religion had lasting implications can be found by analyzing the election. According to Christiana Forrester, a reporter for the Huffington