American Genesis: The Evolution Controversies from Scopes to Creation Science

Moran explores the historical underpinnings of the schism between the antievolutionary movement and mainstream science. Eschewing the broad-brush strokes in which the antievolution movement is generally characterized, Moran explores the cultural dynamics informing the almost century-old debate, documenting the formative role religious Southern women, who viewed themselves as “active agents of morality,” played in bringing the perceived threat of Darwinism to the fore. Moran notes that the early 20th-century outcry against evolution was waged “for country God and mother’s song” as well as the role of Southern regionalism, which saw evolutionists as cultural invaders from the North. Finally, there was a split among African-Americans based on whether they thought evolution would help dowse or inflame racism, and set black intellectuals against ministers. Evolution is perceived by religious fundamentalists as among specific theological threats. More familiar is the shift to the purported scientific approach known as creationism, and the increasingly sophisticated and strategic tactics of antievolutionists. Though the book is somewhat academic in tone, Moran transcends today’s media stereotypes while offering a fresh analysis of the roots of the antievolutionist movement—particularly the roles of women and African-Americans, and the personalities and motivations of advocates on both sides of the debate. Illus. (Mar.)