ENV290 God or Godzilla

Env290 Précis 2-05-09

Creationism vs. Evolution in US Public School Science Education

Harper’s Magazine/February 2006 included an article by Matthew Chapman, great-great grandson of Charles Darwin titled: God or Gorilla, A Darwin Descendant at the Dover Monkey Trial. Chapman’s title sets the mood of this story about a legal battle over science education in Dover, Pennsylvania. We find out who he’s referring to as monkeys when we read how individuals in this community tried to control what was taught as science education based on their own ignorant, biased beliefs, and opinions.

When Chapman immigrated to the US in the 80’s he was shocked to find his ancestor’s theory of evolution not fully excepted by the American public. His profession as a Hollywood screenwriter is apparent in the way he wrote this true story. Most of it takes place in the court room because a group of parents have sued the school district over the issue of creationism vs. evolution being taught the classroom.

The stage is set with descriptions of the community, its river, his motel room, the court room, and wonderfully vivid descriptions of the people involved. His descriptions of the plaintiffs, defendants, lawyers, witnesses, and judge turn what could just another boring day in court, into soap opera of complex characters who he interacts with outside of the court room as well.

I found myself loosing track of whether I was more interested in the characters or the legal issues. His sense of humor made me laugh out loud several times. Reverend Groves puts on a show at the firehouse entitled” More Reasons Evolution is Stupid.” and agrees to an interview with Chapman. The Reverend has set up a video camera to film Chapman filming him. Chapman finds out days later that the Reverend has placed a TV on the alter, with his declarations of agnosticism blaring out, to the horror of the Christians.

Ignorance is bliss for many. Some can believe in creationism, intelligent design, and evolution. Others believe in one or the other. There are gaps in all the theories. Church and State remain separate. Religion is not taught in our public schools. Evolution is taught as a theory. Committing perjury in court as a couple of these characters did, is a serious offense, punishable by fines and jail time. This article was published two years after the case was heard in court and no one had yet been charged with perjury.