Evolution and Christians aren't mutually exclusive

Last Updated 5/20/2025


Christians are “creationists,” and “evolutionists” aren’t Christians—or that’s the way some would frame the debate over human origins.

But like the rest of the discussion about the Scopes Trial, the reality is more nuanced. On July 17, Dr. Joel Duff, professor of biology at the University of Akron, will examine the relationship of creation and evolution during Evolving Conflict: Scopes at 100at the Rhea County Courthouse.

Over the past 100 years, the way Christians respond to evolution science has changed. “Theistic evolution,” or “evolutionary creation,” has emerged as a way to bridge the gap between these two ideas.

Duff, whose research focuses on understanding biological diversity exhibited in DNA and genome structure, will trace how evangelical thought has responded to scientific discoveries, how institutional and theological perspectives, and biblical interpretation have changed in response to evolutionary science.

Evolving Conflict: Scopes at 100 is presented by Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation as part of the Scopes Centennial celebration on July 16–17 at the historic Rhea County Courthouse. More information and tickets are available at scopes100.com/events.

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