"REFUSES TO AGREE TO INTERPRET GENESIS LITERALLY"

PASTOR SUSPENDED FOR 'CASTING DOUBT' ON STORY OF EVE & THE SERPENT

Amsterdam, Netherlands (JFK+50) On March 13, 1926, Associated Press reports that The Rev. J. H. Geelkerken was "suspended today for three months" following a heresy* trial conducted by the General Synod of the Reformed Churches.

The pastor had given a recent sermon in which he "cast doubt," according to AP, on the account of Eve and the Serpent** as given in the Book of Genesis in the Holy Bible.

Rev. Geelkerken also refused to sign an agreement to interpret Genesis literally.

JFK+50 NOTE

Rev. Wes Bredenhof, a pastor in Tasmania, says Rev. Geelkerken was later deposed by the Synod.  He argues that this was the "correct" action but "set a precedent" for the suspension & deposition of Dr. K. Schilder in 1944.  On his posting, WB idenifies Geelkerken as "Dr. J.G." 

*heresy is the formal denial of a core belief of a church by a baptized member.  During the Inquisition it was considered to be a capital offense punishable by death.

**According to Genesis 3, a crafty serpent convinces Eve to eat forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge violating God's commandment.  Her action leads to expulsion from the Garden of Eden & introduces sin & shame to mankind.

SOURCES

"Eve and Serpent Story Doubt Costs Pastor His Post," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 13, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Inerrancy-Lessons from History," by Wes Bredenhof, October 14, 2009, www.bredenhof.ca/

Adam & Eve Colour

Open Clip Art

www.openclipart.org/

"JUDGE READS BIBLE AS BLIND MUSICIAN PLAYS HYMNS"

MONKEY TRIAL OPENS IN TENNESSEE

Dayton, Tennessee (JFK+50) On July 10, 1925, the first day of the trial of John T. Scopes opened at the Rhea County Court House here in Dayton, Tennessee.

Mr. Scopes was indicted by a grand jury for the "unlawful and willful" teaching of "certain theories that deny the story of the Divine creation of man as told in the Bible."  The grand jury further found that he taught that man was descended from a lower order of animals.

Famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow told the court he will be calling "a number of scientists" to testify.  Meanwhile, prosecuting attorney William Jennings Bryan arrived on the scene to "hundreds of spectators."

Judge John T. Raulston read the first chapter of the Book of Genesis to the grand jury while outside a blind musician played hymns on his organ.

The Evening Star published the following 'Evolution Trial Facts' in its July 10, 1925 edition...

*The defendant:  John T. Scopes, 24, former science teacher in Rhea County (TN) schools

*The charge:  violation of the TN law prohibiting teaching the theory of evolution in public schools

*The scene:  Rhea County Circuit Court, Dayton, TN

*The judge:  John T. Raulston

*Duration: 2 weeks to 1 month

*The prosecution: Walter White, A.T. Stewart, Wm J. Bryan

*The defense:  John R. Neal, Clarence Darrow, D.F. Malone

*The witnesses:  prominent church men & scientists

*The cause:  violation of The Butler Act signed by Gov. Austin Peay

*Previous action:  J.T. Scopes charged with teaching evolution theory

*Inception:  At Dayton drug store at suggestion of G.W. Rappleyea

SOURCES

"Evolution Trial Facts," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 10, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Scopes Reindicted After Trial Opens To Correct Error," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 10, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Rhea County Court House

Dayton, Tennessee

US History AP Class

2014