God of Monkey Science Exposes Evolution Denial in American Evangelical Church, Calls for Change
Denton, TX - A new book by Janet Kellogg Ray, "The God of Monkey Science", sheds light on the history of science denial and anti-intellectualism in the American Evangelical church, starting from the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 and its ongoing impact on modern-day rejection of evolution, climate science, vaccines, and masks.
According to Ray, a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Texas, decades of science denial within the Evangelical culture have had devastating consequences for families, churches, communities, and the world. The book aims to highlight the pattern, history, and cost of science rejection in the Evangelical church and beyond.
The author's journey began with her first book, "Baby Dinosaurs on the Ark", published during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led her to research the connection between evolution denial by white evangelicals and skepticism towards evidence-based protection measures. Ray notes that the method used by William Jennings Bryan in the Scopes Monkey Trial is still used by evangelicals today.
Ray's book identifies key issues, including:
- Misinformation about the scientific process
- The reliance on unqualified voices and "plain readings" of scripture to reject science
- Climate science as an attack on God's sovereignty
- Disinformation campaigns against scientists
The author also highlights the work of Christians who have made significant contributions to vaccine development, such as Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett and Dr. Francis Collins.
To address these issues, Ray emphasizes the importance of conversations about science in Evangelical congregations, encouraging pastors and church leaders to reconsider their attitude toward science and scientists for the good of their communities.
"The evangelical church needs to do better in this area," Ray says. "Reading this book is a great place to begin."
The book's author aims to convince pastors and Christian leaders that the risks of science rejection are significant, while also providing hope by highlighting examples of Christians working together with scientists to promote public health and well-being.
"The God of Monkey Science" has received praise from reviewers for its insightful exploration of science denial in American Evangelicalism. The book can be found on Amazon.com and other online retailers, priced at $10.31.