In defense of the bible

1. What is the author arguing?

In defense of the bible was a court hearing between William Jennings Brown who was for teaching only Christianity in schools and Clarence Darrow who fought for the ability to teach students evaluation. They both held very good arguments I especially like the part when he starts to question when the bible came about this really made you think which religion did come first, and shouldn’t students have the right to decide what to believe in. This trial definitely shaped the education system; schools now can’t focus on one religion they have to show students a variety.   

2. How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their argument?

The author appeals to logos by telling us the debate between William Jennings Brown and Clarence Darrow about whether or not to keep the Butler Act. The Butler Act is where no school can teach to “denies the story of divine creation of man” which is Christianity. The author appeals pathos by Darrow saying “You insult every man of science and learning in the world because he does not believe in your fool religion.” As you can see Darrow was getting very emotional about the argument and resulted in calling Christianity a fool religion because Brown was having such a hard time understanding why people should learn other religions. The author appeals in ethos by the way they talk to each other they end the conversation so nasty to each other. “The Christian religion has satisfied me and I have never felt it necessary to look up some competing religions” “do you consider every religion on earth competes with the Christian religion?” the perceived characters as you can see are very defensive and trying to taunt another.

3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?

The historical significance to this article is that students will have a chance to broaden their knowledge about religion so they will have the ability to choose on their own what to decide what they may believe is right or wrong.  

4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?

I do find the authors argument convincing, evolution and other religions have many a part of many other cultures for just as many years as Christianity shouldn’t students have the right to learn about those religions too.