5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

Controversy in Columbia

Jul 3, 2024

Guest James Woodrow, a controversial figure in the 1880s known for his beliefs on evolution, discusses the clash between evolutionary theory and biblical beliefs at Columbia Theological Seminary, leading to his dismissal and the closure of the seminary.

05:00

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James Woodrow

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Quick takeaways

James Woodrow believed in harmony between the Bible and evolution.

Controversy at Columbia Theological Seminary led to its closure due to evolution debate.

Deep dives

The Life and Career of James Woodrow

James Woodrow's journey from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Canada, then to Ohio, and eventually his educational pursuits in Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Harvard under Louis Agassiz are highlighted. His marriage and move to Columbia Theological Seminary in South Carolina, where he became a professor, are key points. The naming of his son Woodrow Wilson and his involvement in the evolving controversy surrounding the theory of evolution add depth to his significant contributions.

The Controversial Figure: James Woodrow and His Journey to Columbia Theological Seminary

2min

Controversy in Columbia in the 1880s

3min

What led James Woodrow to be let go from Columbia Theological Seminary in the 1880s? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about Woodrow's controversial beliefs on the theory of evolution.

Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/controversy-in-columbia/

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