Science and Religion

During the 19^th Century, religion was the basis for everything. Harvard College started as a religiously based school and all the curriculum was focused around religion. However, as science began to grow and become more complex, religion started being pushed to the side. Those in philosophy wanted to show science and religion could be integrated without damaging the dogma or findings of the two fields of study.

This belief set off many debates. These debates were only increased with the theories of evolution, natural selection, monogenism and polygenism. Many seemed to try to debunk the religious theories or prove religious theories differently than previously believed. The believers in science wanted to prove that nature was the force behind all creatures and humans, and that races were biologically, physiologically, and intellectually different.

Many scientists of the time used research to substantiate their theories and beliefs. Agassiz believed...