This is the story of a man of integrity, intellect, and faith. James Woodrow, uncle of Woodrow Wilson, was a competent scientist and an ordained Presbyterian minister. He became a professor at a Southern seminary in 1860, two years after Darwin's first public exposition on evolution. Dr. Woodrow's personal philosophy reconciled natural science and the Bible creation account. He understood freedom of inquiry to be wholly compatible with Christian belief. However, a sustained anti-evolution campaign finally drove him from his endowed chair in 1888.
The book describes Woodrow's character and his life, from immigrant boy to college president. It also shows sincere people facing deep philosophical conflicts within their community. This is timeless issue, for irreconcilable differences of opinion threaten any free subculture.

Contents include many quotations from Woodrow, a bibliography, an index, and reviews by nine contemporary readers.