the creation–evolution controversy has a long history. scientists had some ideas how evolution works. because some of these theories contradict the literal interpretation of the creation myth in the book of genesis, religious people and organizations questioned these ideas. for a long time, only the priests could read the bible, which was written in latin or in greek. it was only the priests who interpreted the texts in the bible. the priests often said that the book of genesis should not be read literally and taught it as an allegory. with the advent of the printing press, the bible was translated into other languages. more people were able to read and write, and more literal understandings of scripture flourished. this allowed some religious persons and groups to challenge scientists who supported evolution, such as biologists thomas henry huxley and ernst haeckel.