Science And Religion
Throughout history, scientific ideas and religious beliefs have conflicted, often culminating in strong disagreement, imprisonment for some people, and sometimes fuel for war sentiments. Even today, strong debate between the two still exists, as humans struggle to explain their purpose, beginnings, and surroundings. In comprehending this issue, it is imperative that one focus on the key individuals who, through their work, beliefs, and motives shaped this argument. There are too many of these individuals to name, but two which had a very strong influence were Galileo Galilei and Sir Isaac Newton. Differing in many ways, including personality and beliefs, these two men helped directly shape the course of history with respect to the science and religion debate. In the Galilean controversy, the focus of Galileo, Science, and the Church, the science vs. religion debate unfolds. In fact, some may cite it as the ultimate representation of the conflict. The view of the world at the time of Galileo held by scientists and theologians was an Aristotelian one. Up until that time, for nearly two millenniums, no real debate concerning the view of the world erupted. As major scientific advancements developed, however, new theories re
Because Newton seemed benign to theology and the most sacred beliefs of society, perhaps he and his ideas were accepted more readily by society. In fact, Newton was given the title of "Sir", and was invited to be a member of the Royal Society, a group of elite scientists and intellectuals in the upper echelon of society. Isaac Newton gained this popularity and support because he married his religious beliefs with the science and knowledge he thrived upon. According to Dobbs and Jacob, Newton felt that the "ancient religion was the most rational of all" and that it "encouraged humanity to gain knowledge of the deity by the frame of nature". (Dobbs and Jacob, 48) By this, Newton meant that humans could explore their universe, and learn about God and his intentions through this nature. Newton was one of the first scientists to successfully advocate this to the world, and thus was praised for his accomplishments and contributions, both in the realm of science and humanity. While most of the Church was skeptic and critical of Galileo's motives, some welcomed Galileo's "new science". A Dominican friar and adversary of the Aristotelian philosophy, Thomas Campanella, became one of the biggest supporters for Galileo. Following their introduction and subsequent friendship, Campanella wrote texts, mostly while imprisoned, in favor of the ideas of Galileo. However, while supportive, Campanella's writings were not very helpful in convincing others to accept the Copernican theory. Another, perhaps more helpful, supporter of Galileo was Pope Urban VIII. Friends before his time as the Pope, Urban VIII and Galileo had a symbiotic relationship, as Galileo wanted his ideas to be embraced, and Urban VIII wanted more union between science and
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Approximate Word count = 1180
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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