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
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. (Langford, 76) Theologians considered Galileo to be uncompromising, and therefore were reluctant to accept and consider his Copernican views. garding the earth and heavens came to light, including Nicolas Copernicus's views on the heavens. He was very strong in his faith, and tried to harmonize his discoveries with his religious beliefs. In the beginning of the relationship, Pope Urban VIII wanted to allow Galileo to write and voice his opinions, as long as he proceeded to do this with a respect for the Church and the Holy Scripture. Sometimes enduring criticism, both for lack of proof to support his claims and "big-headedness", Galileo was not easily held down by the Church or other influences. Isaac Newton gained this popularity and support because he married his religious beliefs with the science and knowledge he thrived upon. After Galileo's trial, he was sentenced to no longer discuss Copernican theory. While Copernicus was not as outspoken, partly due to fear of the Church, Galileo was very outspoken in his advocacy of his beliefs. This heliocentric view, in complete contradiction to the Aristotelian geocentric view, was the basis on which Galileo's beliefs rested. However, regardless of success and occurrences through time, humans, as long as they question, will continue to fuel the debate between science and religion. 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. These men contrasted greatly in terms of personality and beliefs, which accounts for their degrees of success in the public consuming their ideas and scientific findings. For his ideas presented in his world famous work Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, Newton relied heavily on the earthly physics uncovered by Galileo and the physics of the heavens discovered by Kepler at the end of the sixteenth century. 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 the Church.
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