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, a 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 regarding the earth and heavens came to light, including Nicolas Copernicus's views on the heavens. This heliocentric view, in complete contradiction to the Aristotelian geocentric view, was the basis on which Galileo's beliefs rested.
             While Copernicus was not as outspoken, partly due to fear of the Church, Galileo was very outspoken in the advocacy of his beliefs. To his own advantage, Galileo was very focused on his outspoken as a scientist, both in his determination to convey his beliefs and methods on which he tried to prove them. 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. This was not ...