The Forgotten Roots of Modern Science
Modern science has become synonymous with naturalism, but this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, the scientific revolution that took place between 1300 and 1700 was deeply rooted in Christian theological ideas. One of the key concepts that emerged during this period was the idea of intelligibility – the notion that nature is rational and can be understood by humans because it was created by a rational mind, namely God.
A Conviction Born of Faith
Contrary to popular opinion, science did not arise from a set of naturalistic presuppositions. Instead, it was born out of a conviction that there was a lawful order in nature, which humans could discern and understand because they were made in the image of the creator of that order. This conviction gave scientists the confidence to embark on the hard work of investigation, seeking to uncover the hidden order and design that lies beneath the surface of natural phenomena.
Contingent on the Creator
Since the order in nature is contingent on the act of the creator, scientists recognized that they had to go and look for evidence, rather than simply deducing it from logical first principles. This approach marked a significant break with ancient Greek philosophy, which had relied heavily on armchair reasoning. The early modern scientists, on the other hand, were driven by a desire to discover what God had actually done, rather than what he must have done.
Empirical Investigation
This emphasis on empirical investigation led to some remarkable breakthroughs. For example, the discovery that planets orbit in ellipses, rather than circles, challenged the prevailing views of the time. By recognizing that nature is created by God and that he could have done otherwise, scientists were able to adopt a more humble and open-minded approach, seeking to uncover the truth through observation and experimentation.
A False Narrative
Despite the historical evidence, many people continue to believe that science requires a set of naturalistic assumptions. However, this narrative is simply false. Christianity played a significant role in the development of modern science, and the idea that faith and reason are incompatible is a relatively recent innovation.
Rediscovering the Past
As we look to the future, it’s essential that we rediscover the forgotten roots of modern science. By acknowledging the role of faith in the scientific revolution, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between science and theology. Ultimately, this may lead us to new insights and discoveries, as we explore the wonders of the natural world with fresh eyes and an open mind.
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