Sciene And Religion

¶ … Science and religion: An introduction by Alister E. McGrath. Specifically it will discuss Newton's case of scientific discovery and the rise of Deism. Newton's case of geometry and physics illustrates the non-confrontational model of science and religion, and in fact, that model has its roots in the Deism that Newton's work helped create.

Deism believes that God did create the world, but that he is no longer in control of it, and it rose out of Newton's discoveries of gravity and other scientific methods that indicated the world was interconnected and dependent on details to continue to function. This relates to the non-confrontational model of science and religion, which believes that the two sides of the argument do not have to argue with one another, they can peacefully coexist, because all work, even the work of scientists who might not believe in religion, is God's work, and he oversees all, even those who might disagree with him.

Newton's work represents this model because his work helped create a greater understanding of the sciences and of how things worked (such as gravity), and it helped scientists and mathematicians see things more clearly. In a confrontational model, the scientists and religious leaders would have fought over the findings and found them un-Christian or relevant (which some church leaders did), but his discoveries led to new ways of thinking, instead. People began to see that religion could still exist in the scientific world, and that creationism could exist, but that beliefs could be different and modernize, too. Deism, or the belief in a creator that created the universe and then let it evolve on its own, was a product of Newton's studies, and it is a clear indicator that religion and science do not have to compete with one another, they can coexist in a non-confrontational relationship.

Newton also demonstrated that the natural world was one giant "machine" that depended on all the other elements of the machine to survive and thrive. This also represents the non-confrontational model, because it shows the interdependence and reliance on outside elements to make a cohesive whole. This is the exact opposite of the confrontational model, which believes that science and religion are at odds with another, and do not support each other. Newton's model depends on support from all the other elements, indicating that science and religion can get along side by side.

In fact, Newton's discoveries led to many other discoveries in science, but they led to a wider Christian view (Deism), that many people started to write about and discuss long after Newton's death. It led to critical thinking about how the world coexists, the planets coexist, and everything works so well together, and it led to more religious study and understanding. This also represents the non-confrontational model, because his work led to spiritual and scientific discussion and debate, which helps both sides understand each other and accept each other for what they are. Constructive debate is always helpful for understand and acceptance, and Newton's work created that debate and a whole new way of looking at science and spirituality together.