John H. Gladstone (1827-1902) was a British chemist, a Fellow of the Royal Society, and a “student both of the Scriptures and of natural science”. In 1872, he released his lecture “Points of Supposed Collision Between the Scriptures and Natural Science” in support of Christianity in the battle between Biblical Authority and New Science.
In his text, Gladstone begins by acknowledging that, although Scripture and nature are both set in stone, man is susceptible to an errored interpretation of either. Philosophers and theologians alike can never be certain of the claims they bring forward and their various schools of thought. However, Gladstone brings forth what he refers to as “fundamental truths”, which he explains are accepted by all geologists, …show more content…
The evolution of species, plants, and animals has been, evidently, very gradual, which sheds light on the story of creation in the Bible. To put it in Gladstone’s words, “the account of the creation was either the teaching of God or the worthless guess of some ancient philosopher.” It is at this point that the author introduces Charles Darwin and enlightens his readers with his interpretation of Darwin’s works. In 1859, Darwin released “The Origen of Species” which explains his theory of evolution, but also emphasizing that there is no direct creation by God (Vietri, June 12, 2017). Gladstone was fascinated with the arguments brought forth in this text, impressed with Darwin’s logic and the exposition of natural selection. However, Gladstone clarifies that, even after his reading of “The Origen of Species”, he did not feel a divide between Natural Science and his faith. He believed Darwin’s work complemented the divine plan which he trusted in. Although Gladstone found answers in Darwin’s text, many believed Darwin’s theory to be not only against the Christian faith, but also …show more content…
Compared to the earlier scientists, Darwin was undoubtedly allowed more freedom of speech – so much so that if Darwin had presented his thoughts in earlier centuries, he might have been burned for heresy. We see some of the difficulties early scientists had to undergo in Galileo Galilei. Born in 1564, Galileo proved, through experimentation, that light objects and heavy objects would fall at the same rate. He made history with his notions of gravity and theories against geocentrism. This theory was founded in Nicolaus Copernicus, but it was Galileo who discovered the telescope and was able to prove it. Theologically, earth being at the center of the universe is significant, therefore Galileo suggesting otherwise was a red flag to the Church. Galileo used his invention to make discoveries about the universe, the stars, the moons around Jupiter, and the planets, essentially giving them an order. However, Galileo was not as lucky as Darwin was in publishing his works. Arguments against him were based on the fact that he had no spiritual evidence. Galileo responded that the Bible can be figurative, and that he was gaining access to God’s mind through his discoveries of His universe. Gladstone, mentioned above, attempted to explain the same; that believing in one does not mean refuting the other. Nonetheless, the Church would not tolerate his works and in 1616, he is asked to appear
In his text, Gladstone begins by acknowledging that, although Scripture and nature are both set in stone, man is susceptible to an errored interpretation of either. Philosophers and theologians alike can never be certain of the claims they bring forward and their various schools of thought. However, Gladstone brings forth what he refers to as “fundamental truths”, which he explains are accepted by all geologists, …show more content…
The evolution of species, plants, and animals has been, evidently, very gradual, which sheds light on the story of creation in the Bible. To put it in Gladstone’s words, “the account of the creation was either the teaching of God or the worthless guess of some ancient philosopher.” It is at this point that the author introduces Charles Darwin and enlightens his readers with his interpretation of Darwin’s works. In 1859, Darwin released “The Origen of Species” which explains his theory of evolution, but also emphasizing that there is no direct creation by God (Vietri, June 12, 2017). Gladstone was fascinated with the arguments brought forth in this text, impressed with Darwin’s logic and the exposition of natural selection. However, Gladstone clarifies that, even after his reading of “The Origen of Species”, he did not feel a divide between Natural Science and his faith. He believed Darwin’s work complemented the divine plan which he trusted in. Although Gladstone found answers in Darwin’s text, many believed Darwin’s theory to be not only against the Christian faith, but also …show more content…
Compared to the earlier scientists, Darwin was undoubtedly allowed more freedom of speech – so much so that if Darwin had presented his thoughts in earlier centuries, he might have been burned for heresy. We see some of the difficulties early scientists had to undergo in Galileo Galilei. Born in 1564, Galileo proved, through experimentation, that light objects and heavy objects would fall at the same rate. He made history with his notions of gravity and theories against geocentrism. This theory was founded in Nicolaus Copernicus, but it was Galileo who discovered the telescope and was able to prove it. Theologically, earth being at the center of the universe is significant, therefore Galileo suggesting otherwise was a red flag to the Church. Galileo used his invention to make discoveries about the universe, the stars, the moons around Jupiter, and the planets, essentially giving them an order. However, Galileo was not as lucky as Darwin was in publishing his works. Arguments against him were based on the fact that he had no spiritual evidence. Galileo responded that the Bible can be figurative, and that he was gaining access to God’s mind through his discoveries of His universe. Gladstone, mentioned above, attempted to explain the same; that believing in one does not mean refuting the other. Nonetheless, the Church would not tolerate his works and in 1616, he is asked to appear