The Role of Religion in the Life of Sir Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton has been heralded as one of the greatest minds that ever lived and is arguably the most brilliant mind of the 17th century; his accomplishments in math and science advanced the understanding of the natural world and served as a foundation for future exploration. Such a portrait of Newton, painted mainly through the eyes of contemporary scientists, leaves an indelible impression that Newton was a simple scientist, albeit a great one. A closer study of Newton’s works in mathematics, science, alchemy and theology clearly demonstrate that Newton had only one true pursuit-- to unveil the secrets of God. Newton’s unwavering belief in God as the all-powerful creator of the universe …show more content…
Politically, the role of the King and Parliament was in flux as the protectorate under Oliver Cromwell ended and the rule of Charles II began. Arguments over the distribution of power between the King and Parliament as well as the issue of religion continued to be a divisive force in government until the Glorious Revolution in the late 1680s would establish a limited monarchy with an active Parliament and recognition of the rights of the people in the 1689 Bill of Rights.() The plague that entered in 1665, killing thousands, devastated the economy and changed the social environment. Religiously, many people thought the plague was a sign from God indicating his displeasure with the people. Although Newton existed in these changing times, he remained singularly focused on his …show more content…
Newton would have likely agreed. Even though man may see chaos or disarray within the universe, it is only because he does not fully understand God’s plan.(is this a Newton quote??) As Alexander Pope wrote, “All earthly disorder was simply harmony not understood” () . Newton’s mission was “to honor God by discovering and proclaiming the perfection of his plans” (). But in the early 1660s, the social environment in the previously merry monarchy changed. Many of the natural philosophers (), such as Newton, believed that they were entering the apocalypse, “entirely within accord of natural law orchestrated by a God who reached down into the world to perform miracles and punish sinners” (). People believed they were witnessing signs of God’s displeasure with the birth of deformed babies, bloody rain, comets and the appearance of a mysterious star. () At this time, in 1661, Newton was just entering Cambridge University. Later, in 1665, while Newton was still attending Cambridge, the plague struck and over a hundred thousand lives were taken. Cambridge closed, along with many other public and private institutions, in hopes of containing the spread of the plague. The general public believed that the plague was just more proof of God’s displeasure with man. With the closure of Cambridge, Newton returned to his mother’s farm. Rather than
Isaac Newton has been heralded as one of the greatest minds that ever lived and is arguably the most brilliant mind of the 17th century; his accomplishments in math and science advanced the understanding of the natural world and served as a foundation for future exploration. Such a portrait of Newton, painted mainly through the eyes of contemporary scientists, leaves an indelible impression that Newton was a simple scientist, albeit a great one. A closer study of Newton’s works in mathematics, science, alchemy and theology clearly demonstrate that Newton had only one true pursuit-- to unveil the secrets of God. Newton’s unwavering belief in God as the all-powerful creator of the universe …show more content…
Politically, the role of the King and Parliament was in flux as the protectorate under Oliver Cromwell ended and the rule of Charles II began. Arguments over the distribution of power between the King and Parliament as well as the issue of religion continued to be a divisive force in government until the Glorious Revolution in the late 1680s would establish a limited monarchy with an active Parliament and recognition of the rights of the people in the 1689 Bill of Rights.() The plague that entered in 1665, killing thousands, devastated the economy and changed the social environment. Religiously, many people thought the plague was a sign from God indicating his displeasure with the people. Although Newton existed in these changing times, he remained singularly focused on his …show more content…
Newton would have likely agreed. Even though man may see chaos or disarray within the universe, it is only because he does not fully understand God’s plan.(is this a Newton quote??) As Alexander Pope wrote, “All earthly disorder was simply harmony not understood” () . Newton’s mission was “to honor God by discovering and proclaiming the perfection of his plans” (). But in the early 1660s, the social environment in the previously merry monarchy changed. Many of the natural philosophers (), such as Newton, believed that they were entering the apocalypse, “entirely within accord of natural law orchestrated by a God who reached down into the world to perform miracles and punish sinners” (). People believed they were witnessing signs of God’s displeasure with the birth of deformed babies, bloody rain, comets and the appearance of a mysterious star. () At this time, in 1661, Newton was just entering Cambridge University. Later, in 1665, while Newton was still attending Cambridge, the plague struck and over a hundred thousand lives were taken. Cambridge closed, along with many other public and private institutions, in hopes of containing the spread of the plague. The general public believed that the plague was just more proof of God’s displeasure with man. With the closure of Cambridge, Newton returned to his mother’s farm. Rather than