Secularization In John Brooke's 'Galileo Goes To Jail'

It may seem reasonable to assert that scientific progress has been the principle cause of secularization. In fact, a main question that still exists in the minds of many is whether or not science caused secularization and unbelief. In Galileo Goes to Jail, John Brooke is presented with this question and believes that there is truth in this proposition however there are other elements that have caused unbelief other than scientific thought. Secularization commonly refers to the transition from religious authority and control as well the loss of beliefs of religious customs. Sometimes where scientific explanations remained incomplete, religious thinkers would plug in beliefs from their own gods (Brooke 225). However, further advancements within the field would lessen the gaps making the appearance of their gods diminish resulting in secularization. Brooke offers the idea that this myth of science creating unbelief is undoubtedly misleading. He stresses the significance of distinguishing between secularization of science and secularization by science. This is because although much religious language had disappeared from a large amount of scientific literature by the nineteenth century, does not indicate religious beliefs were no longer existent among scientists. This cultural …show more content…
This is because although social, economic and political factors do play a part in secularization, science and the beliefs of many philosophers greatly influenced the impact of secularization. It is true that different areas of the world experience various degrees of unbelief at unlike times and in diverse ways. I agree with Brooke who understands there is a wide range of possibilities when dealing with secularization however significant figures such as Voltaire, Huxley, Darwin and even Tyndall all had a great influence in the making of unbelief from the past to