Four great founders of science

Copernicus

Nicholas Copernicus, a Polish astronomer, had shown in the 16^th century that the planets revolve around the sun, directly contradicting Aristotle.  His work was rejected by those Roman Catholic theologians who, since Aquinas, had diverged from Scripture into a natural theology based on flawed Aristotelian physics.  But three Lutherans, a professor of mathematics, a theologian and a prince were instrumental in publishing Copernicus’ work.[1]

Kepler

Johannes Kepler of Germany wrote that his life was devoted to “finding the mathematical harmonies in the mind of the Creator.”  In an amazing feat, he discovered the laws of planetary motion and in doing so, felt he had glimpsed God’s greatness:

“I give thee thanks, O Lord and Creator, that thou hast gladdened me by thy creation when I was enraptured by the work of thy hands.  Behold, I have here completed a work of my calling with as much of intellectual strength as thou hast granted me.  I have declared the praise of thy works to the men who will read the evidences of it so far as my finite opportunity could comprehend them in their infinity.  My mind endeavoured to its utmost to reach the truth by philosophy; but if anything unworthy of thee has been taught by me – a worm born and nourished in sin – so Thou teach me that I may correct it.”[2]

Galileo

Galileo Galilei was an Italian Roman Catholic mathematician who confirmed by observation that Copernicus’ heliocentric view of the solar system was correct.  He wrote:

“A hundred passages of holy Scripture teach us that the glory and greatness of Almighty God are marvellously displayed in all his works and divinely read in the open book of heaven.”[3]

Galileo added that the book of heaven “cannot be read until we have learned the language” – a reference to the language of mathematics that conveys creation’s precise order.  Sadly, he was condemned by the Holy Office of the Roman Catholic denomination and forced to recant.

Newton

Foremost among the great thinkers of this astounding era was Sir Isaac Newton.  He was described by famed French mathematician, Lagrange, as “the most outstanding genius that ever lived.”

Newton’s deep knowledge of the bible led him to perceive God and His creation as highly ordered and reasonable.  This biblical mindset enabled him to crystallise ideas as fundamental to science as cause-and-effect and as abstruse as gravitation.

Newton “contributed more to the scientific progress of mankind than any other single individual before or since.”[4]  His book “The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy” became one of the most influential books in the history of human thought.[5]

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