Science and Religion

Many contemporary scientists argue that it is impossible to believe in God and be a serious scholar. But several scientists who helped lay the very foundations of modern science were creationists. A notable example is Sir Isaac Newton, who was born at Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire, England, on January 4, 1643 (or December 25, 1642, on the Julian calendar). Considered by many the most influential scientist ever, Newton helped advance the fields of physics, astronomy, mathematics, and the natural sciences.

He is widely known for his law of universal gravitation, his three laws of motion, and his studies on the refraction of light. In 1676 Newton confessed, “If I have seen further, it is by standing upon ye sholders of Giants.”5 Later he added, “I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”6 In contrast to modern scientists who believe that science has the final word about the origin and complexity of the universe, Newton affirmed, “But it is not to be conceived that mere mechanical causes could give birth to so many regular motions” as observed in the planetary system.7 He also asserted, “Gravity may put the planets into motion, but without the Divine Power it could never put them into such a circulating motion as they have about the sun; and therefore for this, as well as other reasons, I am compelled to ascribe the frame of this system to an intelligent Agent.”8 Aware of the limitations of human science and reason, Newton never lost his confidence in God as Creator and “Universal Ruler.” He wrote more about religion than about science. In 1733 his famous work Observations Upon the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John was published posthumously in London. For Newton, “opposite to godliness is Atheism in profession, and idolatry in practice.”9 In other words, there is no real atheism but only a transference of worship.

Those who do not worship God are either worshiping themselves or creating their own favorite gods, whoever or whatever those may be.