Reflections on the Scientific Revolution, Deism, and Religion

Constantly on opposite sides, science and religion both espoused to define the meaning of man's existence and purpose. From the dawn of human cognition, religion seemed to have an important influence in daily lives. On the other hand, the purpose of science was to support theological dogma, and if possible, enforce them. By the 15th century, a pattern of divergence from solely subordination to theology emerges. Why was this possible? Looking at the characteristics of science and theology, the aims of the former is positivistic and the latter is normative. In the positivistic realm, whatever is concerned is what it is and it is under the control of natural law. Theological aspects are usually normative in that they dictate and mostly without unsubstantiated proof but faith alone. Since both are ultimately aspiring to the highest purpose, which is to guide the essence of existence, conflict is inevitable. In order to avert conflict, some individuals, notably deists, during and after the Scientific Revolution tried to validate that theology was essential to scientific discovery. How and why did they attempt to do so? One should note that some of these so-called scientists' aspirations were within the theological context and not all were new creations but modifications of discoveries from antiquity (Matthews, Platt and Noble 448). This is my argument.

To elaborate on my contention, some discussions of the historical aspects are vital. Certain individuals discovered over time that some of the scientific theories, in certain fields, from antiquity were either inaccurate or incorrect. A portion of these theories was either bogus or meant solely to support theological norms. During the Renaissance, new approaches to Christianity such as...

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