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Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was an English physicist, mathematician, and natural philosopher, and one of the most important scientists in history. He was born in Lincolnshire and educated at Cambridge. He later moved to London, to supervise the Royal Mint and preside over the illustrious scientific organization known as the Royal Society.
Out of Newton’s many accomplishments, the following three are probably his most important:
- Established the fundamental principles of calculus.
- Originated the modern science of dynamics by formulating his three laws of motion.
- Derived the law of universal gravitation.
Newton’s revolutionary contributions explained the workings of a large part of the physical world in mathematical terms, and they suggested that science might provide explanations for other phenomena as well.
Although Newton was a conforming Churchman who believed in a personal God that exercised sovereignty over His creation, his scientific discoveries led others to a mechanistic picture of the universe. This eventually led to Deism.
Deism is a religious philosophy that flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. Deists believe that an impersonal God created the uni¬verse and then withdrew, assuming no control over it, and leaving no supernatural revelation of Himself. They deny the validity of revelation or ecclesiastical authority, and advocate a rational approach to ethics and morality. Their views contributed greatly to the intellectual climate of 18th century Europe.
- The following is a summary of their views.
- God is beyond the creation and unconcerned about what happens to it.
- A personal relationship with God is impossible.
- The universe works like a machine and every event is the inevitable result of prior events. (The universe runs like a gigantic set of dominoes. God pushed the first domino, and now every domino is falling because of the one before it.)
- No miracles are possible.
- History is running in a straight line from start to finish.
- Human beings are a part of the clockwork universe.
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