1. Science and Religion Enemies or Allies

2. Science = mechanism “how do my cells divide and replicate? Religion = meaning “Why am I here?” Science does not claim to have all the answers The beauty of flowers for example can not be measured scientifically

3. You can not ask science to prove there is a God or not because scientists study the physical world. Questions about God’s existence are outside the terms of reference! “ Science without religion is lame, Religion without science is blind” Albert Einstein So... Are they Enemies or Allies?

4. The Middle Ages – Scientific Knowledge Expands

5. The Earth is seen as centre of the universe.

6. Thinking was deductive, i.e. Not on observation but on the basis that that the bible was literally true

7. Why Earth centred? The sun appeared as if moving. Earth felt stationary If earth moved round surely wind would sweep everything off the earth. Distant stars did not seem to change position A spinning earth would be expected to fling off everything that was not fixed to it. A cannonball, fired straight up would be expected to fall to the west of firing point as the earth moved (same with birds and clouds.)

8. Some people were studying the stars and noticed that they moved. Eventually, scientists started discussions that the world was round and went round the sun.

9. Copernicus (1473 – 1543) A polish priest published a paper based on the belief that the sun was the centre of the universe not the earth. Copernicus was afraid, but his paper was only read by those who had similar ideas.

10. Galileo (1564 – 1642) then published his own work based on Copernicus and his work was widely read.

11. The church confronts Galileo and asks him to back down

12. At this time the Vatican is all important, with Pope at head. The Pope issues a statement. The belief that the earth moves round the sun and that the sun is stationary in the centre of the universe and does not move from east to west id against the teachings of the Bible and therefore can not be defended or held.

13. Galileo is put on trial and denies what he published (not surprising as his freedom and life were at stake.)

14. Real issue for the church was, Who interprets the Bible? The Church wanted to if they allowed the scientists to it would mean a danger to the literal interpretation of the Bible.

15. Transitional Page