The day 2 audio can be heard here. The text is:
Good morning,
In this “Darwin anniversary” week I am looking at four famous scientists and asking how their discoveries influenced their life and faith.
In a Royal Society survey in 2005 Sir Isaac Newton was voted the most influential scientist ever to have lived. In 1687 he published a book referred to as the "Principia" which provided the mathematical foundation for classical mechanics through his description of the laws of gravity and motion. As if this was not enough he went on to show how white light could be split into the many colours of the rainbow, co-developed the branch of mathematics called calculus, oversaw the royal mint, was president of the Royal Society, and also a member of Parliament.
However, along with these great achievements, Newton spent more time studying and writing about religion than any other topic. He recognised, through his mathematical and scientific studies, that the world was a rational place governed by the predictable laws of nature. But this made him want to ask why? Why is it possible that humans are able to understand the world? Why does mathematics even work?
His conclusion was that a great creator lies behind the universe, however far from being the fickle god of superstition this was a craftsman God who designed along rational and universal principles. "Gravity", he wrote, "explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who set the planets in motion. God governs all things and knows all that is or can be done."
As a great scientist Newton recognised the importance of science, but also recognised that we need more than just science to understand the world around us. By contemplating the complexities of science and the grandeur of nature, Newton was drawn to a deeper belief in the creator of this magnificent world.
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