Interaction between science and religion in the 17th century

[kingwinner]

I am writing an essay for a course regarding the history and philosophy of science. The topic is:

"During the 17th century, there was intense interaction between science and religion. Using examples, mount an argument that takes a position on this interaction. In other words, with reference to some hisotrical examples, discuss whether you regard this relationship as positive, negative, or a combination of both."

 

What I get from this is that the examples must be from the 17th century. I am only aware of Galileo's trial, the conflict with the church of whether the Earth is stationary or moving. Other than this, I am feeling blank. I can't think of any other figures with examples of interaction between science and religion, can someone kindly remind me of some other examples?

 

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks for helping!:D

[sanctus]

The story of the guys preceeding Galileo like Giordano Bruno who was burnt for saying that the earth was not the center of the universe.

 

 

Wasn't Newton also partly in the 17th century? But i do not know what and if he had to do with the church...

[kingwinner]

Yes, Newton (1642-1727) is part of the 17th century

[ughaibu]

If you go for the 17th century BC it'll narrow the field.

[Turtle]

Yes, Newton (1642-1727) is part of the 17th century

 

Newton was a practicing alchemist and had to hide his activities from the church. NOVA | Newton's Dark Secrets | Newton's Alchemy | PBS

Without this oppression, Newton may have more freely shared his work and advanced chemistry sooner. :D :(

[HarmonyAlexandria]

what a freaken nightmare that period of history was. Most discoveries were in Astronomy, and all of the Astronomers, including Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler, suffered some form of persecution.

[chilehed]

If it were my assignment, I'd look at the extent to which modern science is an outgrowth of the Christian idea that God is a rational being who created a rational universe.

[chilehed]

The story of the guys preceeding Galileo like Giordano Bruno who was burnt for saying that the earth was not the center of the universe.......

My understanding is that his heresy was in denying the divinity of Christ.