In God’s Place
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espite technological advances of the world today, one issue remains unclear–the understanding of the spiritual universe. To begin, Lightmans essay, In Gods Place, illustrates the methodical findings as well as the scientific developments of the physical universe. Following is a short synopsis:
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Aristotle (384-322 BCE) and his divine ether;
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Copernicus (1473-1543) and his declaration that the sun is the center of the universe;
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Brahe (1546-1601) and his extraordinary cataloguing of the planets and stars;
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Galileo (1564-1642) and his contributions to astronomy, physics and science; and
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Descartes (1596-1650) and his Cartesian coordinate system.
Of particular interest to Lightman, however, is Sir Isaac Newtons (1642-1727) Principia and “the mortal blow to Aristotles strong division between earthly and cosmic phenomena” (94).
Accepted until the 18th century, Western culture believed the teachings of Aristotle and the distinct division between worldly and heavenly knowledge.
Specifically, the heavens were considered inaccessible; prohibited and beyond understanding by humankind (Lightman 94). Similarly, Lightman upholds this belief when he confirms that for centuries humans were ingrained to believe and entitled to comprehend only what God allowed to reveal (94).
As an illustration, a brilliant interpretation of the separation of the physical and spiritual world is depicted in the well recognized 15th-century work of Giovanni di Paolo; The Creation of the World and the Expulsion From Paradise (see appendix). Carefully assessing the dual painting, it is increasingly clear how in the beginning society believed they were less important to and mere objects of the universe. Accordingly, the painting clearly identifies the cosmic hierarchy of the universe and the implications affecting human beings.
On the whole, Lightman believes what was most important about Newtons discovery of gravity was that for the first time the human race finally took a position regarding their own thinking. Likewise and somewhat collectively, the philosophical movement of the 18th century called The