1/14 DBQ

Scientists reemerged during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries with the Renaissance. However, most of their findings did not agree with the beliefs of the Church. The teachings of the Church were widely accepted throughout Europe. Those who defied them were heretics. Scientists were seen as heretics. However there was more than religious conflict. There were social and political conflicts as well. At the time, science was a focal point of religious, social, and political controversies that affected every aspect of the life of a scientist.

Scientists affected modern religion, going against accepted teachings. If a scientists theory was found as heresy by the Church, they were forced to change their theory, or they were excommunicated. They Church could not prevent them from their discoveries, but the influence of the most powerful figures sometimes could make them take it back (doc 1, doc 5). These beliefs of modern astronomers put them at odds with the Church. Often there was dispute about this issue. Scientists wanted to learn more, because there was no limit with astronomy. However, it compromised God's power (doc 2).

Politically, some rulers felt threatened by these modern scientists, and their teaching. After all... it was God's will for them to rule. Rulers go of on Holy Wars as if it was God's will. Their glory is always attributed to God. If God's power is compromised, Then the people will start to doubt their ruler (doc 12). Many political figures did not want, or agree with the scientists at all. They were under the impression that science was a dying breed, making no more progress than it had the past thousand years (doc 4). Those who believed in such saw it as God's will. Other rulers saw it as a way to advance in society. Those rulers saw it as a way to increase their income, and their own personal chests (doc 11).

Socially, scientists met two different worlds. On one hand, many accepted them, and they lived as normal people in the social eye. On the other hand, many people thought of them as blasphemous, and wanted them treated as heretics. Gender wars also played a part. There were no women allowed to be scientists. Science was barely accepted if he was a man, but if the scientist was a woman, there would be no such thing (doc 9). Having a normal friendship with a learned scientist was seen as a ticket to knowledge. It was the thing to have at the time. These people wanted science to be introduced to their children, so that they could be as intelligent as the scientists (doc 6). Others saw it as a simple choice of conscience. They thought, yes, science is great, but we don't need it. A man does not need to know astronomy to become a successful banker. A man does not need to know about the solar system to be a doctor (doc 7). They saw it as a luxury to some, unneeded by everyone.

Everything scientists did in their lives was affected by their profession. They were always recognized by what they were, not who they were. The Church did not care. It went against their teachings. They excommunicated many scientists, and had them revoke their theories. Politically, rulers of Catholic countries agreed with the Church. However, science was accepted by others. Socially, science had its there were good and bad perks of being a man of science. Men of God agreed with the Church, but those who were interested in learning, and advancing in society were amiable to the scientists.