The Faithful Forebearers

For this next series we will be looking at forebearers whose faith led them to study the natural world. There is a common story that faith and science are opposed to each other. But when studying the origin of modern science, we quickly discover that it was faithful Christians who developed it! In this episode we look at one of the first Christians who laid the ground work for the scientific method: the Franciscan monk and priest Roger Bacon. Roger Bacon, though centuries before the invention of the scientific method, believed that we need to study and observe the natural world ourselves, not only take the word of ancient authorities like Plato or Aristotle. In gaining this understanding he believed Christians can better serve our neighbors and God. His work would also lead to the invention of eyeglasses! Note: don’t confuse Roger Bacon with Francis Bacon. Don’t worry, he will get his own episode later.