Christianity’s Influence on The World

What was Christianity’s significance in the development of modern science and philosophy

in the 1400-1600s?

International Baccalaureate

Diploma Program

Extended Essay

Individuals and Societies: World History

January 2025

Word Count:
 Table of Contents

History and Rise of Christianity and the Latter................................................2

The Accomplishments of Christianity during the Renaissance........................5
Discussion and Evaluation of Impact and Critiques of The Church..................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................8
Works Cited....................................................................................................10
 Sure, I'll expand each section to approximately 1500 words, divided into five paragraphs.

Let's start with the first section.

History and Rise of Christianity and the Latter

Throughout history, humans have achieved remarkable feats in various fields, laying the

foundation for future advancements. Ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt made

significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. The Greeks and Romans

furthered these fields, with philosophers like Aristotle and engineers like Archimedes making

lasting impacts. The Middle Ages saw the preservation and expansion of knowledge through

Islamic scholars, who translated and built upon Greek and Roman works. These

accomplishments set the stage for the intellectual revival of the Renaissance (Williams, L.

Pearce). The Renaissance, spanning from the 14th to the 17th century, was a period of cultural,

artistic, and intellectual rebirth in Europe. It marked a transition from the medieval to the modern

era, characterized by a renewed interest in classical antiquity and humanism. The Enlightenment

followed in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of

traditional authority. This period saw significant advancements in science, philosophy, and

political thought, laying the groundwork for modern Western society (Editors, History.com).

Christianity began with the ministry of Jesus Christ in the 1st century CE. Initially a

Jewish sect, it gradually diverged from Judaism and spread throughout the Roman Empire

despite periods of persecution. The conversion of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and the

subsequent Edict of Milan, which granted religious tolerance, were pivotal in Christianity's rise.
Over the centuries, the Church became a dominant force in Europe, influencing various aspects

of life, including politics, education, and culture (Editors, History.com). The history of science is

marked by the gradual accumulation of knowledge about the natural world. Early scientific

thought can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but it was during the Renaissance that science

began to flourish as a distinct discipline. The Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries

saw the development of the scientific method and significant discoveries in fields such as

astronomy, physics, and biology. Figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton played crucial

roles in advancing scientific understanding and challenging traditional views (Williams, L.

Pearce).

The Renaissance had a profound impact on religious belief, particularly Christianity. The

period's emphasis on humanism and individualism encouraged people to question the authority

of the Church and seek personal connections with their faith. The invention of the printing press

facilitated the spread of new ideas and critical texts, leading to increased scrutiny of Church

practices and doctrines. This intellectual environment contributed to the Protestant Reformation,

which challenged the Catholic Church's dominance and led to the emergence of various

Protestant denominations (Editors, History.com). The Renaissance, spanning from the 14th to the

17th century, was a period of profound cultural and intellectual revival in Europe. This era saw

significant advancements in art, science, and philosophy, driven by a renewed interest in

classical antiquity and humanism. Key accomplishments included the development of linear

perspective in painting, exemplified by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and the

flourishing of literature with figures such as Dante and Shakespeare. In science, the Renaissance

laid the groundwork for the Scientific Revolution, with notable contributions from polymaths
like Leonardo da Vinci, who made strides in anatomy, engineering, and astronomy (Editors,

History.com).

During the Renaissance, the Catholic Church faced significant criticism for various

controversial actions. One major point of contention was the sale of indulgences, which allowed

individuals to purchase absolution for their sins. This practice was seen as corrupt and

exploitative, leading to widespread disillusionment among the faithful. Martin Luther's 95

Theses, which he nailed to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517, famously

condemned this practice and sparked the Protestant Reformation (Editors, History.com).

Additionally, the Church's resistance to scientific advancements, such as the heliocentric theory

proposed by Copernicus and supported by Galileo, further fueled criticism. The Church's

insistence on maintaining traditional Aristotelian views and its persecution of dissenting

scientists highlighted its reluctance to embrace new knowledge and adapt to changing intellectual

landscapes (Editors, Vatican Observatory). These actions contributed to a growing perception of

the Church as an institution more concerned with maintaining power than fostering spiritual and

intellectual growth (Harrison, p. 316).

The Accomplishments of Christianity during the Renaissance

Nicolaus Copernicus was a pivotal figure in the Scientific Revolution, best known for his

heliocentric theory, which posited that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. This

groundbreaking model challenged the long-held geocentric view endorsed by the Church and

laid the foundation for modern astronomy. Copernicus' work, "De revolutionibus orbium

coelestium," published in 1543, marked a significant shift in scientific thought, influencing

future astronomers like Galileo and Kepler. His contributions not only advanced the field of
astronomy but also encouraged a more critical and empirical approach to scientific inquiry

("Nicolaus Copernicus," New World Encyclopedia). Galileo Galilei made monumental

contributions to science, particularly in the fields of astronomy, physics, and scientific

methodology. He improved the telescope, allowing for unprecedented observations of celestial

bodies, such as the moons of Jupiter and the phases of Venus, which provided strong evidence

for the Copernican heliocentric model. Galileo's work in mechanics, including the laws of

motion and the concept of inertia, laid the groundwork for classical physics. His advocacy for the

scientific method, emphasizing observation and experimentation, significantly advanced the

practice of science. Despite facing opposition from the Church, Galileo's discoveries and

methods profoundly influenced the development of modern science (Editors, Vatican

Observatory).

Johannes Kepler was a key figure in the Scientific Revolution, known for his laws of

planetary motion, which described the elliptical orbits of planets around the Sun. Kepler's work

provided crucial support for the heliocentric theory and refined the Copernican model by

introducing the idea of elliptical, rather than circular, orbits. His laws, published in works such as

"Astronomia Nova" and "Harmonices Mundi," revolutionized the understanding of celestial

mechanics and laid the foundation for Newton's theory of gravitation. Kepler's contributions

extended beyond astronomy to optics and mathematics, making him one of the most influential

scientists of his time ("Johannes Kepler," New World Encyclopedia). The accomplishments of

the Renaissance had a profound impact during the era, significantly transforming various aspects

of European society. The revival of classical learning and humanism fostered a new intellectual

environment that encouraged critical thinking and empirical observation. This shift was

instrumental in the development of modern science, as seen in the works of figures like
Copernicus and Galileo. The period also saw advancements in art and literature, with innovations

such as linear perspective in painting and the flourishing of vernacular literature. These cultural

and intellectual achievements not only enriched European society but also laid the groundwork

for future scientific and philosophical developments (Editors, History.com).

The lasting effects of the Renaissance continue to influence the modern era in numerous

ways. The emphasis on humanism and individualism during the Renaissance has shaped

contemporary Western thought, promoting values such as personal freedom and the pursuit of

knowledge. The scientific advancements of the period, particularly in astronomy and physics,

paved the way for the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, which further propelled

technological and intellectual progress. Additionally, the artistic techniques and principles

developed during the Renaissance, such as realism and perspective, remain foundational in

modern art and architecture (Analyze History). During the Renaissance, the Church faced

significant critiques, particularly regarding its authority and practices. The rise of humanism and

the rediscovery of classical texts encouraged scholars to question the Church's teachings and its

role in society. This intellectual movement, coupled with the corruption and abuses within the

Church, such as the sale of indulgences, led to widespread calls for reform. Figures like Martin

Luther and Erasmus were vocal critics, advocating for a return to the original teachings of

Christianity and greater moral integrity within the Church. These critiques ultimately contributed

to the Protestant Reformation, which profoundly altered the religious landscape of Europe

(History.com).
Discussion and Evaluation of Impact and Critiques of The Church

In the modern era, the Church continues to face critiques, particularly in relation to its

stance on social and moral issues. The rise of secularism and scientific advancements have led

many to question the relevance of religious doctrines in contemporary society. Additionally, the

Church's handling of various scandals, such as those involving sexual abuse, has further eroded

its moral authority and credibility. Critics argue that the Church needs to adapt to modern values

and become more transparent and accountable in its practices. Despite these challenges, the

Church remains a significant institution, continuing to influence millions of believers worldwide

(HopeNoMatterWhat.com).

The Church's role in promoting education and preserving knowledge during the Middle

Ages laid the foundation for the intellectual revival of the Renaissance. Monasteries and

cathedral schools were centers of learning, where classical texts were copied and studied. This

preservation of knowledge was crucial for the later developments in science and philosophy.

However, the Church's resistance to certain scientific and philosophical ideas has sometimes

hindered progress. For instance, the condemnation of Galileo for his support of the heliocentric

model is a well-known example of the Church's reluctance to accept new scientific theories that

contradicted traditional teachings (Editors, Vatican Observatory).

Despite these controversies, the Church also played a positive role in the advancement of

science and education. Many early universities in Europe were established by the Church, and

clerics were often among the leading scholars of the time. The Church's support for education

and scholarship helped to create an environment where scientific inquiry could flourish.

Additionally, the Church's emphasis on the compatibility of faith and reason provided a

philosophical framework that encouraged the pursuit of knowledge (Stark, Rodney).

 The Church's influence on art and culture during the Renaissance was also significant.

The patronage of the Church funded many of the great works of art and architecture of the

period. Artists like Michelangelo and Raphael were commissioned to create masterpieces for

churches and cathedrals, which remain some of the most celebrated works of Western art. This

patronage not only supported the artists financially but also allowed them to explore new

techniques and ideas, contributing to the overall cultural flourishing of the Renaissance (Editors,

History.com).

In conclusion, the Church's impact on society during the Renaissance and beyond has

been complex and multifaceted. While it has faced significant criticism for its actions and

policies, it has also played a crucial role in preserving and promoting knowledge, supporting

education and the arts, and providing a moral and philosophical framework for the pursuit of

truth. The Church's influence has been both positive and negative, fostering progress in some

areas while hindering it in others. As society continues to evolve, the Church will need to find

ways to balance tradition with contemporary values, remaining relevant and influential in an

ever-changing world (Lifeway Research).

Conclusion

Reconsidering the thesis and main points, it is evident that Christianity significantly

impacted science and philosophy during the 1400-1600s, both positively and negatively. The

Church played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge, which laid the

groundwork for the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. However, its controversial

actions, such as the sale of indulgences and resistance to scientific advancements, sparked
significant criticism and led to major religious and intellectual upheavals. The accomplishments

of key figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler, despite facing opposition from the Church,

marked a pivotal shift towards modern scientific thought. The Renaissance's emphasis on

humanism and individualism encouraged critical thinking and personal faith, ultimately

transforming religious beliefs and practices. Overall, the Church's influence during this period

was complex, fostering both progress and conflict in the realms of science and philosophy.

In the modern era, the Church continues to face critiques, particularly in relation to its

stance on social and moral issues. The rise of secularism and scientific advancements have led

many to question the relevance of religious doctrines in contemporary society. Additionally, the

Church's handling of various scandals, such as those involving sexual abuse, has further eroded

its moral authority and credibility. Critics argue that the Church needs to adapt to modern values

and become more transparent and accountable in its practices. Despite these challenges, the

Church remains a significant institution, continuing to influence millions of believers worldwide

(HopeNoMatterWhat.com).
 Works Cited

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Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

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