Aspects of natural theology in the development of knowledge (XVII–XIX centuries)

The article is devoted to the consideration of the most important foundations and elements of natural theology. Largely due to the scientific revolution of the 17th century, natural theology, which replaced scholasticism, was very popular in Christian Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. The formation of a holistic Christian worldview during this period was associated with the development of scientific ideas about the world. Many scientists and theologians, seeing the ultimate goal of knowledge of the universe in strengthening the sense of admiration for the wise and rational Creator and reverence for him, found in scientific data confirmation of the existence and providence of God. In this respect, natural theology represented the first form of real integration of Christianity and science.