Theological Foundations of Modern Empirical Science

As observed by C. S. Lewis, “Men became scientific because they expected Law in Nature, and they expected Law in Nature because they believed in a Law Giver.” This belief is foundational to the basic assumptions of modern empirical science: the universe exists, is orderly and follows mathematical laws, and may be understood by humans. Through the examination of the faith of three founders of modern physics, Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, and James Clerk Maxwell, we can see how belief in a Creator influenced their science. This provides a theological warrant for the efficacy of science to provide genuine knowledge regarding the nature of reality and can provide needed perspective when legitimate conflicts between science and theology arise.