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FRANCIS BACON: GOD AND ATHEISM Sir Francis Bacon was critical in the development of the scientific method, and, thus, being a philosophical/scientific giant, atheists have attempted to recruit him as a supporter of unbelief. Again they do so in vain, as Bacon made his religious views quite clear in some of his works, and they are clearly reflective of Christian beliefs. Ironically, he also expressed his disdain for atheism, as shown below. “God has this attribute that He is a jealous God; and therefore His worship and religion will endure no mixture nor partner.” (Bacon, 1875, 10) It is true, that a little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism; but depth in philosophy brings about man's mind to religion: for while the mind of man looketh upon second causes scattered, it may sometimes rest in them, and go no further; but when it beholdeth the chain of them confederate and linked together, it must needs fly to Providence and Deity. (Bacon, 64) “They that deny a God destroy man's nobility; for certainly man is of kin to the beasts in his body; and, if he be not of kin to God by his spirit, he is a base and ignoble creature.” (Bacon, 67) “It is better to have no opinion of God at all, than such an opinion as is unworthy of him: for the one is unbelief the other is contumely; and certainly superstition is the reproach of the Deity.” (Bacon, 68) _________________ |
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