“Compared to God’s incredible creation, my work is like that of a child picking up small stones and shells by the sea. The truth is vast like the ocean, far beyond what we can fully glimpse.” — Issac Newton.
Sir Isaac Newton was a renowned English physicist, known for his extraordinary achievements in science, which have earned him titles such as “the most outstanding scientist in history” and “the father of modern physics.” Many people, however, may not be aware that, in addition to his scientific accomplishments, Newton also studied the Bible. He wrote numerous research papers to demonstrate the existence of a Creator who made this marvelous cosmos.
Awakened intelligence
Newton was born in England and was not, as many might imagine, a clever and bright child; on the contrary, he performed poorly in school. One day, he fought with a classmate who was much bigger than he was. Despite his win, Newton’s teacher still labeled him a failing student because of his poor grades. Back home, he decided to work harder and vowed to outperform his classmate academically. As a result, not only did he excel in high school, but he also entered Trinity College, Cambridge, at the age of 18.
Founder of classical physics
After completing his studies at the University of Cambridge, Newton returned to his hometown. During his time in the countryside, he established the method of integration and applied it widely in physics and geometry.
One night, while sitting under an apple tree in contemplation, an apple suddenly fell to the ground. This led him to discover that everything, once it loses support, will fall. He then realized that there is an attractive force between any two objects, and subsequently summarized the law of universal gravitation. Additionally, he inherited and further developed the findings of Galileo and others, ultimately formulating the three laws of motion. This is how he became the founder of classical physics.
The story of the solar system model
Newton was a firm believer who devoted most of his life to exploring the spiritual world. An interesting story occurred between Newton and Edmond Halley regarding the existence of God. Halley was a renowned astronomer who calculated the orbit of Halley’s Comet, but did not believe in God. One day, Newton created a model of the solar system. He placed a gilded sun at the center, surrounded by celestial bodies arranged in order, and various planets that would rotate harmoniously along their orbits when a crank was turned.
When Halley visited Newton, he was amazed at the model and immediately asked who had made it. Newton replied that the model was neither designed nor manufactured; it had been formed by chance from various materials. Halley insisted that someone, a genius, must have created it.
Newton patted Halley on the shoulder and said: “Although this model is exquisite, compared to the real solar system, it is truly insignificant! If you believe that someone made it, then there must be an omnipotent God, with supreme wisdom, who created the real solar system, which is a billion times more intricate than this.” Halley had an epiphany and also came to believe in the existence of God.
Translated by Joseph Wu and edited by Laura Cozzolino
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