February 22, 2008
He was the godfather of science writing. Sir Thomas Browne's exacting observations and gorgeous prose anticipated modern science writers like Rachel Carson, Stephen Jay Gould, and Oliver Sacks. But Browne lived in the 1600s, and his way of reconciling the scriptures with science looks surprisingly like what we call "intelligent design." Produced by Sarah Montague (with performances by actors Daniel Gerroll and Jonathan Hadary).
In college (class of 59) I wrote an honors thesis on Browne and have RARELY heard his name since. Kudos on your insightful and moving discussion of this forgotten genius.I'm going to unearth my old thesis and read it.
It seems chrsitianity has been viewed as anti-scientific or not rational or not reasoning. I think this must be a 1000 year old sterotype left over from when the corrupt church was ruling the world. The bible instructs us, as Brown knew, to study nature to learn the very nature of God. As we see the order of nature we learn about the order of God.
The few scientific discussoins I have heard on talk shows have never included a scientist with faith so the conversation always paints religion as not reasonable or bound only by "blind faith". By blind faith I believe Jesus walked on water. In the future science may tell me how Jesus did it and then my faith will no longer be "blind faith". Then I can say "I told you so".
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