
This work offers a sweeping survey of the long‑standing tension between organized faith and the growing body of scientific knowledge. Beginning with the early days when Christianity first acquired political power, the author traces how intellectual curiosity gradually challenged traditional doctrines, leading to a quiet but profound shift in public belief. The narrative emphasizes the way this clash has shaped European and American thought, showing how ideas once confined to the margins have moved into the mainstream.
Drawing on a wide range of historical episodes—from medieval scholastic disputes to the emergence of modern secular institutions—the book presents the conflict as a dialogue between two opposing forces: the stabilizing influence of religious tradition and the restless drive of scientific inquiry. The author argues that understanding this interplay is essential for anyone seeking a clear picture of how contemporary society arrived at its current attitudes toward faith and reason. Readers will come away with a nuanced appreciation of the forces that continue to shape the relationship between belief and knowledge.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (656K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Keller, and David Widger
Release date
1998-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1811–1882
A pioneering scientist who helped bring photography into the lab, he also became a widely read historian of science and ideas. His life joined chemistry, medicine, early photography, and big debates about religion, culture, and progress.
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