Page 129 - The Qur'an Leads the Way to Science

Scientists of Faith

e
l
r

s
K
p
e

6
1
3
)
0
-
1
(
5
1
7
e
a
J Johannes Kepler (1571-1630)
h
o
n
n
Since we astronomers are priests of the highest God in regard to the
book of nature, it befits us to be thoughtful, not of the glory of our
minds, but rather, above all else, of the glory of God. 87
Kepler, the founder of modern astronomy, discovered the elliptical
movement of the planets, established a formula for relating a planet's
orbital period to its mean distance from the sun, and completed
astronomical tables that allow calculations of planetary positions for any
time in the past or future.
As a scientist, Kepler also believed that the universe was created by a
Creator. When he was asked why he practiced science, he said "I had the
intention of becoming a theologian... but now I see how God is, by my
endeavors, also glorified in astronomy, for 'heavens declare the glory of
God'". 88
The life of Kepler, who believed that God's glory was manifested in
everything He created, is an example to how successful and broad-
thinking a scientist who admits that there is a
divine purpose in nature can be. "Who gave
white bears and white wolves to the snowy
regions of the North, and a food for the
bears the whale, and for the wolves,
birds' eggs?" asked Kepler and then
replied: "Great is our Lord and great His
virtue and of his wisdom there is no
number: praise Him, ye heavens,
praise Him, ye sun, moon, and
planets, use every sense for
perceiving, every tongue for
declaring your Creator. Praise
Him, ye celestial Harmonies,
praise Him, ye judges of the
Harmonies uncovered: and
thou my soul, praise the Lord
thy Creator, as long as I shall
Johannes Kepler

127