Equiano And The Reformation Analysis

The church’s unyielding grip on religious expression shattered as medieval society transitioned into a period known as the Reformation. Characterized by the rejection of common ritual and ideology, the Reformation sparked a different degree of religious curiosity. The Reformation forced the church to adhere to religious tolerance, allowing Europeans to discern for themselves what they believed. Hence, it was natural that an era considered the Age of Enlightenment followed the period of rejection and questioning known as the Reformation. The Enlightenment marked the beginning of academic and religious philosophy and allowed great minds to think free from restriction and condemnation. As the perception of natural science and religious expression
Equiano promptly shares his explanation of providence in his address to parliament, “By the horrors of that trade was I torn away from all the tender connexions that were naturally dear to my heart; but these, through the mysterious ways of Providence, I ought to regard as infinitely more than compensated by the introduction I have thence obtained to the knowledge of the Christian religion.” Thus, it is evident Equiano believes his suffering as a slave was a necessary moral evil from which God rescued him and for which he owes his life. Equiano did not immediately acknowledge God’s providence, but rather experienced it at distinct times. Therefore, comprehension of Equiano’s claim requires examination of the noteworthy moments in his
Unlike Equiano, these men dedicated their lives to scientific academia. Through scientific experimentation both Newton and Leibniz come to providential conclusions. Newton describes the basis for this connection in his book Principia Mathematica saying, “In experimental philosophy we are to look upon propositions collected by general induction from phenomena as accurately or very nearly true, notwithstanding any contrary hypotheses that may be imagined, till such time as other phenomena occur, by which they may either be made more accurate, or liable to exceptions.” From Newton’s perspective a link existed between the scientific method and the formation of philosophical reason. Newton develops this idea further describing God’s relationship to the universe in terms of his observations. The beauty of the sun, planets, and comets were evidence of a supreme, almighty Being. Newton saw the complexity and order of the universe as reason for the existence of an omnipresent God. Newton concluded saying, “All that diversity of natural things which we find suited to different times and places could arise from nothing but the ideas and will of a Being necessarily existing.” It was difficult for Newton to imagine the organization of creation spontaneously emerging from chaos and disorder. Instead he interpreted creation as evidence of