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The War That Never Was: Science vs. Faith – Prof. Lawrence M. Principe

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Mar 4, 2026

Guest

Lawrence Principe

Prof. Lawrence M. Principe, Drew Professor at Johns Hopkins who studies alchemy, chemistry, and the science–religion dynamic, dismantles the myth of an inevitable conflict between science and faith. He traces the story to 19th century figures like Draper and White. Short takes explore myths like flat earth and God‑of‑the‑gaps, and why techno‑utopianism and bad theology kept the story alive.

45:34

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INSIGHT

Warfare Thesis Is A Modern Invention

The popular warfare model of science versus religion is a very recent invention, not an eternal truth.
Every serious historian of science today rejects the conflict thesis which arose mainly in the late 19th century by Draper and White.

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ANECDOTE

Cornell Politics Sparked White's Warfare Narrative

Andrew Dickson White created his warfare narrative largely as a political response while founding Cornell and fighting over Land Grant Act funds.
White's personal vindictiveness and political motives drove him to reshape historical events to support his one-sided thesis.

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ANECDOTE

Draper Mixed Metaphysics With Anti Catholic Rhetoric

John William Draper's Conflict Between Religion and Science grew from a deterministic metaphysics and intense anti-Catholic sentiment.
Draper promoted a universal law of development and caricatured Catholicism as incompatible with science, producing a best seller despite factual errors.

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Challenging the Warfare Narrative

00:25 • 34sec

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Historians Reject the Conflict Thesis

00:59 • 2min

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Draper and White as Originators

02:43 • 46sec

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Andrew Dickson White's Motivations

03:29 • 5min

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John William Draper's Philosophy and Bias

08:51 • 4min

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Draper's Anti‑Catholic Rhetoric

12:41 • 7min

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Public Reception and Popularization

19:53 • 2min

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Enduring Myths: Flat Earth and Dissection

21:55 • 5min

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Why Myths Persist Socially

26:27 • 3min

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Techno‑Utopians and Scientism

29:41 • 5min

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Theological Missteps: God of the Gaps

34:13 • 2min

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Newton, Laplace, and Problems of Design

36:16 • 2min

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Believers Contributing to Science

38:31 • 2min

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Medieval Natural Theology and Method

40:17 • 3min

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Conclusions: Myth Origins and Bad Theology

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Natural theology

William Paley

William Paley's "Natural Theology" is a classic work of natural theology, arguing for the existence of God based on the complexity and design of the natural world. Paley famously used the analogy of a watch found on a heath to illustrate his point, arguing that the intricate design of the watch implies an intelligent creator. The book's argument from design was highly influential in its time and became a significant point of contention with Darwin's theory of evolution. It highlights the historical context of the debate surrounding evolution and the challenges Darwin faced in presenting his theory. Paley's work remains a significant text in the history of science and philosophy.

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The History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom

Andrew Dixon White

Andrew Dixon White's "The History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom" expands upon and reinforces many of the inaccurate claims presented in John William Draper's work. White's book perpetuates the myth of a persistent conflict between science and religion, particularly focusing on the Catholic Church's supposed opposition to scientific progress. The work is characterized by historical inaccuracies and biased interpretations. Its influence, despite its flaws, demonstrates the enduring power of misconceptions about the relationship between faith and reason. The book's legacy highlights the importance of rigorous historical research and critical analysis.

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History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science

Christopher Baglow

John William Draper's "History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science" is a controversial work that alleges a persistent conflict between religion and science, particularly targeting the Catholic Church. Draper's biased historiography misrepresents events and selectively uses quotes to support his claims. The book's success stemmed from the anti-Catholic sentiment prevalent in 19th-century America. Despite its inaccuracies, it remains influential, highlighting the persistence of misconceptions about the relationship between faith and science. The book's impact underscores the need for careful historical analysis and open dialogue.

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• Mentioned in 3 episodes

A history of the life and voyages of Christopher Columbus

Washington Irving

#5892

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The shape of things to come

H. G. Wells

Published in 1933, 'The Shape of Things to Come' is a speculative history that outlines future events up to the year 2106. The book is presented as the edited notes of Dr. Philip Raven, a diplomat who claims to have had dream visions of a future history textbook. It is divided into five sections, detailing a future that includes a Second World War, climatic disasters, and the eventual establishment of a world state. The narrative predicts significant cultural and technological changes, including the rise of a technocratic elite and the transformation of society into a utopian world state where humanity's material needs are satisfied and individual freedom is balanced with collective well-being.

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• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Men Like Gods

H. G. Wells

"Men Like Gods" is a utopian novel published in 1923, where a group of Earthlings accidentally stumble upon a parallel world inhabited by advanced beings. These beings, the Utopians, have evolved beyond the limitations of human nature, living in harmony with each other and their environment. Wells explores themes of social progress, scientific advancement, and the potential for human perfectibility, as the Earthlings observe the Utopians' idyllic society. The novel contrasts the Utopians' rational and cooperative society with the Earthlings' flawed and conflict-ridden world, highlighting the need for social reform and intellectual enlightenment. Through vivid descriptions of the Utopian world and thought-provoking dialogues, Wells presents a vision of a future where humanity has overcome its limitations and achieved a state of near-perfection. "Men Like Gods" remains a hopeful and idealistic exploration of the possibilities of human evolution and the creation of a more just and equitable society.

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Outline of History

H. G. Wells

Prof. Lawrence M. Principe argues that the supposed “war” between science and faith is largely a modern myth, constructed in the late 19th century by figures like John William Draper and Andrew Dickson White for personal, political, and ideological reasons, then amplified by secularizers, technocratic utopians, and bad theology (especially “God‑of‑the‑gaps” arguments and naive literalism) on the religious side.

This lecture was given on January 28th, 2026, at New York University.

For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events.

About the Speakers:

Prof. Principe’s research focuses on the Medieval and early modern periods, with emphasis on the history of science (especially alchemy and chemistry), and the science-religion dynamic down to the present day. He is the Drew Professor of the Humanities at Johns Hopkins University in the Department of History of Science and Technology and the Department of Chemistry. He holds degrees from the University of Delaware (B.S. Chemistry and B.A. Liberal Studies), Indiana University (Ph.D. Organic Chemistry) and Johns Hopkins (Ph.D., History of Science).

Keywords: Andrew Dickson White, Draper White, God Of The Gaps Critique, Methodological Naturalism, Scientism And Technocratic Utopianism, Warfare Between Science And Theology

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