In 1666 Isaac Newton was appointed as a Leucacian Professor of Mathematics. Newton had by then become a famous name it the academic world. During those days a graduate of Oxford or Cambridge could be appointed only on the recommendation of Anglican Priest. However Leucacian Professor’s post carried a condition also that he would not be involved in the activities of the Church. This condition was compulsory for the teachers who would teach subjects related to science. The condition was not acceptable to Newton. He wanted to take part in Church functions and other works. Only a special order of Charles-II could exempt a professor from this condition. Charles II obliged Isaac Newton by issuing the required exemption order. It made any dispute between Newton’s religious beliefs and traditional clergy or any other faithful also resolvable through intervention of Charles II.
Infact, that was the period when science and religion were in confrontational mode. The science teacher would like to test the religious beliefs in scientific lab for verification. But the priests of English Church were deadset against scientific tests on the religious beliefs and traditional rituals. So, as a safe way out it was decided to keep the science teachers away from the works or functions of Church sensibly to enable them to concentrate on their teaching of science. The real reason was that a scientific mind would ask inconvenient questions if allowed into Church and cause embarrassment to the faithfuls provoking resentment.
This situation was made controversial by Isaac Newton by insisting on his being part of the Church activities and religious functions. It is a puzzle why Newton of 1669 took this step? Why was he trying to challenge the religion in an indirect way? Was he feeling that religious myths and rituals needed to be tested scientifically? At a cursory glance it would appear so. But it was not true. Infact, Isaac Newton had deep faith in religion and the existence of God. He did not want to be deprived of his religious rights only because he taught science. He was a believer and wanted to be a part of Church that could be a way to feel close to God, at least emotionally. Later days events proved that he indeed was a serious believer in God. He wrote some books also on religion and God.
