Explain the impact of scientific ideas on Europe.
A. New scientific discoveries initially were considered threats to religious views, but they later became widespread and accepted.
B. Scientific discoveries were always considered threats, as they challenged religious doctrine.
C. New scientific discoveries initially were widely accepted, but they later were rejected for contradicting religious doctrine.
D. New scientific discoveries were always immediately accepted.
The correct answer is A. New scientific discoveries initially were considered threats to religious views, but they later became widespread and accepted.
During the period known as the Scientific Revolution in Europe (16th-18th centuries), scientific ideas and discoveries began to challenge traditional religious beliefs. These new scientific ideas were often viewed as threatening by religious authorities, as they called into question long-held religious doctrines and explanations of the natural world. For example, the heliocentric model proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus that stated the Earth revolved around the Sun directly contradicted the geocentric view of the universe held by the Catholic Church.
However, over time, as scientific discoveries continued to accumulate and gain credibility, they began to be more widely accepted. Scholars and intellectuals started to recognize the evidence and logical explanations provided by scientific theories. This shift in attitude slowly led to the acceptance of scientific ideas and a separation between science and religious doctrine.
It is important to note that this acceptance was not unanimous, and there were instances where certain scientific discoveries or theories were denounced by religious authorities. However, overall, the impact of scientific ideas on Europe was a gradual shift toward the acceptance of scientific principles, despite initial skepticism and resistance from religious institutions.