The first episode of **“Sea of Faith”**, presented by Don Cupitt, explores how the rise of modern [[Science]] fundamentally challenged traditional religious beliefs. It focuses on the pivotal period of the Scientific Revolution, specifically the contributions of Galileo Galilei and Blaise Pascal, as well as the philosophical reflections of René Descartes. This era marked a shift where faith and reason began to diverge. **Themes of the Episode:** • **Galileo and the Universe:** Galileo’s groundbreaking work in astronomy, such as his defence of the heliocentric model, clashed with the Church’s teachings. His story illustrates the tension between scientific discovery and religious authority. • **Pascal’s Spiritual Struggle:** Blaise Pascal, a mathematician and deeply religious thinker, grappled with the implications of [[Science]] on faith. He is known for his existential reflections on [[the human condition]] and his famous “Pascal’s Wager,” which attempts to reconcile [[Belief]] in God with rationality. • **Descartes and Rationality:** René Descartes introduced a new philosophical approach that prioritised doubt and reason, laying the foundation for a more secular worldview. His work further distanced [[Science]] from the theological frameworks that had dominated for centuries. **Don Cupitt’s Perspective:** Cupitt uses this historical narrative to illustrate how [[Religion]] has been reshaped in response to scientific progress. He argues that faith should be seen as evolving alongside human understanding rather than clinging to outdated certainties. This aligns with his broader view of [[Religion]] as a human creation, adapting to cultural and intellectual shifts. **The Significance of the Episode:** This episode invites viewers to reflect on how [[The Enlightenment]] and the rise of [[Science]] redefined humanity’s place in the universe and forced a reconsideration of religious doctrines. It sets the stage for the series’ broader exploration of [[Religion]]’s role in a secular, modern world. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J396Lamxu9I?si=apKIu8osbps-D7Qf" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [[Digital index]]