James Clerk Maxwell and religion
Abstract
The evolution of James Clerk Maxwell's religious beliefs is described. His college-age conversion experience and his membership in the ``Apostles'' were crucial in his religious development. In his mature statements, Maxwell denied that scientific truth was dependent on religious truth, or the reverse. Nonetheless, scientific conclusions could enrich religious contemplation of God's actions in nature. Maxwell provided a religious interpretation of the apparent uniformity and eternity of atoms.
- Publication:
-
American Journal of Physics
- Pub Date:
- April 1986
- DOI:
- 10.1119/1.14636
- Bibcode:
- 1986AmJPh..54..312T
- Keywords:
-
- 01.60.+q;
- Biographies tributes personal notes and obituaries