The 18th century witnessed a remarkable interplay between science, religion, and intellectual discourse. At the heart of this interplay stood figures like William Whiston, a polymath whose work and beliefs generated both admiration and controversy. This article delves into the life and legacy of Whiston, highlighting the manifold aspects of his character and career.
William Whiston was born in 1667 in Leicestershire, England. From a young age, he exhibited a proclivity for learning. Educated at Clare College, Cambridge, Whiston succeeded the esteemed Sir Isaac Newton as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics in 1703, a role that would place him at the forefront of the scientific community.
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Whiston was deeply religious, but his interpretation of Christianity differed markedly from mainstream Anglican views. He rejected the doctrine of the Trinity and was an ardent proponent of Arianism, which posits Jesus as subordinate to God the Father. His heterodox views eventually led to his expulsion from Cambridge in 1710.
While Whiston held Newton’s scientific work in high regard, the two often clashed on theological grounds. Whiston believed Newton secretly shared his Arian beliefs but criticized him for not openly professing such views. Their relationship was complex, mixing deep mutual respect with significant disagreements.
Whiston’s commitment to what he believed was “Primitive Christianity” was unwavering. He felt that the early Christian Church, before the Nicene Creed, represented true Christianity. This stance further alienated him from mainstream Anglican doctrine and made him a contentious figure within both the scientific and religious communities.
Whiston’s scientific endeavors were diverse. Recognizing the challenge sailors faced in determining longitude at sea, Whiston, along with Humphry Ditton, proposed a novel method involving the timing of the moons of Jupiter. While their method was not adopted, it did lead to the establishment of the Board of Longitude in 1714, which later awarded John Harrison for his marine chronometer solution.
Whiston’s interest in comets was profound. He believed that the Biblical account of Noah’s flood was caused by a comet’s tail. Extrapolating from this belief, Whiston predicted that another comet would purify the earth with fire, forecasting the end of the world on October 16, 1736.
Whiston’s prediction caused considerable panic in London. Many people genuinely feared the imminent apocalypse. The prediction also attracted the attention of the religious establishment. The Archbishop of Canterbury, John Potter, dismissed Whiston’s claims, reassuring the public that there was no theological basis for such a prediction. Despite the widespread apprehension, October 16 passed without incident.
Whiston’s legacy is multifaceted. As a scientist, his contributions to various fields were noteworthy. His translation of Josephus’ works remains a vital resource for historians. Yet, his religious views and apocalyptic predictions have somewhat overshadowed his scientific achievements.
Whiston embodies the tensions of the 18th century, where science and religion often intertwined. He was a man of conviction, unafraid to voice dissenting views, even at personal cost. While some of his beliefs and predictions may seem eccentric today, his passion for understanding the universe and God’s role within it speaks to an era of profound intellectual exploration.
William Whiston remains a captivating figure from the 18th century, representing the dynamic interplay between faith and reason, dogma and inquiry, and tradition and innovation.
Dave Does History 
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