"Many people believe that during the Middle Ages Christianity was actively hostile toward science - then known as natural philosophy - and impeded its progress. This comprehensive survey of science and religion during the period between the lives of Aristotle and Copernicus demonstrates that medieval theologians were not hostile to learning natural philosophy, but embraced it. Had they had not done so, the Scientific Revolution would not - and could not - have occurred. Students and lay readers will learn how the roots of much of the scientific culture of today originated with the religious thinkers of the Middle Ages. Science and Religion, 400 B.C.-A.D. 1550 thoroughly covers the relationship between science and religion in the medieval period, and provides many resources for the student or lay reader."--Jacket.