Johannes Kepler
Have you ever struggled to find a good Christian biography to give a teenager interested in science? You've wanted a good mix of history, action, suspense, science and a life of faith? Johannes Kepler may be just the book you are looking for!
The story begins at about the year 1570 in Southern Germany. The Reformation was well under way, with Luther having a wide influence. The universities studied theology, philosophy, astronomy and mathematics, drawing heavily on traditions established by Greek Philosophers so many years earlier. Into this world came Johannes Kepler. His father had a good background, but had become a mercenary soldier, a drunkard and a story-teller. His mother was a well-meaning woman, but she had a reputation for gossip. Before he was 5 years old, Johannes contracted smallpox and nearly died. The disease left him weak, with an eye ailment and with crippled fingers. The brightness in these formative years was his grand-father - a godly man, who encouraged Johannes to read the Bible and use his mind.
Kepler was an exceptional student whose natural enthusiasm overcame all obstacles. Initially, his ambition was to become a Lutheran missionary. God, in his providence, led him in the direction of becoming a professional mathematician. Whatever he did, Kepler did with all his energy: he is an example of someone who became an achiever by application and hard work.
He lived a remarkably varied life, packed with strange contrasts. You may be surprised to learn that he earned money early in his career by astrology: making many successful predictions! Yet later he was to write a book to promote the sweeping away of such superstitions. He wrote a major treatise on optics and the telescope, improving the design suggested by Galileo. He discovered the three laws of planetary motion which are still taught in physics classes today. He pioneered Copernican ideas of heliocentricity in an age when they were revolutionary and many felt it prudent to stay quiet. He wrote the first science fiction book: The Dream. In a family crisis, he acted as advocate for his aged mother who was in danger of being executed for witchcraft.
As a devout Christian, Kepler faced a variety of conflict situations. He was not a party man, but was committed to following Jesus Christ. When he was unjustly disciplined, and prohibited from attending the Lord's Supper, he chose to attend the meetings of a country church dominated by peasants. He found there a genuineness and an openness which mattered more than meeting with people of his own social class. Kepler was a very loyal man: he was loyal to his principles and to truth, he was loyal to his friends, he was loyal to Scripture.
This readable book provides insights into the turbulent history of Reformation times, and introduces us to one of the heroes of the faith who honoured God in his life and work. Its author is J.H. Tiner, and the book is published by Mott Media, ISBN 0915134-11-X.
David J. Tyler (1992)
