“A man may imagine things that are false, but he can only understand things that are true.” -Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton wrote over 1.3 million words on the prophecies of the Bible and Church History, especially writings of Athanasias and the Arians.¹  While Newton’s spectacular scientific achievements have received universal acclaim, his theological writings have gotten mixed reviews. Critics of his theology often use negative terms to describe him as “an Arian” or “a dark heretic”.  This author, however, believes that Newton’s theology was as brilliant as his science, and an extension of his search for truth regardless of the prevailing thought of his day.

Newton was an Anglican, devoted to his Christian faith. He searched the Scriptures and did an intense study of the early writers of Christian history. He focused on fourth century church history when Athanasias defended the Nicene Creed against its Arian rivals. To understand Isaac Newton’s writings of Church history it may be helpful to review the Council at Nicea and the Arian controversy.

The Council at Nicea

In 325 AD, the Emperor Constantine called together a council of bishops from all over the Empire. Over 300 Christian bishops gathered in Nicea, a small city near Constantinople. In an attempt to bring unity to the church, Contantine would use the power of the state to force theological agreement among Christians.²

A major controversy had erupted in Alexandria which threatened to split the entire Eastern Church. Arius, a popular presbyter, argued that the Word was not co-eternal with God which, he argued, denied the divinity of Jesus. And, If both the Father and Jesus Christ were divine, there were two Gods, which denied Christian monotheism. During the Council, Eusebius of Nicomedia presented the Arian case. The other bishops shouted him down.²

The Council quickly became convinced that they needed to make a clear rejection of Arianism. Therefore, under imperial prompting, they set out to produce a creed which would define the faith of the Church.³

In describing Jesus Christ and the Father, Constantine suggested that the word homoousios, which translated means “of the same substance,” be included in the creed. There were a few bishops who refused to sign the creed. The assembly disposed them as heritics.² 

However, in 328 AD, Constantine revoked  the banishment of Arius and Arianism again began gaining ground.

Athanasias and the Arian controversy

It was about this time that Alexander, bishop of Alexandria died, and Athanasias reluctantly took his place. Athanasias showed a deep conviction that the central fact of Christian faith is the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ and the presence of God amid humankind. Eusebius of Nicomedia and the other Arian leaders immediatly took steps to cause his downfall.⁴

Accusations by Eusebius, riled up Constantine sufficiently that he banish Athanasias from Alexandria. Eusebius baptised Constantine who now favored the Arian cause. Shortly thereafter, Constantine died and his three sons, Constantine II, Constans and Constantius succeeded him.⁴

When Athanasias was away, the Arians claimed that he was no longer the legitimate bishop of Alexandria. The rival bishop, Gregory, had the support of the government and took over possession of the church buildings. To avoid violence, Anthanasias left Alexandria and went to Rome.⁴

In Rome Athanasais was able to gain support of Julius the bishop of Rome and the Roman Clergy, who took up the Nicene cause. Eventually, a synod declared that Athanasius was the legitimate bishop and Gregory was out. Gregory and the Arians had represented the more Hellenized higher classes. Athanasias was a man of the people and came back as a hero and liberator. He then began to strengthen ties with other Nicenes and wrote a number of treatises against Arianism.⁴

Constantius, an Arian, was Emperor in 352 AD. He sent an army to again remove Athanasias from Alexandria. Athanasias escaped and took refuge among his allies, the monks in the desert. He hid there for a period of about five years. The Nicene cause suffered severe setbacks at this time. In Sirmium, a council openly rejected the decisions of Nicea. Orthodox leaders called this the “Blasphemy of Sirmium.”⁴

Another twist in the story came when Emperor Constantius died and his cousin Julian the pagan replaced him. Julian had no interest in either side of the controversy. He, therefore, cancelled all orders of exiled bishops so that each side would have an equal opportunity to destroy the other.  Julian could then move forward with his goal to re-establish paganism.⁴

Athanasias returned to Alexandria. There he engaged in a much needed campaign of theological diplomacy. He realized that even many non-Arians opposed the Nicene Creed because of the term homoousios (of the same substance). Athanasias, seeing these legitimate concerns, reversed his stand he had fiercely held at Nicea. The synod at Alexandria decided it would now be acceptable to affirm that the Son was homoiousios (of similar substance) with the Father. On this basis of understanding most of the church rallied to support the Council of Nicea. It was later ratified at the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople in 381 AD.⁴

Was Isaac Newton an Arian?

What did Isaac Newton himself really believe about this great debate and the creeds which defined the Trinity? Which side, if either, did he favor in the dispute between Athanasias and his allies (the Nicenes), and Eusebius and his allies (the Arians)?

Isaac Newton examined church history writings written before, and compared them with those written after the Arian controversy. He said of the pre-Nicene authors, a “familiar difficulty” arose in that he found a “diversity of sentiments… is sometimes apparent in the same author”.

He said there may be two causes for this: 1- The author may have used certain expressions in a way commonly used by more recent writers. Or, 2- “Audacious men may have attempted to tip his book more towards their own beliefs.” This may have been done, he said, in copying or translating from Greek to Latin, or deliberately omitting/altering  a number of words, or even by adding material of their own.⁵

Newton then, in an exhaustive 18 page thesis, showed examples and illustrations of second option above. He primarily aimed at the writings of Anathasias and his allies. This has prompted some critics of Newton’s theology to assume or claim that Newton was an Arian. However, this was not the case.

Newton was a devout Christian. He hoped that he would find a sound argument presented by Athanasias and the Nicenes against the Arians. The following statement by Newton clearly shows his sentiments, and his disappointment in an argument of one of the Nicene writers:

“I always think of him as being like a gardener who in attempting to correct a deformation in a young plant twists it so strongly the other way that is misses the center and he bends the shoot to the opposite side… He has gone off headlong into the opposite evil, with an excessive zeal for conflict as well. For it would have been enough if he had shown that the Father and the Son were not the same so far as the ‘subjectum’ is concerned, and if he had done so he would have carried off the first prize for his victory against the blasphemer…. The end of it was that he exchanged evil for evil and strayed from correctness of doctrine.”⁵

Isaac Newton declared the Arian doctrine to be blasphemy and therefore, he clearly was not an Arian. However, he did not believe in the doctrine of the Trinity as defined in the Athanasian Creed. He came to this conclusion based on his study of the Bible. Willaim Stukely wrote of Newton: “No man in England read the Bible more carefully than he did.”⁶

Isaac Newton believed the Bible predicted a general apostasy of the Christian Church

Newton did an extensive study on the prophecies of the book of Daniel and Revelations. In his preface to this work, he stated that he would “show that the Religion of the Beast is Christianity corrupted.” However, to do so, he said, it would be convenient to first prove through biblical writers that “there was to be a general Apostasy in the visible Church.”⁷ For this purpose he explained Paul’s second Epistle to Timothy chapters 3 and 4.  There Paul warned of a time when the saints would turn away their ears from hearing the truth and he exhorted Timothy to watch over his flock:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: & they shall turn away their ears from the truth & shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)⁷

Newton believed that this apostasy “was to be a very durable one.” It would begin in Paul’s day and last until the man of sin be revealed.⁷ In his second epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul taught his followers not to be troubled by rumors that the coming of the Lord was at hand. He wrote:

“Let no men deceive you by any means for that day shall not come except the Apostasy come first.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)⁷

Was Isaac Newton a heretic?

Newton was neither an Trinitarian nor an Arian. He believed that both of these groups had wandered away from teachings of the Bible into metaphysical speculation.⁸ However, Sir Isaac took great pleasure in the service of the Church of England.  In turn, that church entirely claimed him as her son, in faith, and in practice.⁶

Nevertheless, by 1670 Newton faced real concerns about his religious beliefs. The conflict between his great love for the Scriptures and his doubts about the Trinity caused him considerable stress and anxiety. He became racked with inner turmoil. He was now an important figure at Trinity College and all professors were expected to take holy orders and become ordained priests in the Church of England. This meant that he had to swear an oath on the Bible that he believed in the Trinity. This he could not do. Newton continually delayed. However, he was required to be ordained by 1675 or leave his position as the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics.⁹

He suffered in silence. He could not reveal his true belief about the nature of Jesus to anyone. To do this, he would be labeled a heretic, excommunicated from the Church of England and thrown out of Cambridge. He started hinting that he was going to have to leave the University.⁹

Newton studied the Bible to find arguments to back up his beliefs. He wrote out 12 statements in his notebook that explained his point of view. The Trinity is nowhere mentioned in the Bible, he wrote.⁹ 

Newton traveled to London to present his case before the head of the Church of England, King Charles II. It is likely that he had help from an old friend and college professor Isaac Barrow who was now an Anglican Priest and adviser to the king.⁹ Somehow they made his case without revealing his secret views of the Trinity. Apparently, they presented an argument showing that the ordination requirement was bad policy. Because, not only was Newton’s requirement dropped, but the requirement of ordination was ended for everyone.

So, was Isaac Newton a Christian heretic? The answer to this question may be found in your answer to another question: Which one understood the truth? Isaac Newton or Athanasias?

“There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history”– Isaac Newton

Newton believed he should communicate his understanding of Bible prophecy to others through his writing. He did not believe that he was chosen of God to do this, as some critics have claimed. Rather, he felt compelled to share his understanding of prophetic scripture for the “benefit of others, remembering the judgment of him who hid his talent in a napkin.”¹⁰

It was revealed to the prophet Daniel, Newton wrote, that the prophecies of the last times should be closed up and sealed until the time of the end. But, he asked, “If they are never to be understood, to what end did God reveal them?” He believed that in time as the fulfillment of prophecies came to pass that a few that call themselves Christians who “set themselves sincerely & earnestly to search after truth” will understand and their knowledge will be increased. While, on the other hand, the wicked shall not understand.¹⁰

Newton believed that every one should seek the truth for themselves, through scripture and by asking God

Newton implored all who were seeking for truth to not trust the opinion any man, saying:

“Let me therefore beg of thee not to trust to the opinion of any man concerning these things, for so it is great odds but thou shalt be deceived. Much less oughtest thou to rely upon the judgment of the multitude, for so thou shalt certainly be deceived. But search the scriptures thy self & that by frequent reading & constant meditation upon what thou readest, & earnest prayer to God to enlighten thine understanding if thou desirest to find the truth.”¹⁰

Newton knew that before Christ returned to the earth the truth would be reestablished on the earth. How he believed this would happen, however, I do not know.

“The 7^th Trumpet at which time ceases & the mystery of God is finished (Apoc 10.6, 7) & the Kingdoms of the world become the kingdoms of Christ for ever & the dead here judged & saints rewarded.”⁷

Just before this will happen, Newton believed, there will be an universal preaching of the Gospel throughout the world:

“After the greatest decay of religion there is to be an universal preaching of the Gospel immediately before the seventh Trumpet … But this is not yet fulfilled; there has been nothing done in the world like it, & therefore it is to come.”¹¹

Isaac Newton’s deepest secret

Newton’s fame came through his great scientific achievements. However, the Bible and not nature had been Isaac Newton’s greatest passion. He devoted more time to Scripture than to science. He said, “I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.”

Nevertheless, Isaac Newton’s religious views of 1670 remained his deepest secret. His vast store of controversial theological writings remained unpublished throughout his life. They remained unknown for 266 years, until his papers were bought in an auction and published in 1936.⁹

By that time, his biblical prediction of a world wide preaching of the gospel had begun. And, on a hot day in July 1897 two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints knocked on the door of Harry and Mary Chamberlain. According to Familysearch Relative Finder, Harry Chamberlain is a first cousin six times removed of Sir Isaac Newton.

Other Stories:

See Chapter 22- Mary Ellis Chamberlain: The Mormons Return to Iowa. 
Mary Ellis’ father grew up near Palmyra New York in 1827 and heard news reports of the discovery of the Book of Mormon. Her brother was a preacher who spoke against the Mormons. Two missionaries were sent to Spencer Iowa to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the 1890s without purse or script. They received no compensation. They served with prayers and a promise that: “The honest in heart shall be prepared to receive thy testimony, to feed and clothe and give thee money”.

Chapter E18- The Promise of Passover in the Last Days 
Jewish tradition, Bible prophecy, and a promise of Passover in the last days. Temples and the ordinance of Passover. A call to prepare to meet the Bridegroom. A Latter-day Saint perspective of “The Rapture”. One temple dedication that fulfills Bible prophecy and may foretell the beginning of the tribulation.

Comments and questions welcome. Contact me by email click here.

© Copyright Dennis D. Chamberlain, The Chamberlain Story, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the written content of this site without express and written permission from the author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that credit is given to Dennis D. Chamberlain and direction to  www.thechamberlainstory.com.

Nineteen year-old Isaac Newton’s list of 57 sins¹²

Isaac Newton made this list when he was nineteen-years-old which include some offenses dating back to when he was 10-years-old or younger. The list was written to God and therefore, I doubt he ever intended that it be published. It told of what he believed were the worst things he had done in his life. However, it gives us great insight into his personality as a young man and about the times in which he lived.

Before Whitsunday 1662
1. Using the word (God) openly
2. Eating an apple at Thy house
3. Making a feather while on Thy day
4. Denying that I made it
5. Making a mousetrap on Thy day
6. Contriving of the chimes on Thy day
7. Squirting water on Thy day
8. Making pies on Sunday night
9. Swimming in a kimnel on Thy day
10. Putting a pin in John Keys hat on Thy day to pick him.

11. Carelessly hearing and committing many sermons
12. Refusing to go to the closet at my mothers command.
13. Threatening my father and mother Smith to burne them and the house over them
14. Wishing death and hoping it to some
15. Striking many
16. Having uncleane thoughts words and actions and dreamese.
17. Stealing cherry cobs from Eduard Storer
18. Denying that I did so
19. Denying a crossbow to my mother and grandmother though I knew of it
20. Setting my heart on money learning pleasure more than Thee

21. A relapse
22. A relapse
23. A breaking again of my covenant renued in the Lords Supper.
24. Punching my sister
25. Robbing my mothers box of plums and sugar
26. Calling Dorothy Rose a jade
27. Glutiny in my sickness.
28. Peevishness with my mother.
29. With my sister.
30. Falling out with the servants

31. Divers commissions of alle my duties
32. Idle discourse on Thy day and at other times
33. Not turning nearer to Thee for my affections
34. Not living according to my belief
35. Not loving Thee for Thy self.
36. Not loving Thee for Thy goodness to us
37. Not desiring Thy ordinances
38. Not long {longing} for Thee in {illeg}
39. Fearing man above Thee
40. Using unlawful means to bring us out of distresses

41. Caring for worldly things more than God
42. Not craving a blessing from God on our honest endeavors.
43. Missing chapel.
44. Beating Arthur Storer.
45. Peevishness at Master Clarks for a piece of bread and butter.
46. Striving to cheat with a brass halfe crowne.
47. Twisting a cord on Sunday morning
48. Reading the history of the Christian champions on Sunday

Since Whitsunday 1662
49. Glutony
50. Glutony
51. Using Wilfords towel to spare my own
52. Negligence at the chapel.
53. Sermons at Saint Marys (4)
54. Lying about a louse
55. Denying my chamberfellow of the knowledge of him that took him for a sot.
56. Neglecting to pray 3
57. Helping Pettit to make his water watch at 12 of the clock on Saturday nigh

References:

1- Charles E. Hummel, The Faith Behind the Famous Isaac Newton,
2- Justo L. Gonzalez, The Strory of Christianity, Volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation, (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1984) pp. 158-166
3- John Burnaby, The Belief of Christendom, A Commentary of the Nicene Creed (London National Society: SPCK, 1959), p5
4- Justo L. Gonzalez, The Strory of Christianity, Volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation, (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1984) pp. 174-179
5- Isaac Newton, The Newton Project, Theological Notes (part 3), National Library of Israel, Jerusalem, Israel.

6- Willaim Stukely, Memoirs of Sir Isaac Newton’s Life, published in 1752 http://www.newtonproject.ox.ac.uk/view/texts/normalized/OTHE00001
7- Isaac Newton, Untitled Treatise on Revelation Section 1.2.  http://www.newtonproject.ox.ac.uk/view/texts/normalized/THEM00137
8- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Religious views of Isaac Newton
9- Kerrie Logan Hollihan, Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids, Chicago Review Press.
10- Isaac Newton, Untitled Treatise on Revelation Section 1.1. http://www.newtonproject.ox.ac.uk/view/texts/normalized/THEM00135
11- Isaac Newton, Untitled Treatise on Revelation Section 1.4. http://www.newtonproject.ox.ac.uk/view/texts/normalized/THEM00182
12- Isaac Newton, Fitzwilliam Notebook, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK, Published online: October 2003

Key phrase Bible, Bible, Bible, Bible.