Which statement best describes scientific thinkers' perspectives in the 17th century?

The perspective of scientific thinkers in the 17th century was often characterized by a blend of religious and scientific inquiry. Many key figures of this period, such as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler, approached their studies with the belief that the natural world, governed by laws that could be discovered and understood, was created by a divine being. This meant they did not entirely separate their scientific pursuits from their religious beliefs; rather, they saw the study of the natural world as a way to understand the divine order.

This approach was prevalent during the Scientific Revolution, when thinkers believed that by employing reason and observation to understand the universe, they were uncovering the workings of God’s creation. Their investigations into mathematics, astronomy, and physics often coexisted with theological frameworks, as they felt that these disciplines could complement rather than contradict their faith. This view illustrates the integration of faith and reason during this transformative period, highlighting the complexity of 17th-century scientific thought.

The other options do not capture the nuances of their perspectives. Political support for scientists varied significantly, and while some thinkers did receive patronage, this support was not a universal characteristic of the time. The development of mathematical models was indeed important, but the statement about the rejection of