Many difficulties and challenges were faced in the 17th century, some of which have many similarities to the difficulties and challenges of today's society. During the 17th century; also known as the Baroque period, many investigations and discoveries shaped and changed the way society viewed the world. For example, 2 philosophers of this time, and René Descartes, established a new scientific method for studying the world by insisting on scrupulous objectivity and logical reasoning. Many scientists of the same period agreed with their findings, arguing that these philosophers simply amplified human understanding of creation. Although some considered it a glorious discovery, there were still difficulties and challenges to be faced. Many people of this time had difficulty accepting new ideas and discoveries, especially those who were highly religious. The church and many ecclesiastical authorities did not accept this finding and strongly disagree with these findings. In today's society many discoveries and ideas are presented and rejected due to the rigid beliefs and nonconformist beliefs of the churches. Abortion and abstinence are still a controversial and not entirely accepted topic today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayGalileo an astronomer, mathematician and physicist discovered the telescope, which led to the confirmation of the Copernican theory. This theory had previously been banned by the church so Galileo was placed under house arrest and soon after sentenced to death by the church. Although people may believe that being sentenced to death by the church does not happen these days, recently in Africa a woman was sentenced to death for adultery because it is illegal by the Muslim society and she still faces the same challenges and difficulties because people cannot accept new ideas and beliefs. The role of art in contemporary society has taken on historical significance. When people these days visit a famous museum to see art, they are not only seeing a masterpiece but also extracting a part of our world's history. Many artists of the Baroque period were influenced by many of the discoveries of their time and when you look at a painting you are not only admiring the beauty but also a part of the history. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Today art does not take on the same propagandistic function that it had in the 17th century. The church in the 17th century used art to encourage piety among the faithful and to persuade those it considered heretics to return to the fold. This religious art had to be visually and emotionally appealing to attract and influence the widest possible audience. During this period the Catholic Church and the Catholic nobility supported and financed numerous works of art including paintings, sculptures, buildings and decoration projects to achieve their goal..