Abstract
Francis Bacon's writings are traditionally seen as harbingers of the Enlightenment when religion is reduced to a sideshow and human reason and human capabilities usher in a new era of prosperity, tolerance, and progress brought about by the steady advancement of science and technology. The many references to religious motifs throughout Bacon's works are seen either as attempts to deceive less enlightened readers as to his true intent to destroy the power of religion over humankind or as window dressing that does not reflect his true beliefs about religion in general, and Judeo-Christian beliefs in particular.