The most accurate response is:
New scientific discoveries initially were considered threats to religious views, but they later became widespread and accepted.
This reflects the historical context of scientific developments in Europe, particularly during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment periods. Many scientific ideas, such as heliocentrism (the model of the solar system proposed by Copernicus) and the theory of evolution, initially faced significant opposition from religious authorities because they contradicted established religious doctrines. Over time, however, these ideas gained acceptance within society as evidence mounted and institutions evolved, leading to a broader acceptance of scientific inquiry and reasoning.