Galileo Science And The Church
Wanting people to know that there was a double fault in the conflict between Galileo and the Church Father Langford writes an account of the facts in Galileo, Science and the Church.
Langford shows in the before mentioned book that in the beginning of the sixteenth century the geocentric view was accepted in majority by theologians and scientists alike, but by the end of the century scientific ideas started to emerge that were different. Theologians also started to speak of differences in beliefs. With the translation of the Bible into a common language and its greater access through the invention of the printing press individual opinions only increased. Through a serious of events, by the end of the sixteenth century, the Church had developed a stubborn dedication to the status quo, which tolerated no suggestions of flaws in their beliefs.
Galileo had begun to believe the new way of thinking with regard to science and he had begun to write of his beliefs and findings. The controversy of Galileo's discoveries and what they meant, apropos of the beliefs of the Church, started a great conflict. By the beginning of the seventeenth century the Church felt that they had to defend themselves against the accusations of Galileo. Galileo did not see himself as attacking the Church. He seemed to think once he had his beliefs out that many would understand and just accept them. On the contrary, while liberal-minded intellectuals saw his finding as a great contribution, the theologians claimed that anyone could see how Galileo's theory was not possible. They stated that the sun rose in the morning continued overhead at noon and set in the evening believing this supported the geocentric views.
Galileo continued to write of his findings becoming more and more apposed to the scriptural normal. The theologians were now forced to retaliate with scripture and the battle began. Without proof Galileo upset the status quo stating that...
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