What actions did the Catholic Church pursue concerning Galileo and his ideas?

Answer 1

The church was angry with Galileo because he said that the sun was the center of the solar system instead of the earth. The church did not believe him as they thought that earth was the center and everything orbited around it...

Answer 2

Galileo was teaching a theory or hypothesis as a fact. While many Church leaders agreed that Galileo was probably correct, he had not offered enough proof to teach it as undisputed fact. Galileo also had a rather sarcastic manner that got under the skin of some Church leaders, which did not help his case at all.

Answer 3

The church put Galileo on trial for heresy after he asserted that the Earth orbits round the Sun, and not the other way round as the scriptures said.

Galileo publicised the heliocentric theory of Copernicus, and this was finally shown to be correct in the 18th century when it was discovered that the Sun is much more massive than the other objects in the solar system.

But back in the early 1600s when Galileo was in dispute with the church, scientific knowledge had no conclusive evidence for the heliocentric theory, as Galileo was forced to admit at the trial.

Answer 4

The leaders of western religions felt that Copernicus' and Galileo's theories of a heliocentric universe (a universe where the earth orbits the sun) were blasphemous. This is because there are various biblical passages that claim the universe is geocentric (everything rotates around the earth); by contradicting what religious leaders believe to be the word of God, Copernicus and Galileo were viewed as heretics.

Answer 5

Galileo had the courage to present a scientific theory that contradicted what the church held as teachings based directly on biblical revelation.

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Catholic AnswerGalileo only "punishment" was for violating his sworn oath, and all it resulted in was house arrest.

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Galileo was teaching the heliocentric theory of Copernicus as fact. Cardinal Bellarmine disagreed with him and said that it disagreed with Scripture. Galileo, though, was a personal friend of the Pope at that time. The Inquisition looked into the case and told him that he could teach, but only as a theory until he had some proof - which he didn't. Galileo agreed, then turned around, and ignored his solemn word to the Inquisition, figuring that he knew better, even though he still had no proof, he continued to teach Copernicus theory as fact. The Inquisition arrested him for violating his sworn word, and held him in a rather comfortable accommodation. Galileo berated everybody, including his friend, the Pope. He did not exactly endear himself to anyone, even though everyone was trying to help him! For more of the story, see the link below at the Catholic Encyclopedia.

Answer 6

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Catholic AnswerThe Church did not react "harshly" against Galileo's theories, they simply stated that he could only teach theories as theories and not as facts until he had proof. His theories had already been advanced by Copernicus and were approved by the Church, as such, the Pope even gave Copernicus a reward and commendation. The Church's only problem with Galileo was his pride and his insistence that he was right without proof. The Church told him that until he had proof he could only teach a theory.

Answer 7

He was placed under house arrest until he died, and after (centuries later!....-Ed) he was pardoned by the Catholic Church.

Answer 8

They put Galileo on house arrest.

Answer 9

Ordered him to recant in a public trial