answersLogoWhite

0

Galileo was not truly 'persecuted' by the Church. However, he was told to stop teaching the heliocentric theory of the Universe because it was, at the time, unproven. Even Copernicus, another scientist (and a priest) who predated Galileo in his studies of the heliocentric theory, agreed that it was unproven and could not be proven with the technology of the time. What got Galileo into trouble was his tongue and his pen. He had a very sarcastic temperament and made some very nasty verbal attacks on the pope, who was a close friend and supporter. It might be pointed out that the Church supported Galileo in his work and most Church leaders agreed that the earth was most likely not the center of the Universe. However, no information had been brought forward that could prove this beyond a doubt.

After Galileo's time science advanced to the point where it had to be accepted that the Sun is at the centre and the Earth orbits round it. 200 years after Galileo's death, the German astronomer Friedrich Bessel made observations on a nearby star and found that it moved very slightly one way and the other against the background of distant stars, every six months, in time with the Earth's motion round the Sun.
Galileo was teaching the heliocentric theory of the universe as fact when it was, at the time, unproven. The Church asked him to revise his teaching to reflect that it was not a fact but only a theory or hypothesis. Most Church officials were on Galileo's side but agreed that he should tone down is rhetoric. Galileo had a very sharp tongue and was quite sarcastic in his remarks and that did little to help his case.

.

Catholic AnswerGalileo 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.
Galileo was tried and sentenced by the Catholic Church for his work promoting the idea of a heliocentric universe. Before mankind became aware that the earth and other planets revolve around the sun, people believed that the sun and stars revolved around the Earth.
User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Who was persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church for saying the earth revolved around the sun?

Galileo


Was Galileo persecuted?

Yes, Galileo was persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church for promoting the heliocentric model of the Solar System, which contradicted the geocentric beliefs held by the Church at the time. In 1633, he was tried by the Inquisition and sentenced to house arrest for the rest of his life.


Who was persecuted by the cathiloc church for works in astronomy?

Galileo most famously. but he was right!


Who was highest authority when Galileo lived?

In galileo`s time the catholic church was at authority


The most powerful social institution of Galileo's time was the?

Catholic church or Church


When did the catholic church sentenced Galileo to house arrest?

in 1733


How did members of the Catholic Church respond to Galileo's ideas when he published them?

When Galileo published his ideas challenging the geocentric view of the universe held by the Catholic Church, he faced opposition from church authorities. They viewed his ideas as heretical and contrary to the teachings of the church. Galileo was eventually tried by the Inquisition and forced to recant his views.


Who Had the incorrect theory on earth's rotation adopted by the catholic church?

Galileo


What influence did Galileo have on the catholic church?

He inspired it to involve science in their teachings


Who were the people that Galileo got into trouble with?

Galileo got into trouble with the Catholic Church, specifically with the Roman Inquisition. They accused him of promoting the heliocentric theory proposed by Copernicus, which challenged the geocentric view of the Church. Galileo's ideas were viewed as heretical and he was forced to recant his views under threat of imprisonment.


Scientist who was forced by catholic church to take back his ideas that disagreed with the church's views?

Galileo Galilei


Did catholic church believe that earth was centre of universe?

Yes, they believed the Ptolemiac theory, not the Copernican. They persecuted Galileo Galileo for stating otherwise, Circa 1616. This was because Scripture (as Ecclesiates 1:5) states the world is center not the Sun. And Scripture being the word of God, could not be wrong