Why did the church condemn Galileo's astronomcal findings?

Answer 1

Actually, Galileo had a large following among the Roman Curia, including the pope. However, Galileo got himself into trouble by teaching that the heliocentric (Sun-centered universe) theory was fact. However, at the time it was just a theory or hypothesis and Galileo even stated that he could not prove it. Had he changed his approach to the subject we never would have heard today of the controversy. Unfortunately, Galileo was not a humble person and had quite a temper and sarcastic manner and began to attack the Church in speech and his writing. Even his close friend the pope became the target of his rage. Of course, this did not endear him to the Church and he lost much of his standing with the Roman clergy.

Answer 2

Its because the Church believed that the Earth was the Centre of the universe and everything revolved around the Earth. Copernicus, through scientific observation, found out that everything actually revolves around the sun (at least all the immediate planets), the heliocentric model. And Galileo built on Copernicus' theory. The Catholic Church didn't want to be under minded so they whole heartedly opposed them both...they were both at one time excommunicated from the Church (back in that time it meant no 'decent' person could be associated with them).

Copernicus was a Catholic Cleric and a amateur astrologer in Poland who lived from 1474-1543. He theorized through celestial observations that the earth rotated on its axis daily and rotated around the sun annually. He brought forth and refined an idea that had originated in ancient times. The Catholic Church fiercely opposed any idea that conflicted with its belief that the earth stood still at the center of the universe. Copernicus backed down.

Around 1610 Galileo, a scientist, using the newly invented telescope, observed the moons of Jupiter, sunspots and the geography of the surface of the moon. He provided evidence that Copernicus had been correct. He was condemned as a heretic and was ordered to conform to Church teachings.

Answer 3

It was because he promoted - as fact - a theory that assumed the Sun was at the centre of the solar system without enough evidence to support it.

The church advised Galileo that it would be all right to teach the heliocentric theory as a theory only. He persisted in promoting it as fact, and after being tried for heresy and being unable to produce evidence, he withdrew his assertions.

The evidence for the heliocentric theory came later after Newton's time and it is now generally accepted.

Answer 4

The church objected to Galileo's assertion that the Earth orbits round the Sun because there was not enough evidence to support it and the ancient scriptures said the Earth was at the centre.

In the centuries since Galileo's time there have been enough scientific discoveries to convince everyone that the Sun is at the centre.

However in Galileo's lifetime there was not enough evidence, and when the Church asked him to produce the evidence, he could not, and he eventually recanted.

Answer 5

Actually, the Catholic Church did NOT oppose the work of Copernicus and Galileo. 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, and the explanation from Catholic Answers at the links below:

The Galileo Controversy:

http://www.catholic.com/tracts/the-galileo-controversy

Copernicus had no problems with the Church and even dedicated his work to the reigning pope.

Answer 6

Because he believed the planets revolved around the sun, & not the Earth, Galileo was denounced a heretic by the church in Rome

Answer 7

Because It went against the peoples beliefs and the Church was afraid people would begin to question the church's teachings and ask "What else have you made a mistake on?"

Answer 8

The Catholic Church opposed scientific explanations as they did not fit with the creation perspective that the church preached.

Answer 9

The Church taught the earth was the center of the universe, but Galileo proved it wasn’t through science. We have the same thing going on with global warming.

Answer 10

the church opposed galileos ideas because