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Copernicus Vs Galileo

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The polarizing effect that Galileo has had on our church is indisputable, but this conflict surrounding Galileo’s observations doesn’t justify emotionally charged suppression; it deserves the time of day to be investigated. I do believe that Galileo should be convicted of some form of heresy, but if he changes pace to promoting his ideas as solely hypothesis and in Latin, then I strongly stress that he should only be convicted of the lowest form of heresy. The foundation for this assertion is within the decrees of the Council of Trent and how they clarify that ideas are not heretical when posed as hypotheses like Copernicus’. Therefore, Galileo should be allowed freedom of inquisition for as long as he poses his findings as hypotheses. Lastly, …show more content…
As long as the ideas of Copernicus continue to be treated as just that, unproven theories, then their nature cannot justifiably be called heretical. These ideas that many scholars are developing are fostering the growth of the church and the public. The following statement from the decrees of the Council of Trent show their humble and forward looking nature, “if there be any things that need correction and reformation in the universities aforesaid, they shall be reformed and regulated by those whom it regards, for the advancement of religion” (pg. 256). The Council of Trent realizes nothing is perfect and some reformations will be necessary for the advancement of religion. New ideas will be formed, old ideas should be quesitoned, and this progressive process will advance religion. Galileo in his, Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina, states Coperican ideas “stimulate the investigation, establishment, and growth of the arts” (pg. 1). Copernican ideas cannot be presented as heretical in the academic and clerical environment because they seek to advance our religion and grow our humanity.

To look back at the root of Copernican ideas, it is further proved that Copernicus’ hypotheses are not heretical because he was strongly supported throughout his lifetime by the church. “Copernicus was not only a Catholic, but a priest and a cannon” and he “never... use[d] arguments that depend in any way upon the authority of sacred writings which he might have erroneously

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