Reactions and Reforms
When Galileo published his first book, the Starry Messenger, the church's reaction was very negative. His book brought the Copernican theory to the Church's attention. After he published the book, the Church declared that any system that didn't follow scripture was heresy, specifically the Copernican system. When Galileo didn't immediately state that he didn't believe in the Copernican system, the head Inquisitor called him to Rome and warned him that if he publicly taught or supported the Copernican theory, he would be called to Rome to be tried for heresy. This warning effectively silenced Galileo for almost 15 years. In 1630 a new pope was elected that had been a friend of Galileo. He gave Galileo permission to write a book that discussed the pros and cons of the Ptolemaic system and the Copernican system as long as he gave the systems equal time and support. Galileo wrote A Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems. After it was published Galileo was called to Rome to stand before the Inquisition. He was convicted of heresy for supporting the Copernican theory and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Because of his poor health he was sent back to his home and lived the rest of his life under house arrest.
“With sincere heart and unpretended faith I abjure, curse, and detest the aforesaid errors and heresies [of Copernicus] and also every other error . . . contrary to the Holy Church, and I swear that in the future I will never again say or assert . . . anything that might cause a similar suspicion toward me.”
GALILEO GALILEI, quoted in The Discoverers. |
The Copernican system was very hard for most people to believe in at first. Each day, the rising sun reaffirmed the belief that the Earth was the center of the universe. Galileo was the first person to present real proof that the solar system was heliocentric. His discoveries shattered some people's beliefs and some chose to ignore them. Once more astronomers turned more powerful telescopes to the night sky and verified what Galileo had found, doubts about him lying went away. A more observations were made and more astronomers found proof that the solar system was heliocentric it became more common and more acceptable to believe in the Copernican theory.