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Copernicus’ theory of heliocentricity was taught in several Catholic universities until growing Protestant opposition made them stop. The worst the Catholic Chu
by HuwFulcher 4y ago
Copernicus’ theory of heliocentricity was taught in several Catholic universities until growing Protestant opposition made them stop. The worst the Catholic Church could be accused of is submitting to popular opinion, not being anti-intellectual.
- eurasiantiger 4y agoThat is not true: Catholic opposition made them stop. Catholics were also the first and most vocal to criticize heliocentricism of its heretical nature.
- HuwFulcher 4y agoSome Catholic theologians criticised but the church did not denounce the theory for some time
- eurasiantiger 4y agoIt is notable that the first critic was the Magister of the Holy Palace, the church’s chief censor.
- HuwFulcher 4y agoBut wasn’t allowed to call it heresy until 1615, a while after Copernicus died. This isn’t an apologetic that the Catholic Church did the right thing, I’m not even Catholic. I’m trying to highlight that historically Christianity hasn’t been as anti-intellectual as many have been led to believe
- eurasiantiger 4y ago> historically Christianity hasn’t been as anti-intellectual as many have been led to believe That is absolutely not true. The 17th century was marked by the transition to the Age of Enlightenment, which carried an anti-anti-intellectual sentiment and thus found itself at odds with Christianity.
- HuwFulcher 4y agoWhat you've just said doesn't have any tension with what I've said. For almost 17 centuries Christianity was not at odds with intellectualism. The Reformation introduced the clash.