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To: Tribune7; longshadow
Galileo Galilei is generally the one cited as evidence of the Church's anti-science tilt. But while Galileo was told to shut up -- perhaps like Dembski and Behe today -- he was not beaten, blinded tortured or burned at the stake -- as is often alleged -- and his imprisonment consisted of 22 days in a luxury apartment. He was generally also well-respected by church authorities. Many agreed with his views. He was blessed by the Pope at his death and buried in a church.

Twenty-two days? Yeah, right. Galileo and the Inquisition.

In 1633 Galileo was formally interrogated for 18 days and on April 30 Galileo confesses that he may have made the Copernican case in the Dialogue too strong and offers to refute it in his next book. Unmoved, the Pope decides that Galileo should be imprisoned indefinitely. Soon after, with a formal threat of torture, Galileo is examined by the Inquisition and sentenced to prison and religious penances, the sentence is signed by 6 of the 10 inquisitors. In a formal ceremony at a the church of Santa Maria Sofia Minerva, Galileo abjures his errors. He is then put in house arrest in Sienna.

Galileo remained under house arrest, despite many medical problems and a deteriorating state of health, until his death in 1642.


265 posted on 12/13/2002 1:43:25 PM PST by PatrickHenry
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To: PatrickHenry
OK, he was in formal penal institution for 22 days (Catholic Encyclopedia) or 18 days (Galileo and the Inquistion.)

The rest of the time he was under house arrest living in relative luxury compared to the average European.

Remember what's being claimed here is that Christian instituions are by nature anti-science or somehow inherently impede scientific progress.

Galileo was not treated fairly but you mustn't forget that he was a Christian, was supported by a lot of Christians and, most importantly, that a Christian culture allowed -- encouraged -- him to investigate and publish.

275 posted on 12/13/2002 3:02:58 PM PST by Tribune7
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