[Mrs. Don-o]

Giordano Bruno was not burned for saying the earth revolves around the sun. He was writing half a century after Copernicus, whose theories were well within what was discussed and peaceably debated amongst the Catholic intelligentia, including the scientific-minded clergy.

On the contrary, in addition to his cosmology which was largely a brilliantly imaginative but evidence-free fantasia, Bruno taught pantheism, the transmigration of souls (reincarnation), alchemy, astrology, a form of animism (communing with the spirits of metals, animals, stars, whatever) and aspired to be a magus/wizard in the Hermetic tradition.

In short, a religious charlatan and a scientific quack.

Just the kind of intellectual, I think, that Jorge Bergoglio might admire.

[grey_whiskers]

Good grief, did you *have* to add that last line? /wince>

[Cincinnatus.45-70]

You are right about that. Sorry, I was being sarcastic, it’s a failing of mine. I like your take on it much better.