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QUESTION: Father, what is the whole story behind the claims of the Church and Galileo, regarding the earth not being the center of the universe, that is was a sin to believe so, until later on where he proved the Church wrong and they changed their minds? So many people use these claims to dispute the Church's infallibilty and it's lack of neccessity to adapt to the modern world. Personally, even though I don't know the whole story, I find such claims to be dumb.
ANSWER: Hi, Gene:
As with so many of these types of claims, those with an agenda and an axe to grind with the Church like to point to these sort of matters to justify their positions against the Church. It reminds me of the time the media "quoted" Pope John-Paul II where he once stated:
"There is more than just one theory of evolution."
But they chose to take a bizarre twist on the Italian, and translated it in a rather far fetched manner to read: "Evolution is more than just a theory."
I am certain something similar is being done in the case of Galileo. I can't give you a complete answer here, as I have not researched it in great detail. But your instincts seem to be right, and I would recommend that you continue to study and look deeper into the matter.
Fr. Timothy Johnson
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Father, I found these two articles, maybe after reading them, you can tell me what you think? I have read the 1st one myself.
http://www.catholic.com/library/Galileo_Controversy.asp
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/apologetics/ap0138.html
Hi, again, Gene:
If a person wanted to take the time to link to the articles you list in your question, they would be undertaking a good and worthwhile study. When one really looks at the actual issues, it becomes clear that the Church was merely exercising caution by not wishing to endorse particular scientific theories with infallible declarations. I thought it was interesting that Galileo, shile discounting the concept of the earth being the center of the universe, was quick to state that the sun was the center of the universe. Of course modern scientific evidence seems to show that even the sun is not at the absolute center of the known universe - in fact, it seems to be one of millions or billions of celestial bodies swirling around in the vast expanse of a great big universe. Thanks for sharing the articles.
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Fr. Timothy Johnson
Expertise
A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience
I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.
Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
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