In this book, Charles E. Hummel explains that whenever the bible and science disagreed, the catholic church made sure to suppress the new ideas.
One example that supports this main idea is when Galileo Galilei was trying to advance technology in science, and more specifically, astronomy, he presented his idea that the earth was not the center of the galaxy, his theory was that we were orbiting the sun. The catholic church, however, had been preaching the the geocentric model, in which everything orbited our earth. When they heard Galileo's "wild" theory he was put under house arrest for contradicting the bible and church's teachings. The author goes on to explain that whenever the bible and science disagreed, the church made sure to suppress the new ideas. Another example that supports this main idea is how many scientists have basically proven the theory of evolution, but the church continues to deny anything but the words of the bible. Finally, the author gives the fact that the church denies many things regarded as scientific law as to keep people believing in their ideas. If science were to prove something that discredits the bible, people may lose faith and the church would lose power. to keep their place in the world, the church keeps ideas from surfacing or they called the scientist a heretic and made sure nobody believed them.
These ideas are similar to the crusades where the people in power did anything they could to get people to believe what they wanted them to. Even killing those who didn't.
Very interesting...would like to learn more specific facts.
ReplyDeleteA point you may want to think about is whether or not a person can be both religious and scientific while being honest. Also look up the Islamic golden age.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point here by using Galileo's discovery and how the church was against it, and I feel like that's a really strong example. I personally don't really like the idea of science versus the Bible, but if you're interested in it then you obviously have some good research so stick with it. Something that you may want to look into is a branch of Christianity, the Christian Science Church. My cousins belong to that church and I've been a couple of times and some of the things that they talk about and study are very interesting, because instead of science AGAINST the Bible, it is studying how science incorporates to the Bible, and vice versa. I believe the founder is Mary Baker Eddy, so if I were you I would really consider looking into some of her work. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to look into that. Personally I feel that any religion which is open to new ideas, is great. The reason it appears that I feel strongly about disliking the church is because I feel like they aren't willing to hear new theories. Consequently I'm glad to hear about such a dynamic church.
Delete