1. Galileo

2. Models of the Solar System
Geocentric
Heliocentric
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Right image retrieved from

3. The Problem
On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
Joshua 10:12-13

4. Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus from 1580
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Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus from 1580

5. Painting of the Council of Trent from the late 17th century
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Painting of the Council of Trent from the late 17th century

6. Illustration of Giordano Bruno based on 1700s woodcut
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Illustration of Giordano Bruno based on 1700s woodcut

7. Illustration of Galileo, date unknown
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Illustration of Galileo, date unknown

8. Conflict
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Galileo Galilei Showing the Doge of Venice How to Use the Telescope, painted in 1858

9. Central Historical Question
Was Galileo really a heretic?

10. Document A When was this document written?
Why might Galileo write a letter defending himself at this time?
According to Galileo, why do some people think his teachings are heretical?
How does Galileo defend himself against these charges?

11. Document B
Explain two reasons Cardinal Bellarmine gave for believing the geocentric theory.

12. Document B
How did Cardinal Bellarmine respond to the following arguments from Galileo?
Why do you think the Catholic church was so committed to defending the literal meaning of the Bible passages?

13. Judgment of Galileo
Imagine you are a member of the Inquisition at Galileo’s trial.
You have the following evidence: Heliocentrism and the
Catholic Church Timeline, Documents A and B. Decide your
Answer to the questions: Was Galileo really a heretic?
Galileo __________(was/was not) a heretic because….
Reason #1 (quote from a document to support your reason)
Reason #2 (quote)

14. Document C Given what you know about the time period, how do you
Think the Catholic Church ruled in Galileo’s case? Why?
By the end of the trial, what was the Catholic Church’s position
On the heliocentric theory?
What two reasons did the Church give for declaring Galileo
Was a heretic?

15. Document D Why did Pope John Paul say the Church’s treatment of
Galileo was wrong?
Why was it easier for the Church to side with Galileo in
1992 than in 1633?

16. What happened to Galileo?
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Galileo Facing Roman Inquisition, painted in 1857

17. After Galileo
1661: Isaac Newton taught Galileo & Copernicus’s ideas in England 1758: Catholic Church ended ban on books teaching heliocentrism 1939: Pope Pius XII called Galileo a hero of research 1979: Pope John Paul II ordered an investigation into Church’s treatment of Galileo