Second Thoughts

The Church was able to suppress some scholars, but it was not able to suppress knowledge itself. The scope of the Church’s power was limited, whereas knowledge knows no bounds: its roots are spread throughout the universe. The Church’s antagonism could not prevent knowledge from growing. Eventually, knowledge gained all round ascendancy over the Church. The power of Rome became past history. Now the Church had no choice but to accept the new situation. Galileo, whom it had condemned as an apostate, came to be acknowledged as a hero in intellectual circles throughout the world. This episode turned into a stain in the Church’s history, a symbol of its unscientific attitude. The Church now had to face the issue which Galileo had faced before. There was no way the Church could restore its integrity without acknowledging Galileo’s intellectual status. In 1980 a special commission consisting of eight members— mathematicians, theologians, and historians—sat to reconsider the question of the earth’s position in the solar system. After discussing all the issues at length, the commission agreed that science had conclusively proved that the earth revolves around the sun, and that, without doubt, Galileo had been in the right. Then, in May 1983, a special meeting was held in the Vatican attended by a large number of historians, Catholic theologians and scientists. Pope John Paul II himself presided over this historic meeting. The Pontiff openly admitted the Church’s error and declared Galileo right. He went on to say that “The Church’s experience, during the Galileo affair and after it, has led to a more mature attitude and to a more accurate grasp of the authority proper to her.” (Guardian Weekly, July 29, 1983) What was the reason for the Christian Church’s denial of Galileo in the 17th century and recognition of him in the 20th? The reason was that in the 17th century Galileo was a controversial figure, whereas in the 20th century he has become an established one. Similarly, the Church has had to deal with another figure: the Prophet Mohammad, may peace be upon him. In the 7th century, the Church denied Mohammad. The reason for this was that at that time, Mohammad was a controversial figure. But now, by the 20th century, he too has become established. So much scientific and historical