Galileo Galilei
Will Collson
10 November 2015
CP Chemistry A4
Galileo: A Life of Influence
A common misconception of today is the belief that science and the Bible cannot work in harmony. A scientist, as a result, cannot be a Christian. However, one of the earliest scientists, astronomer Galileo Galilei, stands in opposition to this supposed fact. Psalm 147:4 states, “He determines the number of the stars: he gives them all their names.” This insinuates the existence of a multitude of heavenly bodies. If there is a number determined only by God, there must be certain ones that researchers have yet to discover. This is in alignment with the work of Galileo. Whether it was the moons of Jupiter or the entire Milky Way, Galileo made many discoveries that were new to the scientists of his day. This attests to the fact that the overall quantity of stars and planets is known only
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It goes beyond the simple idea that used a telescope to discover new things. His discoveries caused him to adopt the heliocentric theory, the belief that the planets orbit around the sun. He was willing to be put on trial for his beliefs and, even though the Catholic church did force him to go back on his beliefs, Galileo succeeded in helping “plant the seeds” for the eventual affirmation of the heliocentric theory through his writings which document his findings. Subsequently, he had a positive influence on America’s education system, having played a part in making sure that the young people of today have an opportunity to learn how the universe truly works. Had it not been for the work of Galileo, the false idea that the sun rotates around the earth may be being taught in modern-day classrooms.
On a personal level, I have learned a great deal through my study of Galileo. To be more specific, he has taught me to be active with the gifts God has granted me, rather than sitting idly by thinking that I cannot make a difference for