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Summary Of Bearing False Witness By Rodney Stark

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In chapter 7 of Rodney Stark’s “Bearing False Witness”, the text clarifies that Pope Leo XII did not oppose smallpox vaccination and that the Church actually supported it from the beginning. Contrary to popular claims from certain anti-Catholic historians that the Church always fought against science, many important scientific discoveries happened in universities run by the Church. Stark points out that many top scientists during the scientific revolution were very religious, and some were even priests. It also corrects the idea that Galileo was punished for his science, stating that he never went to prison and that his problems with the Church were due to his behaviour, not his scientific ideas. Stark's account challenges the widespread but …show more content…

(p.140) The Scholastics who founded these universities emphasized critical analysis and innovation, reviewing and challenging past authorities rather than merely reciting received wisdom. (p.141) The practice of human dissection, which began in medieval universities, showcased their commitment to empiricism and direct observation, distinguishing them from earlier and other contemporary cultures that prohibited such practices. (p.143) The autonomy and privileges granted to medieval universities by the Papacy, kings, and municipalities fostered a competitive and innovative academic environment, encouraging scholarly mobility and the exchange of ideas across Europe. (p.143) The notion of a Scientific Revolution was created to discredit the medieval Church, but the scientific achievements of the 16th and 17th centuries were actually built upon centuries of Scholastic scholarship by Christian scholars. The so-called Scientific Revolution is often attributed to Nicolaus Copernicus, but his work was based on teachings and discoveries from Scholastic scholars at Christian universities, demonstrating …show more content…

(p.151) Many of these scholars were deeply religious and held prominent positions within the Church, showing that their scientific pursuits were often supported rather than hindered by their faith and ecclesiastical roles. (p.151) The case of Galileo demonstrates the complex interplay between science and the Church during the Counter-Reformation, highlighting that Galileo's troubles were as much due to his own actions and the historical context as to the Church's stance on science. Galileo initially had a favorable relationship with Pope Urban VIII, who supported his work and even praised him. The relationship soured due to Galileo's perceived arrogance and offensive presentation of his ideas. (p.164) The Catholic Church's increasing interference in scholarly discussions was partly a response to the Reformation and the Thirty Years' War. This led to narrower limits on acceptable theology, impacting Galileo. (p.165) Despite being advised to present his findings as hypothetical to avoid conflict, Galileo published "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems" in a manner that ridiculed the traditional geocentric view, leading to his trial. (p.165)

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