Galileo

Making Sense of Galileo

Errors regarding the story of Galileo's "run-in" with the Catholic Church over the heliocentric (sun-centered) theory of the universe and the inerrancy of Scripture are so common that it might be impossible to completely avoid all books that contain the error. It is essential, however, to find out what really happened. Generally, modern texts proclaim Galileo as a great hero who was willing to stand up to the Church's out-dated, anti-scientific beliefs. The truth is, of course, more complex.

Joshua prayed to the Lord, and said in the presence of Israel, Stand still, O sun, at Gibeon, O moon, in the valley of Aijalon! And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, while the nation took vengeance on its foes. Is this not recorded in the Book of Jashar? The sun halted in the middle of the sky, not for a whole day did it resume its swift course. Never before or since was there a day like this, when the Lord obeyed the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel. Joshua 10: 12-13

The passages in the Bible which speak of the sun standing still were traditionally believed by the Church to mean that the sun actually revolved around the earth. Those involved in the Galileo case (most notably St. Robert Bellarmine) stated very clearly that if science proved that the sun did not revolve around the earth that the Church would accept that that particular passage of the Bible should not be understood literally. However, Galileo had not yet proved that the earth did move around the sun and, in fact, still had some serious errors in his scientific facts. There are other important details, including mistakes and silly-sounding quotes from some on the side of the Church all of which can be discovered by reading the following articles on the Galileo incident.

Copernicus, Galileo and the Catholic Sponsorship of Science

Author(s):

Jane Meyerhofer

Illustrator(s):

Mary Daly

Number of pages:

65 pages

2001

ISBN / ID:

0972323929

Publisher:

Ye Hedge School

Binding:

Paperback

Subject(s):

Setting:

Review:

This is by far the most useful (and easy to understand) resource on clearing up the confusion, myths and down-right lies associated with Galileo and the Catholic Church. Mrs. Meyerhofer sorts through the myths. She is fair to the Catholic Church, but also willing to put blame where blame is due. Her treatment of Galileo himself and Science in general displays a sense of fairness so often lacking in controversial issues and the correct Catholic attitude toward the unity of truth (faith and reason) and the very important fact that true faith and true science will not contradict each other; that they in fact work hand-in-hand.

The Galileo controversy is a big issue for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Any number of resources commonly used by Catholic homeschoolers (such as Protestant high school science texts, certain biographies, novels, and many more) will portray this issue incorrectly. Homeschool parents teaching their children about faith and reason and homeschool students preparing to go out into the "real world" cannot afford to be clueless about this issue. I highly recommend this resource.

Perspective:

Catholic

Additional notes:

The book pictured is a somewhat later edition/version, which may be expanded (85 pages).

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

8-29-01

Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment

Author(s):

Wendy Macdonald

Illustrator(s):

Paolo Rui

Number of pages:

32 pages

2009

ISBN / ID:

9781570918698

Publisher:

Charlesbridge

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

Additional review: World Geography, World History, science... and some creative fictional characters as well! All in a beautiful information Picture Book.

The story of the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa experiment by Galileo is brought to life here around the story of a boy, Massimo, who was very clever, and dropped his father's lunch from a bridge everyday in calculating motions... until a passer-by professor named Galileo witnesses it and rethinks the whole Aristotelian notion on the subject!

The pictures are colorful, warm and very pleasant, and some of the angles are taken from delightful perspectives!

A gem. A very nice way to introduce children to Galileo and to some concepts of Physics.

See our other review of Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment here.

Reviewed by:

Ana Braga-Henebry

First reviewed:

October 14, 2009

Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment

Author(s):

Wendy Macdonald

Illustrator(s):

Paolo Rui

Number of pages:

32 pages

2009

ISBN / ID:

9781570918698

Publisher:

Charlesbridge

Binding:

Glued Hardcover

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

Science readers are to be found if you look around enough as this book demonstrates. It is the fictional story of Massimo, a boy who regularly throws his uncle's lunch off a bridge to his boat as his uncle rows by below. Galileo happens to see that the bread and the cheese land at the same time. The story ends atop the leaning Tower of Pisa, as legend suggests Galileo did.

The illustrations are a little disappointing, the people in particular. The story is sometimes forced as math and science readers often are; however, overall it is a great tale that teaches a basic principle of physics sure to have your children dropping objects from heights. It even alludes to Galileo's ramp experiments on acceleration. The last page briefly fills in the reader on the period in history, what in the story is fact and fiction, and the formula for calculating speed.

Overall this is a great introductory physics science book.

Reviewed by:

Kris Correira

First reviewed:

07/17/2010