Essay Example: Galileo's letter to the Grand Duchess Christina

Galileo’s letter to the Grand Duchess Christina was a letter addressing the revelations of the bible in relation to scientific discoveries. Galileo’s letter demonstrated how a person would argue for a heliocentric system without contradicting the bible. In the letter, Galileo argues that the purposes of the scripture are not to tell us how the heavens go, but how to get to heaven. He asserts that the scripture does not err, but the interpreters of the scriptures err. He further asserts that upon further reading, one would realize that the scripture and science will never conflict because they both unite in truthfulness. He suggests that the bible should be viewed critically by observing the natural world. He makes a parallel with anatomy while referencing astronomy; in that both sciences study the creation of God, allowing scientists to marvel at their discoveries. Further in justification of his faith, he states that God has given man intellect and senses to use in learning more about the work he has displayed for all to see in the universe.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

In his arguments, Galileo takes note that all humans are not equal and most of them do not understand complex matters like the bible text or nature. his view is that humans can be compared with the sheep who have little understanding of the world surrounding them. He does not challenge the existence of God or the bible, but he advises those who do not have the intellectual capacity to understand the bible to steer clear of such matters. In the 21st Century, the world faces similar problems to Galileo’s time. There are bizarre interpretations of the bible. These interpretations are accepted because people believe that they have the freedom to decide for themselves the meaning of scripture. In other words, meaning lies in the eyes of the beholder and everyone decides their truth. An excellent example of such bizarre interpretations is; an interpretation that Adam and Eve were animals before God breathed life into them. According to this interpretation, before their breath of life was given to them, they had amnesia in their former life so they could not remember their animal state.

Galileo’s letter is similar to the work by Saint Augustine of Hippo’s, De Genesi ad litteram libri duodecim (The Literal Meaning of Genesis). According to Hippo, non-Christians have vast knowledge about the planet, eclipses, the seasons, and the natural world. He criticizes the Christians as unlearned men, who should not be giving meaning to scriptures; because they show vast ignorance in their interpretations.

Conclusion

To sum up, the pieces by Augustine and Galileo are important reminders that the goal of interpreting the bible is for accuracy to help in understanding God. These interpretations are helpful in Knowing What God expects from us and how to live in a way that pleases God.

Works Cited

Galilei, Galileo. "Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany, 1615." (2013).