CHAPTER I.

The Argument against Galileo.

First, it is argued against Galileo: that theological dogmas seem to be entirely overturned by him, as he strives to introduce novelties against the physiology In this context, the study of natural philosophy or the physical workings of the universe. and metaphysics of Aristotle, upon which theological doctrine is founded by Saint Thomas Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), whose synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy and Christian theology became the standard for the Catholic Church. and all the Scholastics The medieval university scholars who used logic and Aristotelian philosophy to explain Christian doctrine..

2. Furthermore, he promulgates opinions that contradict all the Church Fathers Early influential Christian theologians whose writings established foundational doctrines. and the Scholastics. For he teaches that the earth moves and exists outside the center of the world, while the sun and the starry sphere stand still. However, the Fathers, the Scholastics, and the very senses attest to the contrary dogma.

3. Furthermore, he clearly contradicts Sacred Scripture. For it is said in Psalm 92 [93]: He established the world, which shall not be moved. original: "Firmauit orbem terræ, qui non commouebitur." And in Psalm 103 [104]: Who established the earth upon its stability: it shall not be tilted forever and ever. original: "Qui fundaſti terram ſuper ſtabilitatem ſuam: non inclinabitur in ſeculum ſeculi." And Solomon in Ecclesiastes 1: But the earth stands forever. original: "Terra autem in æternum ſtat."

4. Furthermore, the same is clear regarding the motion of the sun. For it is said in Ecclesiastes, in the same place: The earth stands forever, the sun rises and sets, and returns to its place: and being reborn there, it circles through the south, and turns toward the north: the spirit goes about surveying all things in a circuit, and returns into its circles. original: "Terra in æternum ſtat, oritur ſol & occidit, & ad locum ſuum reuertitur: ibique renaſcens, gyrat per meridiem, & flectitur ad aquilonem: luſtrans uniuerſa in circuitu pergit ſpiritus, & in circulos ſuos reuertitur."

5. Furthermore, in Joshua 10, it is presented as a most astounding miracle that Joshua halted the motion of the sun with a prayer. Sun, he said, do not move against Gibeon, and moon against the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to set for the space of one day. original: "Sol, ait, contra Gabaon ne mouearis, & luna contra vallem Aialon. Stetitque ſol in medio cæli, & non feſtinauit occumbere ſpacio unius diei." The same is repeated in Ecclesiasticus Also known as the Book of Sirach. chapter 46.

6. Furthermore, in Isaiah 38, as a sign of recovered health, God gives Hezekiah a portent in the sundial of Ahaz. And the sun returned ten lines by the degrees which it had gone down. original: "Et reuerſus eſt ſol decem lineis per gradus quos deſcenderat." Concerning this portent, Hezekiah is questioned by the King of the Chaldeans, who, since he devoted himself to astronomy, noticed this reversal of the sun, as can be recognized from 2 Chronicles 32. Therefore, if God did not truly inhibit the motion of the sun, the miracle is not true. Consequently, the Scripture—which narrates these two events as true miracles—would be false.

7. Furthermore, we seem to marvel at the motion of the starry sky in Sacred Scripture. For it is said in the song of Deborah, Judges 5: The stars remaining in their order and course fought against Sisera. original: "Stellæ manentes in ordine & curſu ſuo aduerſus Siſaram pugnauerunt." Therefore, the stars run. Therefore, also the sky [runs]: in which they are fixed, just as knots are in a board. original: "ſicut modus in tabula." This was a common medieval analogy describing stars as being physically embedded in a solid celestial sphere. Likewise, Jude the apostle [calls them] wandering stars—