Catholic Group: Galileo Was Wrong

A bizarre sect of wingnut Catholics is back in the news for their long-running claim that Galileo was wrong about heliocentrism. Because it says so in the Bible. And according to the Chicago Tribune, the group's membership is growing.

Those promoting geocentrism argue that heliocentrism, or the centuries-old consensus among scientists that Earth revolves around the sun, is a conspiracy to squelch the church's influence. "Heliocentrism becomes dangerous if it is being propped up as the true system when, in fact, it is a false system," said Robert Sungenis, leader of a budding movement to get scientists to reconsider. "False information leads to false ideas, and false ideas lead to illicit and immoral actions — thus the state of the world today.… Prior to Galileo, the church was in full command of the world, and governments and academia were subservient to her." There is proof in Scripture that Earth is the center of the universe, Sungenis said. Among many verses, he cites Joshua 10:12-14 as definitive proof: "And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, while the nation took vengeance on its foe.… The sun halted in the middle of the sky; not for a whole day did it resume its swift course."

Even the Vatican has ridiculed the group. A spokesman for the Creation Museum, however, hedged his bets, saying the Bible says nothing either way.

(Tipped by JMG reader Amanda)