Question 1

Who started geocentrism?

Accepted Answer

Geocentrism did not originate with any single thinker but arose from human observation. Every ancient civilization accepted this natural conviction. It became formalized by Aristotle (4th century B.C.) and refined by Ptolemy in the Almagest (2nd century A.D.).

Question 2

When was geocentrism disproved?

Accepted Answer

Geocentrism has never been disproved. No physical experiment has ever detected Earth's motion. Einstein's relativity (1905-1915) declared that no experiment can determine which body is truly at rest, making a stationary Earth as valid as any other frame.

Question 3

How does relativity affect geocentrism?

Accepted Answer

Relativity vindicates geocentrism. Both special and general relativity assert that all inertial frames are physically equivalent, meaning Earth may be considered at rest while the cosmos rotates around it without contradiction.

Question 4

How does Scripture support geocentrism?

Accepted Answer

Scripture teaches a stationary Earth and moving heavens in direct terms. Passages like 'The world is stablished, that it cannot be moved' (Ps 93:1) and 'The sun stood still' (Josh 10:13) were interpreted literally by Church Fathers.

Question 5

What evidence today supports geocentrism?

Accepted Answer

Modern physics contains empirical results consistent with a stationary Earth: null outcomes of motion-detection experiments, cosmic microwave background alignments with Earth's orientation, and the dynamic feasibility of a rotating universe in relativity.

Question 6

What does Einstein's relativity say about motion and rest?

Accepted Answer

Einstein's relativity abolishes absolute standards of motion or rest. All frames of reference are equally valid, meaning Earth can be treated as stationary with the universe rotating around it without contradiction.

Question 7

What role does cosmology play in Catholic theology?

Accepted Answer

Cosmology is foundational to theology. The universe's structure reveals creation's order, the hierarchy of being, and the relationship between God and man. The geocentric model expresses that man and Earth occupy the center of God's redemptive purpose.

Question 8

What is the theological significance of an Earth-centered universe?

Accepted Answer

A geocentric cosmos proclaims divine purpose and hierarchy. It affirms that Earth, the dwelling place of man and scene of the Incarnation, holds a privileged place in creation, reflecting God's providence and ordering of salvation history.

Question 9

How should Catholics respond to modern cosmology?

Accepted Answer

Catholics must begin with faith in divine revelation and interpret cosmological claims in its light. Modern cosmology often contradicts Scripture because it excludes God by definition. Scripture, properly understood, cannot err.

Question 10

What ultimate lesson does geocentrism teach?

Accepted Answer

Geocentrism reveals the unity of creation and redemption under divine order. The universe's structure reflects salvation centered on Earth where God became man. Creation exists not for itself but to serve redemption.

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