Introduction

Medieval astronomy is uncomplicated. The Church told people what to think and that’s what they did. Medieval people believed in a static geocentric universe.

They said, ‘The sun rises and sets.’ So do I.

Discussion

The Bible was their only source for understanding astronomy. It was central to all thinking for people in the Medieval period. They believed that every question had an answer in the Bible. It was believed that the earth was the centre of the universe because the Bible said so,

“The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved…” Psalms 96:10

The centrality of the mankind to God is reflected in Biblical texts such as,

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness…’ Genesis 1:26-27

The Jesus conception supported this narrative.

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” Luke 30-1

The birth of Jesus demonstrated the centrality of earth in God’s universe. God had chosen the earth to welcome His only son. Medieval people didn’t question that the earth was the centre of the universe. After all the sun rose in the east and set in the west, proving the sun moved round the earth. This happened every day.

The Catholic Church looks like a reactionary resisting the march of science.Their world view depended on the Bible while the Church defended the truths of the Bible through the centuries.

Consider these post-Biblical scientific insights.

Try this,

“Earth’s rotational speed is about 1,674.7 km/h (1,040.6 mph; 465.2 m/s; 1,526.2 ft/s) at the equator….”

Thus, as I sit reading I’m travelling at 1,040.6 mph.¹

Additionally, the earth orbits the sun,

Try this,

“Earth orbits around the sun at a speed of 67,100 miles per hour….”²

As I read I’m rotating at 735 mph and orbiting the sun at 67,100 mph.

Naturally there is more.

Try this,

“As well as moving around the Sun, the Sun and Earth are orbiting around the dense centre of our galaxy at some 447,000 miles per hour (200 km/s). Our galaxy, in turn, is moving relative to the other galaxies around us, and so all the mass in the universe is continuously dancing around.”³

The heliocentric world includes the galaxies. As I read I’m in incomprehensible motion. I’m simultaneously,

Rotating at – 735 mph

Orbiting the sun at – 67,100 mph

Orbiting the galaxy at – 447,000 mph

Conclusion

My world depends on reading without feeling dizzy and nauseous. And that’s why I (sort-of) prefer Medieval Astronomy.

Notes

1 “When presented with the statement, “The Bible has the authority to tell us what we must do,” 28% of respondents strongly agree, while 22% said they somewhat agree.”  US News | Nearly Half of American Adults Question the Truth of the Bible | Christianity Daily

2 Earth’s rotation – Wikipedia The rotational speed in London is about 735 mph. At the north pole it is zero.

3 How fast is Earth moving? | Space  If you really want to blow your mind try this Expansion of the universe – Wikipedia