(February 15, 1564–January 8, 1642), was an Italian mathematical physicist and astronomer who conceived of the idea for the isochronous pendulum, the sector-compass and developed the concept of mathematical laws governing the universe. He made the first practical use of the telescope, through which he observed sunspots; the phases of Venus; and discovered the four bright satellites of Jupiter. The first mathematician at the University of Pisa, Galileo discovered the Law of Falling Bodies and provided an alternative to Aristotelian dynamics. His work gave credence to Nicolaus Copernicus’ heliocentric theory, where the sun is the center of the solar system, in place of Ptolemy’s geocentric theory, which had placed the earth at the center.
Galileo Galilei stated:
I am inclined to think that the authority of Holy Scripture is intended to convince men of those truths which are necessary for their salvation, which, being far above man’s understanding, can not be made credible by any learning, or any other means than revelation by the Holy Spirit.117
In reference to the Bible, Galileo pronounced:
As to the (physical) propositions which are stated but not rigorously demonstrated, anything contrary to the Bible involved in them must be considered undoubtedly false and should be proved so by every possible means.118
In a letter, Galileo wrote:
I send you a rose, which ought to please you extremely, seeing what a rarity it is at this season. And with the rose you must accept its thorns, which represent the bitter suffering of our Lord, while the green leaves represent the hope we may entertain, that through the same sacred passion we, having passed through the darkness of this short winter of our mortal life, may attain to the brightness and felicity of an eternal spring in Heaven.119