Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus' prayer for his followers linked their living in the Truth (in Christ) with protection from the Evil One. That assurance can fortify a disciple, even when life itself is threatened. Known to be godly, but also committed to discovering and sharing truth in his discipline, natural science, Galileo found himself confronted with evil in an unlikely form: the leadership of his own church. Having published his sensational and controversial study, Dialogue on Two Chief World Systems, he was summoned before a church court to renounce his view that the earth moves, not the sun. His view was seen to be a challenge -- and a threat -- to Christian theology. Faced with torture, he recanted on his knees, after which he was "rewarded" with house arrest for life. As he struggled up from his kneeling position, he was heard to mutter words which indicated that the truth would not let him go, even under duress. He said, audibly enough only for a friend to hear, "But the earth still moves." -- Sherer