Copernicus and Martin Luther: An encounter between science and religion

摘要

Martin Luther has been severely criticized by some scholars for a remark he made about Copernicus and his heliocentric theory. When this offhand remark, made at the dinner table four years before the publication of On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres, is considered in its historical context, it is shown to be in keeping with the generally accepted scholarly opinion of the time. Luther's view of science in general and astronomy in particular is examined. (C) 1998 American Association of Physics Teachers. [References: 53]