Are humans all that special if we’re not the center of the universe?

[Michie]

Is Earth a cosmic “backwater”?

A story we often hear about the history of the Church’s relationship with science is that the Church insisted on a geocentric model of the universe for allegedly theological reasons, even in the face of the scientific evidence. One such reason was that Earth’s supposed centrality highlighted humanity as the pinnacle of God’s creation. This is partly true. The whole Christian tradition, starting with the Book of Genesis, does insist on a unique and elevated role for the human person. And this conviction was indeed buttressed by reference to the Earth being at the physical center of the universe.

On the other hand, it is important to distinguish between the literal and symbolic here. Having Earth at the center of the universe is certainly a handy symbol for the uniqueness of humanity. But Earth does not need to be literally the center of the universe for humanity’s role in creation to be central and unique. Being made in the image and likeness of God suffices for that.

What is more, the model of the universe the Church embraced in the Middle Ages was not primarily biblical or theological, but scientific. Ptolemy did not write the Book of Genesis; he was a pagan scientist. His geocentric model was the best way yet devised of accounting for careful astronomical observations. In following Ptolemy, the Church was simply accepting the best science available at the time, as has been its more or less consistent practice throughout history.

Continued below.

Are humans all that special if we're not the center of the universe?

Some say Earth is a cosmic backwater in the universe, but is it true? Science and theology together reveal the planet’s deeper significance.

www.oursundayvisitor.com

 

[The Barbarian]

Bethlehem was kind of a backwater too. God doesn't seem to see things the way creatures do.

 

[fide]

Is Earth a cosmic “backwater”?

A story we often hear about the history of the Church’s relationship with science is that the Church insisted on a geocentric model of the universe for allegedly theological reasons, even in the face of the scientific evidence. One such reason was that Earth’s supposed centrality highlighted humanity as the pinnacle of God’s creation. This is partly true. The whole Christian tradition, starting with the Book of Genesis, does insist on a unique and elevated role for the human person. And this conviction was indeed buttressed by reference to the Earth being at the physical center of the universe.

On the other hand, it is important to distinguish between the literal and symbolic here. Having Earth at the center of the universe is certainly a handy symbol for the uniqueness of humanity. But Earth does not need to be literally the center of the universe for humanity’s role in creation to be central and unique. Being made in the image and likeness of God suffices for that.

What is more, the model of the universe the Church embraced in the Middle Ages was not primarily biblical or theological, but scientific. Ptolemy did not write the Book of Genesis; he was a pagan scientist. His geocentric model was the best way yet devised of accounting for careful astronomical observations. In following Ptolemy, the Church was simply accepting the best science available at the time, as has been its more or less consistent practice throughout history.

Continued below.

Are humans all that special if we're not the center of the universe?

Some say Earth is a cosmic backwater in the universe, but is it true? Science and theology together reveal the planet’s deeper significance.

www.oursundayvisitor.com

I don't know how the "center" is defined by those driven to be concerned about the matter. But I do believe that mankind is at the heart-center of the creation, being, redeemed and sanctified by Christ the Son, in His Holy image and likeness. The potential compatibility of human nature with the divine - proven by the Incarnation as well as by the possibilities of spiritual union of human persons with God - again illustrates - establishes - somehow a "center" within God the Holy Trinity.