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After reading these articles, it would seem that the church was the number one enemy to scientists, and therefore to the progression of society. As long as “your” science agreed with “their” science, everything was alright, and there was little to no conflict. As soon as you crossed that thin line, you were watched and the church waited in expectation for you to make a huge error like a publication of one of your ideas. Giordano Bruno and Galileo were among these scientists.

Interestingly enough, Bruno’s education began at the Monastery of Saint Domenico. But, “It was not long before the monks…learned…he was frank, outspoken, and lacking in reticence”. And he soon “got himself into trouble”. After running away from his home and the church, he traveled aimlessly and gave lectures on Philosophy. Bruno’s publishing’s included the topics of an infinite universe, and other heretical views and they later came back to haunt him. It was because of these contradictions, that the church would burn him at the stake.

Galileo was another scientist whose views weren’t necessarily wrong, but against the Church’s and he too would end up paying for them (maybe not as dearly as Bruno, but the church certainly did not see him as a friend or ally). Although Galileo had a knack for personal flattery, saying things like: “Most Illustrious Lord” or “I realize your Lordship’s magnanimity”. Even with this social advantage, Galileo could not escape the clutches of the church. He couldn’t suppress his urges to “mock the church” by modeling Simplicio (one of his characters) after Urban. This, among others, would lead to trial and to his house arrest by the church. He would continue his work until his death.

Looking at the story of these two men, it would seem that organized religion, while certainly organized, is in no way civilized. They silenced two brilliant men who would both progress society for their own progression, and in order to keep their grasp on the common people.