The Bible states that we are at the center of the universe. Are there any empirical evidence to the contrary?

Answer 1

The fact that we orbit the Sun instead of vice versa would be one indication. Plus the fact that our solar system is towards the edge of the Milky Way galaxy instead of the center of the galaxy (good thing, since habitable life wouldn't be very likely at the center of a galaxy).

Besides, where does it say the Earth is PHYSICALLY in the center of the universe? Are you sure that isn't more of a way of saying that mankind was put in this universe intentionally.

Edit: David M's description of the Catholic Church and Galileo isn't entirely accurate - things were a little more complicated than that. It wasn't Galileo's theory that the Earth revolved around the Sun that caused him problems - it was the peripheral issues. For one thing, Galileo tried to show that the scriptures actually supported his theory. For another, he used a quote from the pope in one of his works that was interpreted as making fun of the pope. The first problem was largely Galileo's own doing. The second was due to Galileo having SOME enemies in the church (and some enemies among other scientists) that encouraged the interpretation that Galileo used the quote to make fun of the pope (rather than, once again, trying to use the church to support his theory). As far as being declared a heretic, ONE priest called him 'an enemy of true religion' and that priest was forced to apologize - the church never declared Galileo a heretic and never took a firm stand on his theory one way or the other (although the cardinal looking into the problems caused by Galileo did state that he, personally, didn't think Copernicus and Galileo's theories were viable).

To be honest, had Galileo not cared about Catholic religious beliefs and had not brought religion into the discussion, the Catholic church would have never said a thing about his theories.

Answer 2

The Earth is not the center of the universe, although it was thought to be about 400 years ago before Galileo discovered that the earth revolves around the sun. For discovering this scientific fact he suffered much persecution by the Catholic Church and was considered a heretic. Although the Earth is not the center of the universe it is the center of interest of the universe!!!! The Earth is where the Devil was cast down to and is a stage for the ongoing confrontation between good and evil. If you want evidence to the contrary, buy a telescope, (first invented by Galileo) and study astronomy and view the wonders of the stars at night.

For more information about Galileo see The Galileo Project

hppt://www.galileo.rice.edu/sci/telescope.html

Answer 3

I'd be interested in seeing the biblical statement that Earth is at the center of the universe, like chapter and verse.

The universe does not have ANY center. That's because the Big Bang was NOT an explosion. An explosion takes place inside some 'thing' else, and there's not a single shred of evidence that there's any 'thing' or any 'where' other than our universe. Not until the Big Bang was there even a 'where' at all.

Answer 4

The bible doesn't explicity state that (the ancient people who wrote it had no concept of "the universe" -- their entire universe was a few hundred square miles in the Middle East).

And yes, there is a ton of evidence that shows we are NOT at the center of the universe. We're not even at the center of our solar system (the sun is). We reside on an outer spiral arm of our galaxy, not at the center.

But here's the thing that'll really blow your mind:
There IS no center to the universe...so nobody is at the center!

Peace.

Answer 5

I don't really care what the Bible or any Christian (or Muslim, Buddhist, etc.) authority has to say with respect to natural phenomena.

However, I think that the universe looks generally the same from any point i.e. from the perspective of any observer, that point is the center of the universe.

Unfortunately, this doesn't make Earth any more special than Tralfamadore.

Answer 6

well if we were at the center, which im asuming you mean is the point that the big bang happend at, nothing would be moving towards us, and we would be motionless in space, but there are things moving toward us like the andromeda galaxy and we are moving around a black hole in the center of the galaxy. but if by center you mean the middle of the infinite space all around us, then there is no center of the universe because it extends forever in all directions and if there are no endpoints then it is impossible to calculate the center of the universe.

Answer 7

The Bible says no such thing.

And yes--there is overwhelming evidence that the Earth is not the center of the universe.

Answer 8

Yes.

WIki:
Copernicus, Galileo, Red Shift, Geocentric, Heliocentric, SOlar system, Galaxy, Astronomy.

Answer 9

I can't recall ever coming across this in scripture? Have you heard this or did you read it for yourself. I would question that to begin with. In regard to the universe I find:
God created the universe - Genesis 1:1
The heavens cannot be measured - Jeremiah 31:37
Heavens tell of the glofy of God - Psalm 19:1

Answer 10

Ancient make-believe has nothing to do with science. The bible also states you should stone rape victims and slay people who don't have your beliefs, but we know better now. (Hopefully.) This isn't the Middle East.