In the early sixth century, BC geocentric model of universe entered Greek astronomy. Later in the fourth century BC Plato and his student Aristotle who are two of the most prominent philosophers, credited for their work in arts, logic, physical and life sciences, mathematics, politics, ethics and metaphysics, believed geocentric view and wrote their works based on it. After Aristotle, geocentric model was followed by many. Later in second century AD, Ptolemy did enormous work on centuries of astronomical work by Hellenic (ancient Greek), Hellenistic and Babylonian astronomers. He also accepted the geocentric model of Aristotle and created his work based on it which later became standard and widely accepted - known as the Ptolemaic system. Almost 1400 years after Ptolemy, Copernicus proposed the heliocentric model - the sun was now put at the centre of the universe. When Galileo supported Copernicus the Catholic Church opposed. Galileo was tried and found "vehemently suspect of heresy". He was under house arrest for life. Galileo's claims were based on his observations and yet, he was threatened with torture to take his claims back. Today, we know both models are wrong.
Interestingly, when the geocentric model was introduced, Christianity and Catholic Church did not exist. Religious beliefs also have changed over the period. God by definition is eternal, religions are not. However ancient it might be, Hinduism did not always exist. They were founded and promoted by real people. Through history, we also know the definitive time when major religions like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism were founded. These religions also must have experienced resistance during their early days.
What we can learn from above examples is people make mistakes all the time. New generation come up with new ideas and correct the mistakes in old. As said by Heraclitus around 500 BC - The only thing that is constant is change. 'What our ancestors thought must be right', is wrong. Not long ago there was the monarchy, it doesn't mean we should scrap our democratic republic system. Not long ago there was slavery, it does not imply we should have it now, that would be horribly wrong. The right thing to do is not to be judgemental. We should discuss and debate over new ideas in civilised and humane manner. Not kill the ideas or the person who puts them forward. While I say this, there are numerous things I am referring to. I will leave it to intelligent and well-informed readers like you, to think about.
Ideas will be generated. And new and old ideas will always struggle for the survival. This is how natural selection of ideas will happen. Similar to natural selection of living things. Ideas will evolve. The ones that stand the test of time, will live.
