Galileo's Inquisition of 1633 and the events leading to it, (commonly known as the Galileo Affair) is probably the best example we have pertaining to basic problems in cultural and interdisciplinary thinking on the question of relationship between science and religion. In historical context, it can be seen that the Catholic church of Galileo's time was not merely a religious institution - it also played important social and political functions.
Strictly speaking, to view the whole Galileo Affair in perspective, we cannot focus merely on the scientific and religious aspects alone but also on other aspects covering the epistemological, philosophical, social and political viewpoints. It is beyond the scope of this paper to cover all aspects of the affair, so here we concentrate mainly on the scientific and religious aspects which are undoubtedly of the most significance and importance in astronomical history.
Galileo's problems with the church relates intimately with his support of the Copernican theory. As such, it is necessary to understand how Copernicus had challenged traditional ideas at that time to appreciate the basis of how Galilean science came into direct conflict with the bible and religion.
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