Reflection #6:
Today we had the unique opportunity to visit the Vatican Library. It is rare that groups of our size are allowed into this “secret” place. The fact that we were able to even enter was a huge privilege. At first, it seemed kind of odd because there were no books in the first room we entered; however, we were quickly informed that all of the books were removed while they renovated the space. On the walls we were able to see amazing frescos. On one side of the room, the frescos showed images of libraries throughout the ages. The final fresco, located at the farthest point of the the room, was one that showed the Vatican Library. These frescos showed that the church has always valued knowledge. On the other side of the wall were images of what different councils may have been like. At the very end was an image that illustrated the Council of Trent which we have discussed extensively in class. I thought it was extremely interesting how our guide said that these frescos were a kind of dialogue between humanity and faith. This same idea had been brought to our attention earlier when our guide said the library was not just for the church, but for humanity in general, which is supported by the fact that the Vatican Library is open to scholars regardless of their faith. Having the opportunity to enter the Vatican Library brought what we have discuses in class to life. Last night we talked about Galileo and how he taught Copernicanism as an accepted truth rather than a hypothesis. When Galileo was brought in front of the Inquisition of Rome for a second time, he was condemned to a life of house arrest. This decision can be misleading and imply that the church was against advancements in science; however, this was not the case. The church has always encouraged members of Christ to be up to date with what is happening in the world. We can see this specifically in the Jesuit community who are called to actively practice in math and science. They were one of the first religious communities to really emphasis the idea of spreading the gospel and knowledge worldwide. These ideas were supported today with our visit to the Vatican Library which showed that knowledge in a religious context is encouraged.
Today we had the unique opportunity to visit the Vatican Library. It is rare that groups of our size are allowed into this “secret” place. The fact that we were able to even enter was a huge privilege. At first, it seemed kind of odd because there were no books in the first room we entered; however, we were quickly informed that all of the books were removed while they renovated the space. On the walls we were able to see amazing frescos. On one side of the room, the frescos showed images of libraries throughout the ages. The final fresco, located at the farthest point of the the room, was one that showed the Vatican Library. These frescos showed that the church has always valued knowledge. On the other side of the wall were images of what different councils may have been like. At the very end was an image that illustrated the Council of Trent which we have discussed extensively in class. I thought it was extremely interesting how our guide said that these frescos were a kind of dialogue between humanity and faith. This same idea had been brought to our attention earlier when our guide said the library was not just for the church, but for humanity in general, which is supported by the fact that the Vatican Library is open to scholars regardless of their faith. Having the opportunity to enter the Vatican Library brought what we have discuses in class to life. Last night we talked about Galileo and how he taught Copernicanism as an accepted truth rather than a hypothesis. When Galileo was brought in front of the Inquisition of Rome for a second time, he was condemned to a life of house arrest. This decision can be misleading and imply that the church was against advancements in science; however, this was not the case. The church has always encouraged members of Christ to be up to date with what is happening in the world. We can see this specifically in the Jesuit community who are called to actively practice in math and science. They were one of the first religious communities to really emphasis the idea of spreading the gospel and knowledge worldwide. These ideas were supported today with our visit to the Vatican Library which showed that knowledge in a religious context is encouraged.
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