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| Paper: |
Scripture in the Sky: Jeremias Drexel, Julius Schiller, and the
Christianizing of the Constellations |
| Volume: |
441, The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena VI |
| Page: |
181 |
| Authors: |
Mendillo, M.; Shapiro, A. |
| Abstract: |
From the times of early Christians up to the Enlightenment, the twelve
ancient signs of the zodiac were challenged as highly inappropriate
pagan images. The most concerted efforts to replace those signs with
names, mottos, and images taken from Holy Scripture occurred in the
early decades of the 17th century. We review the
background that led to the proposed use of sacred mottos by Jeremias
Drexel, and then of the names and images of the Twelve Apostles by
Julius Schiller. The reaction of a leading seventeenth-century
astronomer is presented to suggest why such changes were never
adopted. Finally, we address issues of conflict and motivation that
might have led to efforts to Christianize the Heavens. |
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