Pints With Aquinas 5 Anti-Catholic Myths Debunked by a Medieval Historian | Dr. Thomas Madden | Last Call Ep. 11
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Apr 23, 2026 
Dr. Thomas Madden, medieval historian and Church history professor, debunks popular anti‑Catholic myths. He tackles the flat Earth legend, the Galileo story, the medieval Inquisition, Joan of Arc’s trial, and why Bibles were chained. Short, sharp takes with references to his books and website.
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Medieval Europe Knew The Earth Was Round
- Medieval scholars knew the Earth was spherical, building on ancient Greek observations and measurements.
- Thomas Madden cites Venerable Bede, Thomas Aquinas, round medieval maps, and eclipse/shadow arguments as proof this was common knowledge.
Galileo Clash Was Personal Not Purely Scientific
- The Galileo affair was less an anti-science crusade and more a clash of personalities and imperfect science.
- Madden explains Galileo insulted colleagues, pushed imperfect Copernican models, and overstepped into theology, provoking the Inquisition's response.
Anti-Catholic Myths Grew From Confessional Politics
- The popular story of church opposition to reason was inflated during Protestant–Catholic confessional conflicts and later Enlightenment narratives.
- Madden traces the myth's spread to Protestant printing and authors like Washington Irving romanticizing Columbus versus church scholars.