The fate of Copernicus's work illustrates well one broader problem - the relationship between religion and science, more precisely faith and knowledge.
The reason why these two sectors of human culture do not and cannot have a common cross-section lies in the radically different character of their teachings.
The empirical sciences, as well as the science of Nature, are based on our experience, which evolves in (historical) time.
Religious teaching, however, operates inevitably with "absolute truths," which cannot (should) not be changed.
That is why Copernicus had to be very confident about his work, and when he challenged the authority of the church.
