Interpretations of Galileo’s arguments for the relationship between the Bible and science often see these arguments as representing charter texts for what will become a modern distinction in which religious truths will be clearly delineated from scientific truths. Similarly, some scholars such as Walter Brandmüller argue that Galileo’s encounter with the Inquisition reveals a paradox of   "un Galilei che sbaglia nel campo delle scienze e di una Curia che sbaglia nel campo della teologia. Viceversa, la Curia ha ragione nel campo scientifico e Galilei nella interpretazione della Biblia."

By examining parallel passages in Galileo’s letters to Benedetto Castelli and the Grand Duchess Christina, we can come to a new appreciation of Galileo’s principles of biblical interpretation, especially as they concern the relationship between the Bible and science. Such an examination will reveal closer agreement between Galileo and the theologians of the Inquisition than is generally thought.