Final answer:
The Church adopted the geocentric theory because it seemed logical and it reinforced the importance of humanity and religious doctrine. Over time, this view was overturned by the evidence-based heliocentric theory of Copernicus and Galileo.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Church in the Middle Ages adopted the geocentric theory for two main reasons. First, the geocentric model was perceived as logical and self-evident, aligning with the empirical observations of the time. Second, it fit well with the philosophical and religious systems that placed humans at the center of creation, aligning with Church doctrine that emphasized the unique role of humanity in the cosmos. The geocentric view was further reinforced by the belief that divine revelation, rather than empirical evidence, was the true path to knowledge. However, pioneering astronomers like Copernicus and Galileo challenged this view with the heliocentric theory, eventually leading to a philosophical and scientific revolution that completely changed our understanding of the universe.