Recently, an unusual theory has gained popularity claiming that the Earth is not a sphere but a flat disc, and that all proof of Earth’s round shape has been fabricated by NASA. These claims are more often mocked by critics than seriously endorsed by actual proponents. Most websites that ostensibly promote this theory tend to be satirical. It is incredibly difficult to find any scientific basis for this theory, making it seem pointless to engage with it. However, many mockers associate this belief with creationism, claiming that faith in a flat Earth is a Christian dogma, as the Book of Genesis supposedly describes the Earth as a flat disc. This claim is entirely unfounded.
There is no mention in the Bible of God creating the Earth as a flat disc. Critics might argue that it also doesn’t explicitly say the Earth is a sphere, but we must realize that the Bible is a book about God and salvation—its goal goes beyond simply educating people about physics, geography, or astronomy. Some point to a passage in the Book of Revelation: “After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree” (Rev 7:1) as proof that the Bible’s authors believed in a flat Earth. Dr. Don DeYoung, however, explains that this phrase refers to the four cardinal directions. Modern people use similar metaphors when they speak of the “sunrise” and “sunset,” but that doesn’t mean they believe the Sun revolves around the Earth.1
The Bible is a book about God and salvation—its goal goes beyond simply educating people about physics, geography, or astronomy.
Critics of the Bible also point to other passages that supposedly suggest the Earth is flat. Most of these, however, come from the poetic books of the Old Testament, which present an allegorical image of the world that includes various simplifications. While the Book of Psalms contains many truthful accounts of real events, it should not be taken as literally as the historical books. Robert Carter and Jonathan Sarfati also highlight another aspect: the Hebrew word for earth (erets) is ambiguous. It can refer to Earth as opposed to Heaven (i.e., the planet Earth), or to land as opposed to the sea (i.e., land). This same ambiguity exists in both Polish and English, which unfortunately provides atheists with an opportunity for biased interpretations of these passages.2
While it is ridiculous to connect creationism with the flat Earth theory, there are still some who make this association. Jerry Bergman believes that this is aimed at undermining Christians as a group that hinders advancement in favor of illogical and unscientific beliefs. These views suggest that the Church, throughout the Middle Ages, propagated a dogma of a flat Earth and persecuted any scientists who thought otherwise as heretics. Timothy Ferris, an author of popular American science books, even wrote that the Church set back science by centuries, teaching that planets are pushed by angels.3
This claim is, of course, far from the truth. Historian Jeffrey Burton Russell argues that although some theologians, such as Lactantius and Cosmas Indicopleustes, believed in a flat Earth, they were actually in the minority. Information regarding the Earth’s roundness can be found in the works of many medieval thinkers, theologians, and scientists, such as Roger Bacon (the presumed inventor of the eyeglasses), Johannes de Sacrobosco (author of Treatise on the Spheres), the Venerable Bede (who developed the AD dating system), as well as leading medieval scientists John Buridan and Nicholas Oresme. To claim that the Church’s teachings rejected the Earth’s roundness during the Middle Ages is to deny historical sources.4
The flat Earth theory is not supported by any evidence, making it difficult to take seriously. It is far less popular than it might appear, but it is often used as a weapon against Christians, who are accused of believing that God created a flat Earth. These statements are not even simplifications; they are deliberate manipulations aimed once again at ridiculing creationists.
By the way, we recommend reading the articles:
- Eugenics and Its Consequences
- Exploring the Origins of Religion
- Scientists and Philosophers Who Found Faith in God
- Unicorns in the Bible – Myth or Reality?
- What Happened to the Waters Above the Firmament?
Footnotes
1. Carter, R. and Sarfati, J., 2020. A Flat Earth, and Other Nonsense. Creation Ministries International. Available at: https://creation.com/refuting-flat-earth.
2. DeYoung, D., 1997. Astronomy and the Bible. Answers in Genesis. Available at: https://answersingenesis.org/astronomy/astronomy-and-the-bible/.
3. Ferris, T., 1988. Coming of Age in the Milky Way. William Morrow, New York.
4. Sarfati, J., 2013. The Flat Earth Myth. Creation Ministries International. Available at: https://creation.com/flat-earth-myth.
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