The Circle of the Earth

Those of us who grew up in the United States learned about the Italian-born explorer Christopher Columbus. Back in 1492, the purpose of Columbus’ voyage across the Atlantic Ocean was to find a shorter route from Spain to Asia but ended up discovering the Americas. I was also taught Columbus wanted to prove the earth is round (though that truth was already widely believed).

Over 500 years later, it surprises me how some people still believe in a flat earth despite photos from space proving otherwise. Many travelers have embarked on round-the-world trips. The recent solar eclipse should be additional evidence of a round earth. Still, flat earthers have resorted to spreading lies such as Donald Trump supposedly being one of them.

There are even Christians promoting a flat earth gospel. This past summer, I talked with one at a friend’s machine shop. I pointed out Isaiah 40:22 says, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers” This man replied the earth is really a flat circle like a pancake. By using an online concordance, I learned the Hebrew word for circle is chûwg, which can mean a sphere or ball-shaped body. That same Hebrew word is used in Proverbs 8:27, “When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep.” Job 26:10 says, “He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness.” If flat earthers want to dispute these Scriptures, how about going to the edge of the earth and take some pictures as proof?

I’ve declined friend requests from Christian flat earthers who proudly promote their religion in their Facebook profile photos. A person’s belief regarding the shape of the earth doesn’t determine their eternal destiny. True science confirms what the Bible has already stated regarding creation, which points to evidence of a Creator.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” - Romans 1:20

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