Does the Bible support the idea of a spinning ball earth flying through space, or is that a Satanic, Masonic lie?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Status
Not open for further replies.

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
Haven't read all the comments ----but really does it matter if the Scripture actually says that the earth is round ---spinning or flat or rectangular or whatever -----What matters is that God Created this earth and all in it and gave us His Word to understand Him and to follow and practice in our Lives -----People have become obsessed with trying to read things into the scripture on there own power and it leads only to confusion ---division and discontentment ------Satan Loves this type of interaction ---it takes the focus off of God and His Word -----who is Jesus ------
Yes, it really does matter. Now, I did not say that it was the most important thing in scripture. However, nothing in scripture is without importance. Why? Because, scripture is truth. God's truth. Not to be diminished/disregarded/ignored/mitigated/neglected/unappreciated/undervalued.

Here is an interesting read on this ----for anyone interested in finding just maybe some truth on this subject -----

https://www.gotquestions.org/circle-of-the-earth.html
Folks should keep in mind that not everything stated on this web site is gospel truth. Some of what they say may certainly be worthwhile; however, discernment should be used when reading its pages.

The first point to understand regarding the “circle” is that the word (Hebrew root chug) does not mean “sphere” but rather refers to a circle or sometimes a dome. A circle is flat like a disc or a dinner plate.
They admit that 'a circle is a circle'. This is good. Also, keep in mind what they say about 'dome'.

In the Old Testament, the word is used once as a verb in Job 26:10: “He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness” (ESV). If one looks at the earth from space, there is indeed a circular boundary between light and darkness.
In the Flat Earth model, the "boundary between light and darkness" is the inside/outside of the circle.

However, the NIV captures more of the original intent and avoids the use of the word circle altogether: “He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness.” If one is looking out at the sea, the horizon does appear to be circular.
Yet, the 'circle of the earth' is-not-and-cannot-be the same thing as the horizon. Why? Because the 'circle of the earth' is a real actual fixed-position-and-size circle on the face of the earth. The horizon, at any moment at any place on earth, is simply how far we can see around us - most-often only a 'handful of miles' in distance. Albeit, it can be a larger distance in the right circumstances. However, it is never thousands of miles for example. And, the 'circle of the earth' is represented on that large of a scale.

The same Hebrew word is used three times in the Bible as a noun. In Job 22:14, God is described as walking in the “circuit of heaven” (KJV). Most modern translations translate it as “the vault of heaven.” If taken literally, this verse would be scientifically inaccurate because there is no vault over the earth.
Oh, but there is a 'vault' above the earth. And, there is a 'circuit' also - where the sun, moon, and stars travel in a circular cyclic path.

In Proverbs 8:27, “Wisdom” says, “When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep” (ESV). The NIV translation communicates the meaning of “drawing a circle on the face of the deep”: “I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep.” There is no “circle” drawn on the sea, but there is a horizon that has a circular appearance as one looks out on the sea.
Oh, but there is a "circle" drawn on the sea. We call it the 'ice wall'. It is referred to in this verse:

Job 26:

10 He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.

This circular 'ice wall' is the 'bounds' for the oceans.

Isaiah 40:22 says, “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” Even if “circle of the earth” is taken literally in this verse, it does not say that the earth is a sphere. Actually, it does not even say that the earth is a circle. The “circle of the earth” seems to refer to the heavens that appear to be a circular dome overhead. The parallelism of Hebrew poetry would indicate that the “circle of the earth” is the same as the “canopy” being stretched out. The heavens are pictured as a tent for the multitudes of earth to live in.
There is a lot of truth in this statement. If only they would realize that it is talking about the 'dome' and what is under it. We live in a giant terrarium.

The Lord sits above the circle of the earth!
Indeed He does! And, it is not a sin to investigate and study just exactly what this verse is talking about.

Rather than being a source of secret scientific knowledge ...
It is not a source of secret scientific knowledge; rather, it describes the work of the Creator in an open straight-forward manner. No, it does not tell about every small detail; however, what it does tell us is presented in a way that is for all to see if they are so inclined.

I say ----So it is saying ----here we are to focus on the greatness and creative power of God more that contemplating what we cannot figure out on our own power ----I say --------then you have defeated Satan's attack of keeping people focused away from God and the truth of His word ----which is his job -----
I understand your intent with regard to 'priorities' - and, will agree that - as 'spiritual' things go - many things are much more important than this topic. However, that does not mean that it should not be looked at by those interested in understanding what the scriptures say concerning it.

If people argue over it - that is another matter altogether - people should keep their 'priorities' in order.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
No that is not so ---unbeliever cannot spiritually understand any scripture ------the Bible is for believers -Get this ------the Bible is a Spiritual book for Spiritual believers ------who rely on the Holy spirit to direct them and give them discernment into the truth of the Scriptures and the truth of the Scriptures will never point to confusion -----Confusion comes from Satan not God -

You ignorance is showing in knowing who the Bible is for --------

Unbelievers are classed as the Natural man and to the Natural Man God says this


What you say here is true; however, in the context of this discussion, it is only 'partially' true.

The Bible also says:

Romans 1:

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Unbelievers do not have to be able to discern scripture to understand that there is a God. All they have to do is open their eyes and see the creation as it really is...

Satan has gone to great lengths to try to "hide" the creation so that it would not be seen as it really is - which is why it is important for both believers and unbelievers to see the creation as it really is.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
Satan has gone to great lengths to try to "hide" the creation so that it would not be seen as it really is
Do you realize that it is impossible for Satan to actually do this? However, he can accomplish the 'illusion' of it by deceiving people into not seeing what is right in front of them.

You see - Satan cannot hide the truth. That is - he cannot put anything between us and truth so that we cannot see it. God will not let him. However, he can do two things to get us to voluntarily not see what is right in front of us:

~ get us to look in another direction - instead of looking at the truth that is right in front of us

~ put 'blinders' over our eyes - so that we cannot see the truth that is right in front of us

Satan can "cover" our eyes so that we do not see the truth - but cannot "cover" the truth so that we cannot see it - understand the difference.
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,748
609
113
What you say here is true; however, in the context of this discussion, it is only 'partially' true.

The Bible also says:

Romans 1:

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Unbelievers do not have to be able to discern scripture to understand that there is a God. All they have to do is open their eyes and see the creation as it really is...

Satan has gone to great lengths to try to "hide" the creation so that it would not be seen as it really is - which is why it is important for both believers and unbelievers to see the creation as it really is.

The context of what is said here by Poster below is about the Bible being for unbelievers not Believers ---so in the Context of that my answer is fully correct

Moses_Young said:
With respect, this matters because it's about how trustworthy the bible is. Not for believers, but for unbelievers

MY RESPONSE
No that is not so ---unbeliever cannot spiritually understand any scripture ------the Bible is for believers -Get this ------the Bible is a Spiritual book for Spiritual believers ------who rely on the Holy spirit to direct them and give them discernment into the truth of the Scriptures and the truth of the Scriptures will never point to confusion -----Confusion comes from Satan not God -

I say -------I do agree that no one has an excuse not to know that God exists as per your scripture ----but that has nothing to do with who God's Word is for in the understanding the true Spiritual meaning of the Scripture -----


As far as your statement here goes ------

Satan has gone to great lengths to try to "hide" the creation so that it would not be seen as it really is - which is why it is important for both believers and unbelievers to see the creation as it really is.[/QUOTE


I disagree -----Satan's Job is to keep people away from God's word --God's creation is very visible to all people and that is why there is no excuse not to know there is a God -----
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
The way I see and approach the question is. The Bible is not a science book. If a person is approaching the Bible as a science book As in to answer science questions they miss the reason for the Bible and that is pointing the reader to saving faith ,hope and love in our God. People get so hung up on minor details that have zero to do with salvation or the faith. Flat or round does it really biblically matter? The Bible is written to a people who had zero concept of round earth. If God were to talk about a axis ,orbits, hemispheres, atmospheres the reader with less than a kindergarten level of understanding today would not be able to follow and get lost. God speaks to the culture in ways in which they will understand in this case agrarian and practical(seed) (field) (plow). (Harvest) (reap). (4corners of the earth) (earths foundation) that’s how the culture understood the world with simply what was visible to their eyes in the moment for what they understand. We serve a very practical and gracious God who loves to talk to us in our cultural language, context and educational understanding of the world around us.
The Bible is a book of truth. The cultures of old knew and understood the truth. Only modern-day folks who are too proud to admit to themselves that they could have been (and were) lied to all of their life and have been "brainwashed" to believe something contrary to what scripture says would take this approach - thereby placing modern "science" above the Bible instead of questioning "science" (and/or anything else) when/where it does not align with scripture.

Where truth is involved - yes - 'Flat or round' does really biblically matter.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
Yes, science is there ,history is there without doubt. But it’s not the primary purpose. I would think the only context in which one should point to science in the Bible is to make the case for what a great God we have. Not to get dogmatic about minor disagreement weather flat or round but to hold that loosely in light of the greater context.
To me at least , if I pick up a leaf off a tree. Look at its shape and unique vein patterns against the sunlight, feel it’s texture between my fingers it means so much more in that moment thanking God for His unique creation for our enjoyment than if I were to take that leaf to a science lab . Put it under a microscope and thank God for that chlorophyll and whatever other scientific language I could bring to bear at the moment at a cellular level. Now maybe that s just my brain vs someone else’s. Not that science doesn’t matter. It does but for me appreciating Gods creation and thanking Him for it comes better out tangible, naked eye observation of His creation rather than dissecting His creation down to cells and proteins. Just the way my brain is wired to enjoy the simplicity I suspect.
Do you realize that there are folks who can enjoy God's creation in simple ways AND "look at the fine details" at the same time with equal 'enjoyment' (by virtue of knowledge and understanding)?
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
The context of what is said here by Poster below is about the Bible being for unbelievers not Believers ---so in the Context of that my answer is fully correct

Moses_Young said:
With respect, this matters because it's about how trustworthy the bible is. Not for believers, but for unbelievers

MY RESPONSE
No that is not so ---unbeliever cannot spiritually understand any scripture ------the Bible is for believers -Get this ------the Bible is a Spiritual book for Spiritual believers ------who rely on the Holy spirit to direct them and give them discernment into the truth of the Scriptures and the truth of the Scriptures will never point to confusion -----Confusion comes from Satan not God -

I say -------I do agree that no one has an excuse not to know that God exists as per your scripture ----but that has nothing to do with who God's Word is for in the understanding the true Spiritual meaning of the Scripture -----
You are incorrect in what you have said here because you have totally misunderstood what @Moses_Young stated in his post.

He was not saying that unbelievers had to have discernment of the scriptures in order to realize how trustworthy it was.

He was saying that unbelievers - having an understanding of the true nature of the earth (and seeing it with their own eyes and mind) - would know without-a-doubt that there was a God - and, would realize that the scriptures were trustworthy - which would be instrumental in bringing them to Christ.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
@studentoftheword - I know you mean well - and, that - within the thing you touch upon there is a great truth with regard to 'priority' concerning the scriptures. However, folks who "preach" that the Bible is only for 'salvation' - and, that - none of the "deeper things" need be looked at or studied - are simply wrong in their approach. The Bible is not just about salvation. It is also "all about" giving us the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom we need to live our lives daily for the Lord. This includes things that will help us to successfully navigate around the evil that is in the world. This includes having a knowledge and understanding of what is actually true and what is not true.

Should Christians live a sleepy naive gullible life in 'the MATRIX' or wake up from it so that they know the real truth about the world they live in and the lost souls they are trying to see saved before it is too late?

If we set our sights on the things scripture tells us and not on the worldly lies, we will do well. However, if we hold the worldly lies up above the scriptures - causing us to wrap the scriptures around the lies - truth will be lost. Rather, we need to hold scripture up - causing us to question anything that does not align itself with scripture - so that truth is preserved.

I am not saying that one must know the truth about the true nature of the earth in order to win a soul to Christ.

What I am saying is - in the big picture - it is against us if we do not properly know the real truth about such things.

If we don't care enough to make sure we know the truth - well - that lackadaisical attitude is dangerous enough in-of-itself.
 
F

FollowingtheWay

Guest
The Bible is a book of truth. The cultures of old knew and understood the truth. Only modern-day folks who are too proud to admit to themselves that they could have been (and were) lied to all of their life and have been "brainwashed" to believe something contrary to what scripture says would take this approach - thereby placing modern "science" above the Bible instead of questioning "science" (and/or anything else) when/where it does not align with scripture.

Where truth is involved - yes - 'Flat or round' does really biblically matter.
well we are going to have to disagree on this one. Truth and Love are not independent they are balanced . The Bible as a Book Tells a story about Gods Love for his people and his desire for -perfect Shalom with them. The love that was lost-Shalom lost- at the fall when Adam chose to sin picking Eve over obedience to God. Then Gods relentless persuit of his people through the ages when they continued to chose to be an adulterous unfaithful people and choose other gods. They were not seeking truth but continued to believe lies created by Satan. Yet God was faithful through their unfaithfulness. Temporary atonement’s were insufficient to bring the love back and God in the ultimate expression of Love sent His son to ransom the unfaithful back to Gods loving presence-and at the end of the age we will have Shalom fully restored again. We find ourselves in a love story set in the midst of a great spiritual battle. The human heart is the prize. Satan wants it but God wants it more and Jesus made that possible through His blood That is the Bible. That is the story we find ourselves in.

God dosent speak to agrarian people in language only a modern astronomy expert would understand. He speaks in the language of the people he’s trying to love.

A man when trying to woo a woman dosent give her a box of spiders or frogs .He gives her romantic roses. She understands the beauty of a rose and the love expressed in that rose. Much the same God communicates to His people in ways they understand His love for them. God related to His people in ways in which they understand the God to human relationship. We are to this day lovers to God. We are all individual unique parts of the Bride(church) and Christ is the Groom. Would a groom talk to his bride about things in a way she can’t understand? Nope. So why would we ascribe that unkindness to our God who is a lover. He can explain things in a way the reader understands. He’s not a science God but a relational God who is Holy and desires His people(His Bride) to be Holy and to come to complete unity with the Trinity one day.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
well we are going to have to disagree on this one. Truth and Love are not independent they are balanced . The Bible as a Book Tells a story about Gods Love for his people and his desire for -perfect Shalom with them. The love that was lost-Shalom lost- at the fall when Adam chose to sin picking Eve over obedience to God. Then Gods relentless persuit of his people through the ages when they continued to chose to be an adulterous unfaithful people and choose other gods. They were not seeking truth but continued to believe lies created by Satan. Yet God was faithful through their unfaithfulness. Temporary atonement’s were insufficient to bring the love back and God in the ultimate expression of Love sent His son to ransom the unfaithful back to Gods loving presence-and at the end of the age we will have Shalom fully restored again. We find ourselves in a love story set in the midst of a great spiritual battle. The human heart is the prize. Satan wants it but God wants it more and Jesus made that possible through His blood That is the Bible. That is the story we find ourselves in.

God dosent speak to agrarian people in language only a modern astronomy expert would understand. He speaks in the language of the people he’s trying to love.

A man when trying to woo a woman dosent give her a box of spiders or frogs .He gives her romantic roses. She understands the beauty of a rose and the love expressed in that rose. Much the same God communicates to His people in ways they understand His love for them. God related to His people in ways in which they understand the God to human relationship. We are to this day lovers to God. We are all individual unique parts of the Bride(church) and Christ is the Groom. Would a groom talk to his bride about things in a way she can’t understand? Nope. So why would we ascribe that unkindness to our God who is a lover. He can explain things in a way the reader understands. He’s not a science God but a relational God who is Holy and desires His people(His Bride) to be Holy and to come to complete unity with the Trinity one day.
Nothing you have said here was left out by what I said.

I did not say it was the most important thing - I said that - where truth is concerned - it matters.

I am saying that it should not be tossed aside and ignored as if it did not matter.
 
F

FollowingtheWay

Guest
Nothing you have said here was left out by what I said.

I did not say it was the most important thing - I said that - where truth is concerned - it matters.

I am saying that it should not be tossed aside and ignored as if it did not matter.
Of course truth matters . I never said it didn’t. I believe the earth is round, has an axis, rotates, has a gravitational pull. Has a complex atmosphere. But do you think a man like Job - a simple farmer would have understood scientific complexities ? Would it have been kind or loving of our God to place that confusion in Jobs mind? Or did God maybe use not literal language when describing earth but Chose figurative language that the original audience would understand. Figurative language such as placing 4 corners of the Earth or placing earths foundation giving it a plum line. Etc this is figurative language coming from God that is common to the cultural understanding. I don’t think it’s meant to be literally describing scientific fact about earth
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,886
4,347
113
mywebsite.us
Of course truth matters . I never said it didn’t. I believe the earth is round, has an axis, rotates, has a gravitational pull. Has a complex atmosphere. But do you think a man like Job - a simple farmer would have understood scientific complexities ? Would it have been kind or loving of our God to place that confusion in Jobs mind? Or did God maybe use not literal language when describing earth but Chose figurative language that the original audience would understand. Figurative language such as placing 4 corners of the Earth or placing earths foundation giving it a plum line. Etc this is figurative language coming from God that is common to the cultural understanding. I don’t think it’s meant to be literally describing scientific fact about earth
I believe Job did not have to worry about "complexities"; rather, he simply knew the truth about "what was" - there was no confusion.

Has it occurred to you that the 'language' was literal and not figurative? That there really are 4 corners of the earth? That is has a foundation?

You see - without realizing it, you are force-wrapping your understanding of scripture around your "understanding" of modern-day "science" - assuming that all you have "learned" from modern-day teaching is true without question. Therefore, you assume that [certain things] in scripture must be figurative - that [they] cannot possibly be literal.

You assume that Job would have been confused by "esoteric knowledge"; however, there was no need for that as it was not true to start with - the [real] truth was simple - and, understood by anyone - common folk knew the truth without difficulty.
 
F

FollowingtheWay

Guest
I believe Job did not have to worry about "complexities"; rather, he simply knew the truth about "what was" - there was no confusion.

Has it occurred to you that the 'language' was literal and not figurative? That there really are 4 corners of the earth? That is has a foundation?

You see - without realizing it, you are force-wrapping your understanding of scripture around your "understanding" of modern-day "science" - assuming that all you have "learned" from modern-day teaching is true without question. Therefore, you assume that [certain things] in scripture must be figurative - that [they] cannot possibly be literal.

You assume that Job would have been confused by "esoteric knowledge"; however, there was no need for that as it was not true to start with - the [real] truth was simple - and, understood by anyone - common folk knew the truth without difficulty.
Ok obviously we’re not going to get anywhere here. The moon landing was filmed in Hollywood right?
😜

You may get a good laugh out this video. Purely for fun. 😆

 
G

Gojira

Guest
God dosent speak to agrarian people in language only a modern astronomy expert would understand. He speaks in the language of the people he’s trying to love.
This is well-put. Also, in the Bible, it uses the phrase "the whole earth" or "whole world". It uses these terms, as memory serves (and please correct me if I'm wrong), in the cases of political or military influence of some of the powers of the day. But, rest assured, no nation has ever exercised dominion over the entire planet (that almost happened once, and we know how God responded). So... what does this mean? Is the Bible lying? I think, more than likely, and to your point, that God was speaking to the people of the day. It's up to us to learn the historical context.
 
Sep 15, 2019
9,989
5,540
113
You are incorrect in what you have said here because you have totally misunderstood what @Moses_Young stated in his post.

He was not saying that unbelievers had to have discernment of the scriptures in order to realize how trustworthy it was.

He was saying that unbelievers - having an understanding of the true nature of the earth (and seeing it with their own eyes and mind) - would know without-a-doubt that there was a God - and, would realize that the scriptures were trustworthy - which would be instrumental in bringing them to Christ.
Also, what did Jesus say to Nicodemus?

John 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

God has shown us many things plainly in His Word. If we Christians can't even tell the truth about Earthly things (i.e. by claiming scripture means something other than it says, or saying that God didn't explain it properly because our ancestors were stupid, or some other excuse), how is that being a good witness to unbelievers? Why would an unbeliever trust the bible about Heavenly things, if God's witnesses on Earth do not trust Him about Earthly things that He spells out for them?
 
Sep 15, 2019
9,989
5,540
113
Yes, I have seen it before - and laughed... :LOL: Yes, I really did... :)
Since he's mentioning NASA and the moon landing hoax, have you watched the documentary Level With Me? It's about Flat Earth, but it puts together so many of the NASA bloopers disproving their charade as a scam. I actually feel sorry for some of the actor-naughts at some points, they are trying to defend such a bad lie.


If ball-Earthers had seen even half of the fraud committed by NASA, I don't think they would be so confident promoting their ball-Earth deception.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.