In a world driven by science, where we’ve sent people to space and satellites orbit the globe, you might be surprised to learn that a small but significant percentage of Americans still believe the Earth is flat. In fact, around 10% of Americans question the widely accepted spherical shape of our planet. This resurgence in flat Earth thinking has baffled many and sparked debates online and in the media. But why do people believe this? Let’s explore some of the key reasons.
1. Mistrust in Authority
One of the most prominent factors driving flat Earth beliefs is a deep mistrust of authority, particularly scientific institutions. Many flat Earth believers argue that organizations like NASA, governments, and scientific communities have hidden the truth from the public. They feel that the “globe Earth” narrative is part of a larger conspiracy aimed at controlling or deceiving the masses.
This sentiment is often fueled by past instances of governments and institutions being caught in lies or scandals, leading people to question the official narrative in various areas, including the shape of the Earth.
2. The Power of the Internet and Social Media
The internet has made it easier for niche beliefs to gain traction, and flat Earth theory is no exception. YouTube videos, Reddit threads, and Facebook groups dedicated to flat Earth theories have amassed thousands of followers. These platforms provide an echo chamber where like-minded individuals can share ideas, theories, and “evidence” without much external criticism.
Once someone enters this online space, confirmation bias often kicks in. This means they’ll be more likely to find and focus on information that confirms their belief in a flat Earth while dismissing or avoiding evidence to the contrary.
3. The Appeal of Simplicity
Flat Earth theory offers a simple, easy-to-understand explanation of the world. In contrast, the spherical Earth model relies on concepts like gravity, orbital mechanics, and the vastness of space—things that can be difficult to grasp without a solid foundation in science.
For some, the flat Earth model seems more intuitive. After all, when we walk outside or look at the horizon, the world appears flat. The flat Earth theory taps into this basic, sensory perception, offering an alternative that doesn’t require understanding complex scientific principles.
4. Distrust in Scientific Concepts
Some individuals who believe in a flat Earth express confusion or skepticism toward scientific theories, especially those that require them to accept abstract or counterintuitive ideas. Concepts like gravity, relativity, and the vast distances between celestial bodies can feel too complex or “unreal” for many.
Flat Earth advocates often prefer explanations that align with their direct experiences. They argue that scientific evidence can be manipulated or misrepresented and that laypeople should trust their senses over complicated, elite-backed scientific theories.
5. Psychological Comfort in Conspiracy Thinking
Many people are drawn to conspiracy theories because they provide psychological comfort. These theories offer simple explanations for complex or unsettling issues, giving believers a sense of control or understanding in a confusing world.
Flat Earth theory fits neatly into this pattern. By rejecting mainstream scientific views and adopting an alternative worldview, believers can feel like they’re part of an enlightened minority who understands the “truth.” This belief can make them feel special and in control, particularly in times of uncertainty or anxiety.
What Does the Bible Say About the Shape of the Earth?
1. Isaiah 40:22:
“It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers…”
(ESV)
The word translated as “circle” comes from the Hebrew word “chug” (חוּג), which can mean a sphere or a circular form. Some interpret this as a reference to the Earth being round or spherical.
2. Job 26:7:
“He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing.”
(ESV)
This verse has been interpreted as describing the Earth’s suspension in space, which aligns with the modern understanding of the Earth floating in space.
3. Proverbs 8:27:
“When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep.”
(NKJV)
Similar to Isaiah 40:22, this verse uses the word “circle” to describe the Earth. Some argue that this supports a spherical Earth, while others see it as consistent with a flat, disc-shaped Earth.
4. Job 38:14:
“It is changed like clay under the seal, and its features stand out like a garment.”
(ESV)
This verse has been interpreted to describe the Earth as being shaped and molded, possibly suggesting that the Earth is not flat but has contours and features that change as the day progresses.
Flat Earth Interpretation:
Some who support a flat Earth interpretation often refer to verses that describe the Earth’s “four corners” or “ends,” such as:
- Revelation 7:1: “After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth…”
However, many biblical scholars argue that these verses use figurative language to convey ideas about the Earth and its directions rather than its literal physical shape.
6. Cognitive Dissonance and Stubbornness
Cognitive dissonance—the discomfort that arises when someone holds two contradictory beliefs—can make it hard for flat Earth believers to change their views. Once someone adopts a belief that contradicts widely accepted evidence, it becomes psychologically challenging to reverse that belief without feeling foolish or embarrassed.
Rather than admit they were wrong, some individuals double down on their flat Earth beliefs. They may reject further evidence, argue that counter-arguments are part of the conspiracy, or isolate themselves from differing viewpoints.
QURAN REFERENCE
1. Surah An-Nazi’at (79:30):
“And after that He spread the earth.”
(وَالْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ دَحَاهَا)
The word “dahaha” (دَحَاهَا) in Arabic comes from the root “dahā”, which some scholars interpret as “spread out” or “extended”. However, others point out that “dahaha” can also mean “shaped like an egg” or “spread out like an ostrich’s egg.” This comparison can be seen as a reference to the Earth’s oblate spheroid shape—like an ostrich egg, which is round but slightly flattened at the poles.
2. Surah Al-Zumar (39:5):
“He created the heavens and the earth in truth. He wraps the night over the day and wraps the day over the night…”
(يُكَوِّرُ اللَّيْلَ عَلَى النَّهَارِ وَيُكَوِّرُ النَّهَارَ عَلَى اللَّيْلِ)
The verb “yukawwiru” (يُكَوِّرُ) used here means “to coil” or “to wrap,” implying that the night and day rotate around a spherical body. This suggests a dynamic, rotating Earth where the day and night cycle wouldn’t occur the same way on a flat plane.
3. Surah Luqman (31:29):
“Have you not seen how Allah causes the night to merge into the day and the day to merge into the night…”
(أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَيُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ)
This verse describes the gradual merging of day and night, which again suggests a rotating, spherical Earth, as this phenomenon occurs naturally on a round planet due to its rotation.
4. Surah Al-Rahman (55:33):
“O company of jinn and mankind, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You will not pass except by authority [from Allah].”
This verse hints at the vastness of the universe, suggesting that Earth is not a flat, limited surface but part of a broader, interconnected cosmos.
Surah 71, verse 19 of the Quran, which is from Surah Nuh (Noah),
71:19
“And Allah has made for you the earth as a wide expanse.”
This verse highlights that Allah has created the earth spacious and habitable for human beings, emphasizing the vastness of His creation and His provision for humanity. This chapter recounts the message of Prophet Noah to his people, urging them to recognize God’s signs and blessings.
“Inside the Flat Earth Movement: The Psychology, Influences, and Key Figures Behind the Belief”
In this video, we delve into the psychology and influences driving the flat Earth movement. We’ll examine prominent figures like Mike Hughes, a daredevil whose rocket launches were funded by flat Earthers, and explore why so many reject established science. Through critical analysis of cognitive biases and historical experiments, we’ll reveal how pseudoscience persists in the age of social media. From early flat Earth literature to modern-day influencers like Mark Sargent, this video uncovers the complex layers of psychology and cognitive biases fueling the flat Earth belief.