Expert: Dean Gade - 3/27/2006

Question
Does the bible teach that the earth is flat?
Or a globe, where is the original chapter and verse in the King james version, to say that the earth is spherical?

there are many references: eg. Daniel,mathew, job etc,to support, a flat earth theory.

Thank for your answers.

Walter Mannot

Answer
No, the Bible does not teach that.  It is not a book written to explain the science of the universe other than to say that God created it.

There are phrases in the Bible which might lead people to believe it teaches of a flat world...if they believe that it was intended to be a book to teach the world about geography, archeology, medicine, geology etc.

It speaks of the "four corners" of the earth.  But then, with all of our knowledge of our solar system today, we still speak about the "sun rising" when in fact it only rotates while the sun remains relatively immobile.  

In this way, the Bible uses the language of the day when it speaks of most things which we call scientific today. the Bible does teach some things of science incidently; such as the laws given through Moses on health and social order. There always have been scholars who try to read too much into the Bible while ignoring what is important.

Some people have found passages which would support a flat earth theory.  But then others would find support for the theory that God is a physical being like a man with arms, hands and eyes.  

The main point and great truth intended by the Bible is of God's power, majesty and His love for the people He created.