Many individuals who subscribe to flat Earth theories often believe their views are deeply rooted in religious convictions. For a significant portion of the flat Earth community, their rejection of mainstream scientific explanations for the shape of the Earth is framed as a stance based on faith rather than empirical evidence. This connection between flat Earth beliefs and religion is not a new development but is tied to certain interpretations of scripture and the desire to challenge what they see as a modern secular agenda.
Flat Earth proponents often claim that ancient texts, especially the Bible, describe the Earth as flat. In particular, some point to verses in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 40:22, which refers to the Earth as “the circle of the earth,” and Revelation 7:1, which describes four angels standing on the four corners of the Earth. These verses, they argue, suggest a flat and stationary Earth, contradicting the scientific consensus that the Earth is spherical and rotates on an axis.
This interpretation of scripture is central to many religious flat earthers, who feel that the theory is more consistent with a literal reading of the Bible. For these believers, the concept of a round Earth is seen as a product of modern science that conflicts with divine truth. They argue that the adoption of the globe model was a deliberate effort to diminish faith and promote atheism or agnosticism. Consequently, flat Earthers often present themselves as defenders of traditional, biblically inspired views against what they see as a scientific establishment that has strayed from spiritual truth.
The flat Earth movement also taps into broader anti-establishment sentiments within certain religious communities. Some flat Earthers view the mainstream scientific consensus as part of a larger conspiracy, with scientists, governments, and educators purportedly colluding to suppress the truth. This belief is often intertwined with distrust of global institutions and a desire to return to what they perceive as a more authentic, faith-driven understanding of the world.
While not all religious individuals or groups endorse the flat Earth theory, the overlap between these two spheres is undeniable. For many flat Earthers, their belief in a flat Earth is inseparable from their religious identity and conviction that divine truth supersedes human interpretations of science. Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting a spherical Earth, this perspective remains popular within some religious circles, reflecting broader themes of faith, skepticism of authority, and the struggle between modern science and traditional beliefs.
