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In 1893, Professor Orlando Ferguson of Hot Springs, South Dakota, created an extraordinary map that perfectly captures the fierce debate between biblical literalism and scientific understanding of that era. His detailed illustration presents Earth as a square, stationary plane – a view he supported with hundreds of biblical references.
Ferguson’s map is fascinating not just for its unusual depiction of our world, but for the passionate arguments he included alongside his illustration. He criticized the “globe theory” by pointing out what he saw as its absurdity, noting sarcastically that globe believers think people are “flying on the globe at the rate of 65,000 miles per hour around the sun, and 1,042 miles per hour around the center of the earth.”
Throughout the map, Ferguson carefully selected biblical passages to support his view. He cited verses from Exodus, Chronicles, Psalms, and Isaiah, among others, interpreting them as evidence against Earth’s spherical shape and movement. For instance, he highlighted passages like “The world also shall be stable that it be not moved” (Chronicles 16:30) and references to “the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12).
The History Behind the Map
This unique artifact, now preserved in the Library of Congress, represents more than just one man’s alternative view of Earth. It offers a window into a time when scientific discoveries increasingly challenged traditional biblical interpretations, creating tension that still resonates today.
At present, despite overwhelming scientific evidence and technological advances that prove Earth’s spherical shape, a surprising number of people still maintain that our planet is flat. This modern revival of an ancient belief has gained traction through social media and online communities, making it worth exploring why these ideas persist in our digital age.
Why Do Some People Still Believe in a Flat Earth?
The persistence of flat Earth beliefs in the modern age might seem puzzling, but several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
Distrust in Institutions: Many flat Earth believers have lost faith in scientific institutions and mainstream media, leading them to seek alternative explanations.
Social Media Echo Chambers: Online communities can reinforce these beliefs by creating closed information systems where alternative views are rarely challenged.
Misinterpretation of Religious Texts: Like Ferguson’s map, some people interpret religious texts literally, believing they conflict with modern scientific understanding.
The Appeal of Secret Knowledge: Being part of a group that claims to know “the truth” can be psychologically rewarding.
The Science Behind Earth’s Shape We’ve known Earth is round since ancient Greece when Aristotle noticed ships disappearing hull-first over the horizon. Today, we have countless pieces of evidence:
Thousands of satellite photos
GPS technology that relies on orbiting satellites
Astronaut testimonies and space station footage
The fact that you can fly or sail around the world in any direction
Further Reading and Educational Materials
If you’re fascinated by this topic and want to explore it further, here are some helpful resources I’ve found (Amazon affiliate links):
The debate between flat Earth believers and the scientific consensus continues to be a fascinating example of how different worldviews can lead to radically different conclusions about the very ground beneath our feet. While respecting everyone’s right to their own beliefs, it’s crucial to understand the scientific method and evidence that has led to our modern understanding of Earth as a sphere hurtling through space.
