From TalkOrigins
CH131
The passage saying the earth is round is Isaiah 40:22:
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.
The TalkOrigins article presents 2 arguments:
1. Bible authors believed the earth was a flat, round disc. This is
consistent with other biblical writings.
2. Even if the word 'round' referred to a globe, it was already
known during those periods that the earth was a globe.
An opposing view can be found here.
In my opinion, the argument only goes to show the level of mental
gymnastics christian apologists are willing to go through to
protect the bible. However, the fact remains that the bible really
doesn't tell us anything. The bible is constantly being
reinterpreted in light of knowledge gained through reason and
science.
It is clear that that the Church thought the earth was flat. Even
the most strident apologist can't do away with Galileo
Galilei.
Some of course argue that the bible is not wrong. It was inspired
by god and it is the fault of man that we did not interpret it
correctly.
My response would be you would think that a perfect god would be
able to grant clearer inspiration.[/url][/i][/quote]
