Despite sounding like something out of a bygone era, the Flat Earth theory still boasts a surprisingly persistent following. The main ideas and arguments of Flat Earth proponents can be found in the works of authors such as Samuel Rowbotham, Charles Johnson, William Carpenter, Philip Stalings, and Eric Dubay.
This article takes a deep dive into their intriguing beliefs and the arguments they passionately defend. Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom and explore the extraordinary claims that defy mainstream science!
The Medieval Conception
The widely held notion that medieval Europeans believed the Earth was flat is surprisingly a product of more recent history. Originating in the 17th century, this misconception was part of a broader campaign by Protestant scholars to critique Catholic teachings. The 19th century saw this idea gain further traction through historical accounts by authors like John William Draper (1874) and Andrew Dickson White (1896). These works fueled a narrative that framed the scientific enlightenment as being in perpetual conflict with religious doctrine, thereby painting the medieval worldview as one steeped in ignorance regarding the Earth’s true shape.
Modern Revival
The flat Earth movement witnessed an unexpected resurgence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, thanks to the rise of the internet and social media platforms. These digital spaces became fertile ground for the dissemination of flat Earth theories and related literature. Organizations like the Flat Earth Society have been instrumental in this modern revival, advancing flat Earth concepts despite wide acceptance of our planet’s sphericity.
Samuel Rowbotham: “Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe”
The Earth is proven to be flat by the fact that it appears so to our senses and its surface is traversed as such by travelers, engineers, and surveyors. — Samuel Rowbotham
Samuel Rowbotham, also known under the pseudonym “Parallax,” is one of the most significant figures in the history of Flat Earth theories. His foundational work “Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe” was first published in the mid-19th century. In his book, Rowbotham argues that the Earth is a flat disc with the North Pole at the center and Antarctica as an ice wall around the perimeter.
Key Arguments:
- Horizon Measurements: Rowbotham conducted experiments on rivers and canals, measuring the water level and asserting that the horizon always remains flat and shows no curvature.
- Optical Illusions: He attributed many aspects of gravity and Earth’s curvature to optical illusions and a distrust of mathematical and scientific methods.
Charles Johnson: “The Flat Earth: A Key to Cosmos”
We don’t believe that the Earth is a ball. The Earth is flat as a frying pan, and there’s a solid dome above. — Charles K. Johnson
Charles Johnson was the president of the International Flat Earth Society and the author of the book “The Flat Earth: A Key to Cosmos.” He further developed the ideas of Rowbotham and added new elements to the flat Earth theory.
Key Arguments:
- Research on Ancient Cultures: He pointed to the knowledge of ancient cultures, which he believed also supported the concept of a flat Earth.
- Distrust of Space Photographs: Johnson argued that photos of Earth from space are merely fakes created by government agencies to maintain the illusion.
William Carpenter: “100 Proofs the Earth Is Not a Globe”
There are rivers that flow for hundreds of miles towards the level of the sea without falling more than a few feet— notably, the Nile, which, in a thousand miles, falls but a foot. A level expanse of this extent is quite incompatible with the idea of the Earth’s convexity. It is, therefore, a reasonable proof that Earth is not a globe. — William Carpenter
William Carpenter, another advocate of the flat Earth theory, compiled his arguments in the book “100 Proofs the Earth Is Not a Globe.” His work consists of a series of short theses, each allegedly disproving the concept of a spherical Earth.
Key Arguments:
- Observations of Construction Projects: He cited examples of bridges and railways built without taking Earth’s curvature into account.
- Water Level Experiments: Carpenter conducted his own experiments, which he claimed showed the absence of Earth’s curvature.
Philip Stalings: “The Flat Earth Truther Handbook”
The curvature of the Earth is simply theoretical. No one can observe it; no one can measure it. It is a concept that was introduced into our minds through theoretical science and astronomy. — Philip Stalings
Philip Stalings, in his book “The Flat Earth Truther Handbook,” focused on the religious and spiritual aspects of the flat Earth theory. He argued that the concept of a flat Earth fits within biblical understandings of the world.
Key Arguments:
- Biblical Texts: Stalings interpreted various passages from the Bible as evidence of a flat Earth.
- Spiritual Warfare:He connected the belief in a spherical Earth to spiritual warfare and claimed it is part of a global conspiracy against humanity.
Eric Dubay: “The Flat Earth Conspiracy”
The horizon always appears perfectly flat 360 degrees around the observer regardless of altitude. All amateur balloon, rocket, plane, and drone footage show a completely flat horizon over 20+ miles high. Only NASA and other government space agencies show curvature in their fake CGI photos/videos. — Eric Dubay
Eric Dubay, the author of the book “The Flat Earth Conspiracy,” presents a more modern view on the flat Earth theory. He argues that the concept of the globe is the result of a centuries-old conspiracy by modern elites.
Key Arguments:
- Conspiracies and Manipulations: Dubay claims that various governments and scientific organizations deliberately conceal the truth about the flat Earth.
- Alternative Experiments: He cites various pseudoscientific experiments which, according to him, confirm the flat Earth.
References:
[1]: Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe – Samuel Rowbotham
[2]: The Enigma of Samuel Birley Rowbotham
[4]: Charles Johnson – NASA Hoaxes
[5]: William Carpenter – 100 Proofs the Earth Is Not a Globe
