Flat earth is a theory that states that the earth is not a sphere that rotates around the sun, but a flat plane that is surrounded by a giant ice wall. This theory has existed since ancient times, and is still believed by many people until now. One of the reasons why people believe in the flat earth theory is because of the evidence that supports it, one of which is the Book of Enoch.
The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish religious work, that is traditionally attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. The book contains the stories, visions, and prophecies of Enoch, who lived before the Great Flood in the time of Noah. The book consists of five main parts, namely:
- The Book of the Watchers, which tells about the angels who fell in love with human women, and gave birth to giant children called Nephilim. This part also tells about the punishment that God gave to the angels and their children, as well as the role of Enoch as a mediator between God and the angels.
- The Book of Parables, which tells about the visions of Enoch about the day of judgment, heaven, hell, and the coming of the Son of Man, who is identified with the Messiah. This part also tells about the downfall of the kings and nations that are wicked, and the redemption of the righteous ones.
- The Book of Astronomy, which tells about the knowledge of Enoch about the heavenly bodies, such as the sun, the moon, the stars, and the planets. This part also tells about the calendar and the calculation of time that Enoch used, as well as the influence of the heavenly bodies on the life on earth.
- The Book of Dreams, which tells about the dreams of Enoch that contain prophecies about the history of humanity, from the time of Adam to the end times. This part also tells about the dreams of Enoch's children, that contain spiritual messages for them.
- The Book of Epistles, which tells about the letters that Enoch wrote to his children, that contain advice, warnings, and blessings. This part also tells about the ascension of Enoch to heaven, without experiencing death.
The Book of Enoch was known by the early Jewish and Christian communities, and some parts of the book were quoted in other books, such as the Epistle of Jude and the Epistle of Barnabas in the New Testament. The book is also regarded as a sacred book by some Christian groups, such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Tewahedo Orthodox Church. However, the book is not recognized as a canonical book by most Jews and Christians, because it is considered not inspired by God, and contains teachings that are contrary to the Bible.
One of the controversial teachings in the Book of Enoch is about the shape and geography of the earth. The book describes the earth as a flat plane that is surrounded by four oceans, that are bounded by four mountains. The earth also has seven layers, that each contain heavenly bodies, such as the sun, the moon, the stars, and the planets. The earth also has seven mountains, seven rivers, and seven islands, that each have a certain meaning and function.
For the supporters of the flat earth theory, the Book of Enoch is one of the evidence that proves that the earth is flat, and not a sphere. They say that the Book of Enoch is an authentic book, that was written by Enoch who really lived in the pre-Flood era, and had extraordinary knowledge about the earth, that was given by God. They also say that the Book of Enoch is a book that is inspired by God, and contains true prophecies about the Messiah and the day of judgment.
However, for the rejecters of the flat earth theory, the Book of Enoch is one of the evidence that proves that the earth is a sphere, and not flat. They say that the Book of Enoch is a fake book, that was written by unknown people in the post-Flood era, and had wrong knowledge about the earth, that was influenced by mythology and legend. They also say that the Book of Enoch is a book that is not inspired by God, and contains false teachings about the Messiah and the day of judgment.
So, how can we know whether the Book of Enoch teaches that the earth is flat or spherical? One way is to compare the Book of Enoch with the Bible, which is recognized as a book that is inspired by God, and contains the absolute truth. We have to remember that the Book of Enoch is not part of the Bible, and does not have the same authority as the Bible. We also have to remember that the Book of Enoch is not a book of science, but a book of religion, that aims to convey spiritual messages, not physical facts.
Some biblical scholars argue that the Bible teaches that the earth is a sphere, according to modern scientific knowledge. They quote some verses of the Bible that show that the earth is spherical, such as:
- Job 26: 10 ~ He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. (NIV)
- 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. (NIV)
- Matthew 4: 8 ~ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. (NIV)
They say that these verses use literal, historical, or prophetic language, that is intended to be taken literally. They also say that the biblical writers had enough scientific knowledge to know that the earth is a sphere, and had an intention to teach that.
On the other hand, some biblical scholars argue that the Bible teaches that the earth is flat, according to ancient knowledge. They quote some verses of the Bible that show that the earth is flat, such as:
- Revelation 7: 1 ~ After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. (NIV)
- Daniel 4: 10-11 ~ These are the visions I saw while lying in bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous. The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. (NIV)
- Matthew 24: 29-31 ~ Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (NIV)
They say that these verses use figurative, metaphorical, or poetic language, that is not intended to be taken literally. They also say that the biblical writers used images that were symbolic, such as the four corners of the earth, the ends of the heavens, and the clouds, to convey spiritual messages, not to describe the shape and geography of the earth. They also say that the biblical writers did not have enough scientific knowledge to know that the earth is flat, and had no intention to teach that.
From the comparison between the Book of Enoch and the Bible, we can see that there are similarities and differences between them. The similarities are in their source and purpose, which is to reveal the truth about God and His creation. The differences are in the way they describe the earth, whether as a flat plane or a sphere.
For me, as someone who believes in the flat earth theory, the Book of Enoch is one of the evidence that supports this theory. I consider the Book of Enoch as an authentic and inspired book, that describes the earth in the right and beautiful way. I also consider the Book of Enoch as a relevant and useful book, that gives me knowledge and understanding about God and His creation.
However, I also respect the opinions of people who do not believe in the flat earth theory, and who consider the Book of Enoch as a fake and uninspired book, that describes the earth in the wrong and ugly way. I appreciate their right to think and believe according to their reason and conscience. I also appreciate their freedom to choose and read the books that they consider as sacred.
I do not intend to force or attack the opinions of people who are different from me. I just want to share and discuss with them in a polite and courteous way. I hope we can respect and appreciate each other, even though we have different views about the earth and the Book of Enoch.
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