The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

72 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.figure of the earth, as revealed in the Scriptures,"*as if this quasi-scientific statementwere part of Bible revelation. Again hespeaks of" the theological doctrine of the flatnessof the earth" being irretrievably overthrown.?Once more, where speaking of theCopernican system of astronomy, he speaksof Copernicus not only as influenced by hisexposure to punishment from the RomanChurch, but as being " aware that his doctrineswere totally opposed to revealedtruth." j:These successive statements in-volve additional exaggeration.Our author gives no references which thereader may examine for himself. There canbe little doubt that he points to the exceedinglygrand and impressive passage at theopening of the book of Genesis. But in thatpassage there is nothing to support the statementthat " the flat figure of the earth '' ispart of Bible revelation. That the earth hasbeen supposed flat, and that this is reallytaught in Scripture, are two very differentthings. The Bible which says, that " theearth was without form and void, and dark-* History of the Conflict between Religion ancl Sdence, p. 163.t lb. p. 165. $ lb. p. 167.