Spiritual Enrichment

The Earth is round, right? A globe, right? Surprisingly, not everyone believes it is.

We will view the 2018 documentary Behind the Curve about people who believe that the Earth is flat. Directed by Daniel J. Clark, the film explores the lives of people in the “flat-Earth” movement, the journey they took to become “flat-Earthers,” and how they view society, including people who believe that the Earth is a globe and who ridicule people who believe it is not.

Behind the Curve is a fascinating look at how people get caught in opposing narratives that make it impossible to understand and communicate with each other. Flat-Earthers cannot accept arguments that contradict their view. Those who believe the Earth is a globe struggle to understand why flat-Earthers believe as they do. Viewers come to see that the way “we” (those who believe the Earth is round) see “them” (flat-Earthers) is essentially the same way “they” see “us” – deluded, misguided, and in need of conversion. As long as those on each side demonize each other and fail to see one other’s humanity, conversations and relationships remain elusive and divisions deepen.

Ethical questions raised by the documentary: how can “us/them” thinking be avoided? How ought we respond to those who hold a view of the world which we find irrational and dangerous? This is a timely enquiry, given the many divides in our world and society.

Spiritual Enrichment is WCC’s ministry of faith exploration and formation, uniting head and heart in pursuit of an honest and vibrant Christian faith that is open, relevant, faithful, and transformative.  Meeting weekly from September through May both in-person in the Centennial Room and virtually on Zoom; you choose whether to meet in-person or virtually. Questions? Contact Pastor Jeffrey Phillips or by phone: 847 999 9403.