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A Saudi cleric has appeared in a video rejecting that Earth revolves around the sun, claiming instead that it is “stationary.” His statements have incited a fiery response on social media.
When questioned by a student about whether the Earth was stationary or moving, Sheikh Bandar al-Khaibari responded with “stationary and does not move,” Saudi-owned broadcaster Al-Arabia reported.
He then attempted to support his theory with a strange blend of logic and clerical statements.
“First of all, where are we now? We’re going to Sharjah Airport to travel to China by plane, [is that] clear? Focus with me, this is the Earth,” he said while holding up a sealed water cup.
He proceeded to say that if the plane stopped dead in its tracks in mid-air, “China would be coming towards it in case the Earth rotates in one direction. If the Earth rotates in the opposite direction, the plane would never reach China, because China is also rotating,” he said.
The shaky reasoning incited a torrent of responses on Twitter under a hashtag which roughly translates as #cleric_rejects_rotation_of_Earth.
He proceeded to say that if the plane stopped dead in its tracks in mid-air, “China would be coming towards it…
originally posted by: butcherguy
But I would be interested in hearing President Obama publicly say that he disagrees with the guy....
originally posted by: rickymouse
It is all about the point of perspective. From here, it appears that the earth is standing still and the sun rotates around it. If you put the starting point at where you live, either option is available and correct as related to you at that point. I cannot say this guy is wrong, his view is different than mine but it could actually be more correct in relation to things.
originally posted by: Benevolent Heretic
I feel sorry for people who don't have a clue about basic science.
originally posted by: butcherguy
But I would be interested in hearing President Obama publicly say that he disagrees with the guy....
Gosh! What do you suppose that means? Is Obama a "secret Muslim"??? Yeah... Thanks for proving that some people will believe anything.
originally posted by: wastedown
originally posted by: SkepticOverlord
There's a better source here: Saudi cleric rejects that Earth revolves around the Sun
Several people noticed this bit of ignorance also happened on Galileo's birthday.