People who claim that Scripture teaches the earth is flat are the ones missing the point.
It can be argued (as the Encyclical points out) that Scripture doesn't "scientifically teach" this point. But does it "explain" enough details so we can conclude flat land? Very possible.
Catholics are free to make arguments from science for a flat earth, but they may not claim that we are obliged to believe it as a truth taught in Scripture.
The Church authorities of the Middle Ages (i.e. their Magisterium) would disagree with you. There is evidence, both theologically and historically, that the Church thought that a globe earth was contradictory to Scripture, thus we can't believe it (even if we can't fully explain the "whys" of the world...we know enough).
Secondly, the scientific attributes of a flat-land vs globe land are innumerably different, almost opposed. It's not like we're comparing a red apple vs a green apple, where the differences are minor (i.e. color and taste). The differences between these 2 earthly theories are vast.
To say that Scripture offers "absolutely no" insight or hints/explanations into such a question is both stupid and short-sighted.
Topic: New Geocentrism Book by Robert Sungenis (Read 78347 times)