Steven said: "If you think I'm a loony for doing so then don't hesitate to say so! But it's interesting, and worth a look I think." Steven I would rather a loony open minded "check everything" approach person than closed minded bigots who are like ostriches following blindly, never discovering anything in their lives. You are not loony, but by your own admission you are not scientifically trained in basic physics, having more the artistic temperament. Such people are more open to being conned by a clever illusionist. A really excellent con-man once told me, that the best con men are those who believe their own con, and that they are the best victims for other conmen. He was an excellent extraordinary salesman. I did the course, and it was awesome to feel the power it gave one over people. It was not in my nature to continue using it after my first taste. It consisted in basic form of putting the victim literally in the position of knowing with absolute certainty that he was "stupid" if he answered NO to ANY "will you...." question. For me, this list has been a very great social experience. People with extremely antagonistic points of view towards Catholicism for example have been able to still remain in social conversation even on doctrinal subjects without the explosion of hatred that is so evident in the world today. I think it has been the moderating influence of your father which has been responsible for this unusual phenomenom. However I was surprised to learn about the recent events behind the scenes. It seems that this hatred, can be levelled at anybody, Catholic or not, who do not subscribe to the ABSOLUTISM of the Bible. Now back to concave or flat earth theories. Galleleo was never condemned for experimenting with the Copernican theories. In fact he was encouraged. But Galleleo was of the cabbalistic/alchemy school that Newton followed secretly. These had not the grace of God, and had no desire at all to hold fast to tradition, or in this Light to thoroughly TEST all things. You are right in being cautious with regard to unique alternatives, which cannot withstand the investigation of true science. But there is no condemnation in the study. If you had read the article I forwarded from Dr. Robert Bennett, called The atheist indoctrination project .. By Dinesh D'Souza. You will appreciate the dangers to which I am referring. Philip. PS A good article showing how Copernicus was not fearful of the church, but rather his contemporaries in science, in regard to publishing his theory. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolaus_Copernicus