SILOAM SPRINGS — Christopher Columbus was also known as Cristobal Colon and as Cristoforo Columbo.

I want to tell you something that is not taught in public schools. Nor is this taught even in most Christian schools. By the way, did you know that the Santa Maria at 97 feet long was only 27 feet longer than a Peterbilt tractor-trailer rig?

After five centuries, Columbus remains a mysterious and controversial figure who has been variously described as one of the greatest seamen in history, a genius, a man of faith, a national hero, an administrative failure, and a ruthless and greedy imperialist. It all depends on who you talk to.

Columbus’ effort to find a westward route to Asia grew out of the practical experience of a long maritime career, as well as out of his considerable knowledge in geographical, cartographical, and theological literature. It must also be remembered that this journey to sail, discover new lands, and improve commerce with India and the Far East took place on the eve of the Spaniards’ expulsion of the Moors (Muslims) and Jews from Spain and Portugal.

At the time, all the old maps of the world showed that the earth was round, and in Spain Columbus had studied cartography with his brother. In ancient timessailors knew that the Earth was round, and the scientists not only suspected it was a sphere but even (incorrectly) estimated the world’s size. So when Christopher Columbus proposed to reach India by sailing west from Spain, he was no dummy - he knew that the Earth was round. He just didn’t know of a significant feature called the Western Hemisphere.

But the Church is the one who persuaded most of the world that the earth was flat.

Remember: the Bible talks about “the four corners of the earth.” and the church simply wanted people to accept the Bible. An example is that of Isaiah 11:12. “And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (“Four corners” simply denotes “all,” or “entire,”but does not apply to the Four Corners area of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.)

So the church threatened to excommunicate, or kill, anyone who disagreed with it. The rule was: Since the Bible says that there are four corners to the earth and that the sun circles the earth, you have no recourse except to agree. But that is why we must study Scripture for what it means as well as for what it says. (II Timothy 2:15)

Further examination of Columbus’ writings and related sources reveal that there was another very important reason for Columbus’ desire to sail across the oceans.

Christoferens (”Christ-bearer”) was another version of his name. Christopher believed that he was divinely ordained by God to carry Christianity across the westward ocean to what he presumedwere the pagans of the Orient. Columbus knew that God called him to be a global evangelist. His stated desire was that, “the Indian nations might become dwellers in the triumphant Church of Heaven.”

What happened to this missionary, this visionary? He got side-tracked. He became corrupted with gold fever. Because of his loss of vision, he lost everything that had been reserved for him.

He lost all the riches that King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella promised him. He lost the fleet of ships that the king and queen promised him. He lost all the titles of nobility that were promised him. And he lost the privilege of having the new lands named after him.

Whereas Columbus thought he had reached the East (therefore calling the indigenous people “Indians”), acontemporary (Amerigo Vespucci) revealed that the new lands were not the far east, but rather new lands not heretofore known to Europeans. Because Columbus had lost imperial favor, the lands were named after Amerigo Vespucci. Of course, we know the continent as North, Central, and South America.

Columbus’ first trip was in 1492, his fourth trip was in 1504 and he died in 1506. To his dying day, he tried to rebuild his fortune, his reputation, and his status in life. But he died a broken man just two years after his fourth trip.

Let’s not allow greed to destroy our lives as it did Christopher Columbus.

- Gene Linzey is a former pastor in New Mexico who has moved to Siloam Springs.

He can be contacted with questions or comments at masters.servant@cox.net.

CHURCH NEWS

Girls’ Night Out

New Life Tabernacle will give single mothers and widows an evening of free haircuts and styles, facials, manicures, pedicures, car washes and door prizes during their annual Girls’ Night Out Event on Oct. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Free childcare will be available for the event. For more information call 427-2261.

Yard sale

St. Mary’s Catholic Churchat 1966 E. Highway 412 in Siloam Springs will have its annual yard sale in the church hall on Oct. 17 beginning at 7 a.m.

Growth conference

Second Baptist Church will host a Spiritual Renewal and Growth conference, with Dr.

R.E. Clark. This conference begins with “What’s in Your Teacup?” a ladies’ tea on Oct.

24, and then a celebration Sunday on Oct. 25 withmorning and evening conferences.

Mothering Matters

Mothering Matters is a ministry of Siloam Springs Bible Church designed to encourage and equip mothers of young children in the community. Mothering Matters meets the first and third Friday of each month throughout the school year from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Childcare will be provided for preschool kids, but mothers of all stages are welcome. Main meetings on first Fridays feature a speaker and group discussion. A CareGroup Bible study and one free hour of childcare for moms will be offered each third Friday of the month.

SSBC is located at 2307 Hwy. 412 West . For more information, call 238-3784.

Religion, Pages 11 on 10/07/2009

Comments

To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers.

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.