A Flat Earther, who dreams of becoming the first woman on the moon, explains why she believes the globe is a lie.
Shelley Lewis, a self-identified Flat Earther, is making waves with her claims about Earth’s shape.
Living in California, Shelley is not just a Flat Earther; she is also a teacher and a filmmaker.
Her journey into the world of Flat Earth theory began after a pilot friend introduced her to the idea.
Now, she firmly believes that the Earth is flat and has gathered what she calls “evidence” to support her views.
“I don’t really call it a belief anymore, because I have so much evidence that it’s become more of a scientific fact,” Shelley said.
The beginning of her journey to believe in the flat Earth
Before embracing the Flat Earth theory, Shelley had dreams of becoming an astronaut.
She attended the prestigious West Point Military Academy and initially aimed to be the first woman to walk on the Moon.
“I wanted to be an astronaut,” she said. “My dream was to be the first woman to walk the Moon.”
However, her views changed dramatically after researching the Flat Earth perspective.
She now describes her belief as more of a “scientific fact” rather than just a personal opinion.
Shelley teaches physics at a private school but clarifies that she does not share her Flat Earth ideas with her students.
Instead, she sticks to the curriculum and uses standard textbooks.
Despite her current beliefs, she once thought that those who believed the Earth was flat were damaging to science.
“I thought people who believed the Earth was flat were ruining science.”
Shelley explains belief in a Flat Earth model based on research and religion
After being introduced to the theory, Shelley began to conduct her own research.
She interviewed pilots, engineers, and experts in ballistics, claiming that their insights pointed toward a flat Earth.
She describes the Flat Earth model as a contained system, similar to a disc or a clock.
“I started interviewing pilots and engineers and ballistics weaponry experts, and all of this was pointing to a flat Earth,” Shelly said.
According to her, this model suggests that the Earth is not a spinning globe but a flat surface surrounded by water and possibly a dome.
Shelly explained: “If you imagine a disc or even a clock, it’s a contained system. So when people think, oh, you know the Flat Earthers, they’re going to fall off the edge, no.
“It could either be an infinite plane, or it could be a contained system with a dome.”
Shelley identifies as a “Biblical Flat Earther,” combining her scientific inquiries with her religious beliefs.
“You’re going against science, you’re going against the big, you know, Newton and Kepler and all these big scientists, you’re basically questioning all these years.”
She argues that questioning established science is part of the scientific method, stating, “Aren’t we allowed to question things?”
Shelley’s views have sparked mixed reactions from family and friends.
While her parents support her no matter what, some relatives have distanced themselves from her.
She shares that when people hear about her beliefs, they often raise their eyebrows in disbelief, wondering if she is okay.
“There were a lot of raised eyebrows, like, what the hell? Is she OK? You know, do we need to have a welfare check on this girl?”
Despite the controversy, Shelley feels that more people are beginning to question the shape of the Earth.
She believes that discussions about the Flat Earth theory are becoming more common, even if it remains a fringe topic.
“It’s still a fringe topic, but there are a lot of people who are questioning it as well.”
She added: “I think people are more open to it, but it is controversial.”
The idea of a flat Earth is not new
Ancient Greeks were among the first to propose that the Earth is round, with philosopher Eratosthenes accurately calculating its circumference.
Throughout history, the notion of a spherical Earth has been widely accepted.
Even during the Middle Ages, educated people recognized the Earth’s shape, with the oldest surviving globe dating back to 1492.
Flat Earth theory gained traction in the 19th century and saw a resurgence in the 20th century with the founding of the International Flat Earth Society in 1956.
Despite numerous photographs of Earth taken from space, many Flat Earthers, including Shelley, maintain their beliefs.