Why We Say 'The Sun Rises and Sets': A Biblical and Scientific Perspective

The Phrase 'The Sun Rises and Sets'

From our viewpoint on Earth, it appears as though the sun is moving across the sky, rising in the east and setting in the west. This phenomenon is due to the Earth's rotation on its axis, creating the illusion of the sun's motion. Scientifically, the sun is not actually moving in this manner, but the phrase "The Sun rises and sets" remains a part of common language and everyday conversation. The use of such phrases is not only rooted in our observable experiences but also in the historical and cultural contexts of numerous civilizations.

Language and Convention

Language is often a reflection of our everyday experiences and observations. Describing the sun's position in terms of rising and setting is a simpler and more intuitive way to convey the concept of time passing and the changing position of the sun. This makes it easier for people to communicate and understand the passing of day and night. In many cultures, observable phenomena such as the sun rising and setting have been foundational in shaping understanding of the cosmos, despite scientific advancements that have since clarified the actual underlying mechanisms.

Historical Context

Historically, many cultures have based their understanding of the cosmos on observable phenomena. For instance, ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greek cultures all had their own ways of explaining the movements of celestial bodies. The phrase "The Sun rises and sets" is deeply embedded in cultural and religious languages, often reflecting traditional beliefs that may not align with modern scientific understanding. Religions, including Christianity, have also played a significant role in shaping these concepts, often basing them on biblical accounts.

Biblical Perspective

The Bible offers a different perspective on the movement of celestial bodies. Several passages, particularly in the opening chapters of Genesis and the Book of Joshua, provide an account of the sun's movement that aligns with a stationary Earth. For example:

Genesis 1:6–8
And God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” And God made the firmament and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

Genesis 1:14–19
And God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth And to rule over the day and over the night and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

These verses describe the sun as a light set in the heavens or firmament, implying its movement can be described as rising and setting.

Another noteworthy passage is Joshua 10:13, which further reinforces this perspective:

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

In this passage, the sun is described as literally standing still, which aligns with a biblical understanding of celestial movements.

Biblical Rationale for a Stationary Earth

For those who believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible, the Earth being stationary and the sun moving is compelling and logical. The Bible, including Genesis 1, provides a scenario where the sun's motion is described in terms of rising and setting, which can be interpreted as it moving across the sky rather than the Earth rotating. This interpretation aligns with a stationary Earth as the firmament or sky mentioned in the Bible appears to be a fixed place where celestial bodies are set.

Furthermore, the simplicity and straightforwardness of the concept of a stationary Earth supported by the sun's movement can be seen as a testament to the reliability of divine revelations. The idea that everything moves to serve the purposes of the God described in the Bible adds a layer of purpose and order to the universe, which may be comforting or understandable to those who seek a more orderly and understandable cosmos.

Modern Views on Earth's Motion

While the Bible offers a specific perspective on the sun's motion, modern science provides a different explanation. According to the scientific consensus, the Earth rotates on its axis while orbiting around the sun, causing the apparent motion of celestial objects. This rotation and revolution are understood to be responsible for the day-night cycle and the seasonal changes on Earth. The Earth's motion is not only well-supported by scientific evidence but also explained through the laws of physics.

The idea that the Earth moves through space at over 60,000 miles per hour while spinning at 1,000 miles per hour may seem illogical to those who believe in a stationary Earth. However, this motion is so immense that it doesn't cause any noticeable sensation on the surface of the Earth. This is why we do not feel the Earth's rotation or revolution.

Conclusion

While the phrase "The Sun rises and sets" is a product of our everyday language and observational experiences, its use can be seen in a broader context including ancient and biblical traditions. The scientific explanation of the sun's apparent motion is rooted in the rotation and revolution of the Earth. Both perspectives offer valuable insights and different worldviews. Those who interpret the Bible literally may find the concept of a stationary Earth compelling, while others may lean towards the scientific explanation for a more comprehensive understanding of the cosmos.

Understanding the movement of celestial bodies is important for both scientific and spiritual reasons. Whether one embraces a biblical or scientific view, both provide a framework for understanding the world around us, each with its own unique insights and relevance.