Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A faith-healing leader became one of the strongest proponents of the flat-Earth belief in the 20th century. He became the theocratic ruler of Zion, Illinois, where he controlled his church, schools, local government, and a radio station promoting the idea that the Earth is flat while rejecting modern astronomy and evolution. In this live lecture, John Hamer of Toronto Centre Place presents the history of Wilbur Glenn Voliva and the rise and fall of his Flat-Earther Church.
In the 1920s, advertisements in Popular Mechanics offered a $5,000 prize for anyone able to prove the Earth is round. The only catch: the challenge was rigged. No proof, however scientifically rigorous, could convince the advertiser, Wilbur Glenn Voliva, General Overseer of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church, headquartered in Zion, Illinois. Convinced that the Earth is flat based on reading various Biblical passages literally, Voliva vigorously promoted flat-Eartherism, through his control of the church, ownership of a radio station, and through his control of Zion’s government and schools.
How did this small church go from a utopian community led by a popular faith healer to a cult led by a controlling leader who lived a lavish life using church funds? How was this church later realigned with mainstream Protestantism? What lessons can we draw for other religious groups surviving leadership abuse and changes in belief?
Join the livestream to participate in the discussion and to ask questions of our lecturer during the Q&A.
This lecture is part of our series exploring Christianity and the Bible from an academic perspective through history, mythology, archaeology, theology, and biblical studies. In this presentation we focus on Flat-Eartherism, Wilbur Glenn Voliva, the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church, Dowieism, and Zion (Illinois).
📚 Browse our catalogue of free lectures at centreplace.ca/lectures
Your generous support allows us to offer these lectures at no cost. Please consider making a donation (tax deductible in the US and Canada):
❤️ centreplace.ca/donate ️
A faith-healing leader became one of the strongest proponents of the flat-Earth belief in the 20th century. He became the theocratic ruler of Zion, Illinois, where he controlled his church, schools, local government, and a radio station promoting the idea that the Earth is flat while rejecting modern astronomy and evolution. In this live lecture, John Hamer of Toronto Centre Place presents the history of Wilbur Glenn Voliva and the rise and fall of his Flat-Earther Church.
In the 1920s, advertisements in Popular Mechanics offered a $5,000 prize for anyone able to prove the Earth is round. The only catch: the challenge was rigged. No proof, however scientifically rigorous, could convince the advertiser, Wilbur Glenn Voliva, General Overseer of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church, headquartered in Zion, Illinois. Convinced that the Earth is flat based on reading various Biblical passages literally, Voliva vigorously promoted flat-Eartherism, through his control of the church, ownership of a radio station, and through his control of Zion’s government and schools.
How did this small church go from a utopian community led by a popular faith healer to a cult led by a controlling leader who lived a lavish life using church funds? How was this church later realigned with mainstream Protestantism? What lessons can we draw for other religious groups surviving leadership abuse and changes in belief?
Join the livestream to participate in the discussion and to ask questions of our lecturer during the Q&A.
This lecture is part of our series exploring Christianity and the Bible from an academic perspective through history, mythology, archaeology, theology, and biblical studies. In this presentation we focus on Flat-Eartherism, Wilbur Glenn Voliva, the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church, Dowieism, and Zion (Illinois).
📚 Browse our catalogue of free lectures at centreplace.ca/lectures
Your generous support allows us to offer these lectures at no cost. Please consider making a donation (tax deductible in the US and Canada):
❤️ centreplace.ca/donate ️
