Okay, this is wandering off-topic, but I'll acknowledge what I was taught in public school in the 1960s about the one time widespread belief of a flat earth was not correct.
Jack, in keeping this discussion constructive, I believe it is necessary to correct you in an area that I am quite sensitive to. You appear to be ignorant of the true facts around the history of the Catholic church and science. The Catholic Church did not spread the belief that the earth was flat.
See
Where Did the Idea of a Flat Earth Originate?
Your retardant comment regarding the Catholic Church far from the truth. I suggest you read
The Galileo Controversy | Catholic Answers on a common controversy where some of the church's historical influence with science is accurately described.
This site also has information and references to the church's involvement in the modern scientific method and development of the college system:
http://pseudo01.hddn.com/vod/cchvide...Epic_proof.pdf