In 2012, a remarkable discovery was made. For many years, Sandy Island was shown on maps of the South Pacific. It was a small island located west of New Caledonia, a little over midway between New Zealand and Australia. But cartographers received a surprise when they looked at satellite images of the area and discovered Sandy Island wasn’t there! Bewildered scientists sailed to the area, and instead of Sandy Island, they found only water. The truth was that in spite of maps saying otherwise for decades, Sandy Island didn’t exist—and never had! Even though it appeared on maps—even though it was believed to be there—Sandy Island wasn’t real. How many other things are like that? Most “old wives’ tales” are harmless, but could it be possible that a commonly held belief within the Christian church simply isn’t true? Could Christians believe in something that simply doesn’t exist?
