[King Prout]

additionally, factor in the organizing effects of the following cyclic modulations of that energy input:
1. elliptical orbit, with aphelion and perihelion
2. diurnal cycle due to axial revolution
3. solar activity cycles
4. seasonal cycles due to axial tilt from perpendicualr to plane of ecliptic

of course, later on come other organizing natural phenomena (such as the tidal cycles caused by a masive moon whose orbit is not aligned with the solar ecliptic plane)

the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics simply does not fit the open system under discussion.

[PatrickHenry]

I've been reading the Good Book and I don't see any way around it. I'm going flat-earth! Here's just a few of the verses that have persuaded me:

1st Samuel:
2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.

2nd Samuel:
22:8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

Isaiah:
11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Psalms, 74:17
Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.

Psalms, 102:25
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

Psalms, 104:5
Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be re-moved for ever.

Proverbs:
8:29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth.

Job, 38:4
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
38:5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

Luke 4:5
And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

For further information: The Flat Earth Society.