Ambiguous meaning of 'sphere' [closed]

The context is about the sacred direction of Muslims or the qibla by David A. King:

Frequently over the years other folk have introduced the factor that the Earth is not a sphere into the qibla discussion, which is not helpful.

The Cambridge dictionary defines the meanings of the term 'sphere' as:

1- an object shaped like a round ball.

and

a subject or area of knowledge, work, etc.

So the problem I have is that I can't quite figure out the exact meaning of the term based on the sentence. Does it mean that earth is not considered as a sphere-like shape in the qibla discussion, or, the earth is not considered as one of the subjects included in the qibla discussion? Or maybe even something else?

I know that my question might have a simple answer, but I'm really stuck on this and as a translator (English to another language) I have to know the exact meaning, so I would really appreciate your help.

Solution 1:

Dictionaries give meanings in lists of usage and current popularity. The use in describing the earth is that of a sphere or ball as an object not a subject area.

The other meaning is distinct that of a subject area and can be described with any number of words such as region, area, domain etc. These describe areas or volumes such as contained by a sphere or hollow ball. It is used to theoretically encompass or contain or hold all the many far flung ideas and details that could be part of any given subject.

Of the non-sphericity of the earth I believe such statements are more bragging and a credit to the ability to precisely measure the slight variation of the earth's surface. You should have more inaccuracy due to your compass readings than the variance of the earth's roundness. Spherical trig is always a tough subject.