The Vatican is holding a conference with scientists and religious leaders to discuss what the effects the discovery of intelligent life beyond the Earth would have on the Roman Catholic Church. Such a discovery would have profound implications for Church doctrine and Christianity in general.
“Among other things, extremely alien-looking aliens would be hard to fit with the idea that God “made man in his own image”.
“Furthermore, Jesus Christ’s role as saviour would be confused: would other worlds have their own, tentacled Christ-figures, or would Earth’s Christ be universal?”
On the subject of the Messiah, Ray Bradbury once wrote a story called 'The Man', collected in The Illustrated Man, about a crew of Earth astronauts who find Christ on another planet whose inhabitants seem to be more receptive to his message of peace and good will.
Some secularists suggest that the discovery of intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe would be a great, perhaps fatal blow to religion. But religion is, if nothing else, adaptable. Christianity has reconciled itself to scientific discoveries ranging from a sun centered solar system to (for the most part) evolution.
The interesting question is, will aliens have religion such as we humans understand it? Is belief in God and transcendence a solely human trait or something that is universal for any being with intelligence and consciousness? The challenge to Earth religions may not be so much the fact of alien life, but what such aliens believe.
Comments
Interesting!
:)
Third culture kids examiner
Seattle stay-at-home moms examiner
It would kinda cause a quandary for the Vatican.
Book of Abraham "And I saw the stars, that they were very great, and that one of them was nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were near unto it vs 3. And the Lord said unto me (Abraham): These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob (Kolob Canyon named after - outside of Cedar City, Utah), because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord they God: I have set this one to govern all those which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest." If interested read The Pearl of Great Price which is additional scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Of course there is life on other planets. The LDS have known this since the restoration of the gospel and living Prophets and Apostles in 1830. The heavens are no long sealed.
Book of Moses pg 4 - Perhaps the reader would be interested with more/vs 32. And by the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth. 33. And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten. 35. But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them. 36. And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying; Be merciful unto they servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and they thy servant will be content." vs 37 tells Moses the Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt. This is not in the Old Testament but has been revealed. Faith
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!