Are we Alone in the Universe?
Is it just us? It's a question scientists, philosophers and sci-fi writers have asked for years. But what would it mean for our view of God if we weren't alone? Emily Martin, a Medical Physics trainee, discusses.
Surely, in such an expanse, the possibility that something could exist somewhere other than here isn’t to be written off
Surely then, a God who values life so dearly would also value it in abundance, wherever it may be? |
Conversely to this, consideration of other aspects of the character of God could support the existence of extra-terrestrial intelligent life within His created universe. There is nothing to say that other species elsewhere are not also known and loved by God. If He loves relationships with intelligent beings (humans), why would He not want more of such relationships? God loves life itself. God created life, and Jesus suffered death on a cross in order to save the lives of many. He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” [John 14:16]. Surely then, a God who values life so dearly would also value it in abundance, wherever it may be? From this, we could conclude that the existence of intelligent extra-terrestrial life may not be inconsistent with the Christian view of God.
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However, the scenario whereby our new acquaintances have no conceptual grasp of a higher power may challenge our perception of God more than anything discussed thus far. Would this mean God only “applies” to the Earth? No, God is infinite. Though surely, a loving God would not isolate an entire civilisation, an entire planet, from understanding Him? Discovery of extra-terrestrial life forms, capable of abstract thought but incapable of comprehending a deity, would raise questions; is God solely a human construct? (Even if you believe Him to be so, it is interesting to consider whether these other intelligent minds may have evolved similarly to mankind, and come to a religion-like conclusion to explain their life.) This scenario may cast doubts on the existence and character of God that we currently understand.
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Perhaps such a scenario would merely present a colossal missionary challenge: intergalactic evangelism…?!
Emily Martin is a Medical Physics trainee with the NHS in Lincolnshire, working towards an MSc in Clinical Science alongside day-to-day work in the hospital. She graduated from the University of Sheffield this summer, where she studied Physics with Medical Physics. She says, "I follow Jesus, and this motivates me to learn how God's world works and to use physics to help patients live well. Aside from physics I love to sing, bake and puzzle over obscure hypothetical scenarios..."
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