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.
Are we alone in the universe? It’s a big question, full of mystery and intrigue. Many humans love the notion that there could be thriving, intelligent life forms elsewhere in the universe, but many others feel uncomfortable with such a thought. Regardless, the sheer volume of the universe throws out questions: surely, in such an expanse, the possibility that something could exist somewhere other than here isn’t to be written off.
For now, at least, the subject remains purely speculative. Life hasn’t yet been discovered on other planets, and we are certainly far from finding a level of intelligence and high-order thinking comparable to what we are used to on Earth. However, what would the implications be if life were found elsewhere in the universe? In particular, how compatible is the existence of intelligent, extra-terrestrial life with a Christian view of God? Would it undermine Him? If it could, it surely merits some consideration.
Surely, in such an expanse, the possibility that something could exist somewhere other than here isn’t to be written off
Firstly, consider the existence of extra-terrestrial life in the first place. There exists legitimate argument that the human race is in some way special, which may point towards the conclusion that intelligent life as we understand it could not exist elsewhere; that we must be the only ones. The Rare Earth Hypothesis argues that the complex evolution of human intelligence required a very rare combination of factors to be aligned. The idea of the finely-tuned universe ties into this somewhat; it is true that the conditions on Earth, and the physical constants that govern them, are required to be almost exactly as they are to support human life. Maybe then such life-supporting specificity is indeed a rarity in the universe, making intelligent life elsewhere improbable.
The Bible asserts that humanity is special, made in the image of God. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God he created them, male and female” [Gen 1:27]. This differentiates us from the animals we see on Earth, which God made “according to their kinds” [Gen 1:24]. We are made differently from other creatures. We are the only species known to be able to enjoy a relationship with God. God loves to know us: Luke 15:6 describes the “rejoicing in heaven” that occurs when just one human being turns to Jesus. It is clear that God thinks people are special. Therefore, considering the animals who do not have this privilege, it would not be illogical to conclude that we were the only species to be given this special differentiation. If we are the only species who can know God on Earth, perhaps no other species exists with this kind of intelligent capacity.
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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This considered, let’s delve deeper into the hypothetical. Say extra-terrestrial intelligence is discovered; as discussed, its mere existence does not necessarily undermine the life-breathing character of God. But what about the things it may have to say?
Human beings seem hard-wired to question where we are from, and to consider the existence of a deity beyond ourselves. Whatever the conclusion of each individual, the nature of our consciousness means that we are a species capable of abstract, higher-order thought. I would argue that being created by God means that humans have an inbuilt instinct to search for Him somehow. Certainly, religion and the search for a higher power has been an integral part of human history in many forms. So, what of our newfound extra-terrestrial life forms? Do they have an awareness of a deity?
If such an awareness were present in another life form, it would be a key indicator that they were indeed equivalently “intelligent” to human beings, as this notion of God is a key differentiating factor between us and animals with a lesser evolution of consciousness. It would also provide reassurance that God does want a relationship with other beings, as He has given them the minds to be able to consider Him already. It would not substantially challenge the existence, or character, of the God that we know.
Extra Terrestrial?
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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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Alternatively, such a scenario could merely challenge our view of God’s work for mankind. Our perception of “the world” is continually expanding. Discovery of other countries and the development of cars, trains and planes have made our Earth far ‘smaller’ and more accessible than we could have imagined even a few hundred years ago. Space missions and exploration of our solar system have allowed human beings to further expand their horizons. In the same way, would finding extra-terrestrial intelligent life be just another expansion of our understanding of what is?
Perhaps such a scenario would merely present a colossal missionary challenge: intergalactic evangelism…?!
There was once a time when the notion of another earthly civilisation, another country across the sea, another culture and language vastly different to one’s own, would have felt entirely ‘alien’. Yet there is clearly no question now that the message of Jesus is for all such civilisations, regardless of any initial preconceptions or lack of knowledge of the gospel they may have. Jesus said, “I…will draw all people to myself” [John 12:32]. Perhaps the same would apply to extra-terrestrials with no concept of God? Perhaps, in a universe where the call to be God’s witnesses “to the ends of the earth” [Acts 1:7] is an ever-increasing task as horizons broaden, such a scenario would merely present a colossal missionary challenge: intergalactic evangelism…?!
There are so many things that could be considered, and the implications of intelligent life elsewhere would probably impact very differently on people’s individual perceptions of God. However, it can be said that, though such life would certainly present huge challenges, there is no certainty that it would undermine a Christian view of God. God is infinite, God is a creator and He loves life in abundance. He has placed so much out there in the universe which, through improved scientific progression, He is slowly revealing to mankind piece by piece. Ultimately, what we discover is at God’s discretion; who knows, maybe one day that’ll include some aliens.
About the Author
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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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