God, Religion, and Little Green Men (Updated from 8/24/2014)

"The rash assertion that 'God made man in His own image' is a ticking time bomb at the foundation of many faiths, and as the hierarchy of the universe is disclosed to us, we may have to recognize this chilling truth: If there are any gods whose chief concern is man, they cannot be very important gads."

-- Arthur C. Clarke

Did God create life on other planets?  Are we the only life created in God's image?  What bearing will our discovery of alien "intelligent" life have on the Bible?  Not much, if you consider Ezekial and Enoch.  We are now in the third decade of the twenty-first century. We still struggle with questions concerning intelligent life on other planets.  The fact that there is life, is not as important, or of much concern, as whether that life is intelligent enough to exercise space travel.

First, we can discount much of the Bible as reflecting as much of man's ignorance as his vanity in thinking he could rewrite Holy Scripture, throughout history, to accommodate personal and political agendas.  New discoveries are bearing many of these theories out.  This comes as no surprise to many of us.

Much of what we know today has evolved from faulty information concerning the Earth being flat, being the center of our universe, or being carried on the back of an elephant.  Man evolves his beliefs as new information becomes available.  Unfortunately, up to now, most scientists have left no room in their theories for change.  They have tended to make absolute statements.  This is actually a good thing for those of us non-scientific types.  When science egotistically makes "absolute" statements, you can bet good money they're going to be proven wrong sometime in the future.  And, if mankind can screw up science, he can surely muck up translating and transcribing Holy Scripture.  We state "man" is the most intelligent life in the universe.  God forbid.

"I believe alien life is quite common in the universe, although intelligent life is less so. Some say it has yet to appear on planet Earth."

-- Stephen Hawking

Man has used the science of modern astronomy and computers to extrapolate the number of possible planets with life on them.  The number is not accurate.  It is either much lower or, as many believe, much higher than we might expect since we have not been able to map most of what we cannot see... yet.  The theoretical number they have come up with is enough to garner man's interest for further study.  But, if life exists out there, are they intelligent enough to travel here for a visit?  Are they close enough?

Many agree that any alien science of physics, and the ability to put it to practical use, would have to be a quantum leap ahead of anything we can approach.  Faster-than-light craft, folding space and time, and inter-dimensional travel are fairly new theories for us, but might an alien civilization have conquered one of these?  And, if they have, what does that say about God creating us in His image?  What does it say about our place in the universe or the being we call God.

We historically find that, what once was theory to be scoffed at, becomes a possible reality to be studied and expanded upon.  Let's accept, for the sake of argument, there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe.  Are we so naive as to think, looking at the mess our planet is in today, we are the best an "omnipotent" God can do?  If so, what does that say about our definition of God?  

Let's also consider that science is contemplating God gave all creatures the latent ability to evolve into more than they are.  Let us consider that this "evolution" might eventually give birth to creative thought and self-awareness for certain animals; a concept of self.  Let us also consider that this animal self-awareness might give birth to philosophy and a "God" concept.  If God did, in fact, create thousands of planets capable of supporting intelligent life, it would also make sense that this omnipotent God would spread the wealth of knowledge throughout all of creation.  Why put all of your eggs in one basket?  

With all of our problems here on Earth, I would hope there is help on the way from some neighbor that has managed to do better.

"The only thing that scares me more than space aliens is the idea that there aren't any space aliens. We can't be the best that creation has to offer. I pray we're not all there is. If so, we're in big trouble."

-- Ellen DeGeneres

If our religion and spirituality can come to grips with the possibility that we are not alone in the vastness of space, it would be something we could proclaim as having in common.  Hell, even an atheist can get on board with it.  But, does this possibility bring with it grave danger?  If these aliens are advanced enough to visit us they will certainly have the ability to conquer or destroy us.  Having witnessed the horrors man can inflict on his own kind we would have to consider the real possibility that other life may have failed in their own efforts against their version of Nazis and ISIS.  If this is true and they've already been here, they're not interested in peaceful contact.  So, what are they waiting for?

We can consider there really are no aliens capable of visiting Earth.  Or, maybe they're already here and have an alternate agenda for colonization.  Maybe their society has grown beyond the need for war and destruction, or maybe they just want to add our uniqueness to their own.  As a famous science fiction alien race proclaims, "We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own.  Resistance is futile."

"Others, one suspects, are afraid that the crossing of space, and above all contact with intelligent but nonhuman races, may destroy the foundations of their religious faith. They may be right, but in any event, their attitude is one which does not bear logical examination -- for a faith which cannot survive collision with the truth is not worth many regrets."

-- Arthur C. Clarke

In the final analysis, will religion ultimately have issues with the discovery of intelligent alien life in the universe?  Many Christians fear such a discovery would be an attack on the very scripture we based religion and the faith of millions on; a book we are just now discovering may not be all that we hoped it to be.  If we are to ever understand, when we discover and confront an alien specie, we will have to leave preconceived and conceited notions of our "lofty" place in the universe behind us.  We will have to approach the idea of alien life with an open mind.  

The Catholic Church is already accepting much science as proof of God and setting aside the historical viewpoint of heresy.  Science does not have to be an assault on God and faith.  Science and religion can complement each other.  Consider this: If science can prove God, and if God created everything from nothing, how truly vain is it for us to hold ourselves above other life?

"All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark."

-- Swami Vivekananda

I think it will be a hilarious kick in the teeth if, one day, an alien race comes to Earth and offers to share their science, technology, and their religion, especially when they open their holy scripture and begin to read, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth..."  After all, "earth" is referred to as the surface of a planet.  Why does it just have to mean this planet?

"As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal. And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their likeness: they had a human likeness..."

-- Ezekiel 1:1-28

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions, and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

 Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com