NASA to recruit theologians
Space agency NASA recently announced their intention to hire 24 theologians to assess how humanity’s views of God and creation would be impacted if life was discovered on other planets. The study will be overseen by Princeton University which received a $1.1 million grant from NASA.
As CMI’s Gary Bates pointed out in his book Alien Intrusion: UFOs and the evolution connection, NASA has considered such potential impacts for many years. But previously they believed that the idea that ‘we are not alone’ could have even brought about the fall of modern civilization.
They don’t seem to regard this as a problem anymore. Continuing space exploration reveals an ever-increasing number of extrasolar planets, and each new discovery brings associated hype about perhaps finding ET life on them. Plus, throw into the mix modern science fiction’s message about advanced ET life, and it means that humanity is now almost expecting to find sentient and advanced alien life ‘out there’.
Even many Christians buy into this idea, wondering why God would make such a big universe if Earth is the only occupied planet. However, the idea that any ETs could possess intellect similar to humanity would be a huge problem for the Gospel. The reasons are comprehensively covered at creation.com/did-god-create-life-on-other-planets. The reality is that despite thousands of extrasolar planets being found, Earth looks more, not less, unique (Isaiah 45:18).
- Burgess, K., Heavens above: NASA hires priest to prepare for an alien discovery, thetimes.co.uk, 22 Dec 2021.
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