Assuming ET arrives 1 billions years from now

[Halbhh]

Let's say that human civilization collapses in 20 years and humans gradually go extinct in 100,000 years. Now fast-forward 1 billion years to the arrival of explorers from an extraterrestrial civilization. Would there be any evidence of humans?

(1) what would plate tectonics do to the traces of our civilization over 1 billion years?
(2) would the lunar landers survive intact under a coating of moon dust?
(3) any other thoughts?

The gradual evolution of the sun on that time scale is expected to result in no remaining liquid oceans left due to the intensity of the sun by then:

The natural increase in solar luminosity -- a very slow process unrelated to current climate warming -- will cause the Earth's temperatures to rise over the next few hundred million years. This will result in the complete evaporation of the oceans. The first three-dimensional climate model able to simulate the phenomenon predicts that liquid water will disappear on Earth in approximately one billion years, extending previous estimates by several hundred million years.
When will Earth lose its oceans?

But, we can expect a wonderful new version of Earth very sooner than this time scale, by about a billion years.

Therefore, a billion years from now, one should expect to find humans living in a paradise.

 

[timewerx]

I wonder if the semiconductors would be useful to alien archaeologists that might find a space probe such as Curiosity? It seems that they could take any logic chips and reconstruct the algorithms and there are probably some non-volatile memory chips. There might even be human text in some of the memory chips for diagnostics?

Yes, it should be non-volatile. It might be good if scientists can invent a type of battery for such device that can remain inert for indefinite periods. Like a battery that can store active chemicals separately and remain inert until a button is pressed that punctures the bag that holds the chemicals, activates the battery and turns the device on automatically. Will save the discoverers the effort of how to turn it on and how much voltage is needed to run it without damaging it.

But things would be a lot easier if we have Artificial Intelligence surviving up to such point. It will do the entire work of translating the data for them. Even better if they were embodied as humanoid robots that looks exactly like us.

 

[timewerx]

I believe God will destroy the Earth way before that time comes.

And they are so concerned regarding global warming. Oh yes, there will be some warming all right.
M-Bob

If I may offer some correction. God will not destroy Earth, people will. Jesus will ultimately heal the planet after judgement of those who.... read on:

Revelation 11:18

The nations were angry,
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

 

[Halbhh]

If I may offer some correction. God will not destroy Earth, people will. Jesus will ultimately heal the planet after judgement of those who.... read on:

Revelation 11:18

The nations were angry,
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

It's really amazing and wonderful so often, and you will get in time to chapter 21, about the old Earth passed away and replaced with the new.

 

[Ronald]

Let's say that human civilization collapses in 20 years and humans gradually go extinct in 100,000 years. Now fast-forward 1 billion years to the arrival of explorers from an extraterrestrial civilization. Would there be any evidence of humans?

(1) what would plate tectonics do to the traces of our civilization over 1 billion years?
(2) would the lunar landers survive intact under a coating of moon dust?
(3) any other thoughts?

The world will be judged in less than 10 years ... maybe this year? 2/3 of the population will be destroyed, leaving Christians to inherit the earth. So in essence, civilization as we know it is about to collapse. We will enter a time period known as the Great Tribulation Period (which will last 3 1/2 years ), when the Second Coming of Jesus will return to receive his own, transform us into eternal resurrected bodies and judge and destroy the rest of civilization. After this devastation and clean up of all unbelievers, there will 1000 years of peace. Having removed Satan and his demonic horde, sin and evil, His Kingdom will live in peace, what we've all yearned for. Only Jesus can rid the planet of sin and evil and grant eternal life for those who seek Him. After 1000 years of peace, there will be a brief time when Satan is once again released to tempt the population who have not been "born again" and have therefore rebelled. So a second judgment (known as the second death), will come when the first earth and heavens will be destroyed, "melt in a fervent heat" and a new earth and new heaven will be created. But at that time sin and evil will once and for always be extinct and those who had put their faith in Jesus will live with eternal bodies on into eternity.

 

[timewerx]

It's really amazing and wonderful so often, and you will get in time to chapter 21, about the old Earth passed away and replaced with the new.

Yes, it's amazing if we will not be judged as those who "destroyed" this Earth.

It is one of God's original assignment to man, to Adam, to take care (be a good steward) of His creations.

 

[cloudyday2]

The world will be judged in less than 10 years ... maybe this year?

That's what some were probably saying 10 years ago.

 

[Ophiolite]

The world will be judged in less than 10 years ... maybe this year? 2/3 of the population will be destroyed, leaving Christians to inherit the earth. So in essence, civilization as we know it is about to collapse. We will enter a time period known as the Great Tribulation Period (which will last 3 1/2 years ), when the Second Coming of Jesus will return to receive his own, transform us into eternal resurrected bodies and judge and destroy the rest of civilization. After this devastation and clean up of all unbelievers, there will 1000 years of peace. Having removed Satan and his demonic horde, sin and evil, His Kingdom will live in peace, what we've all yearned for. Only Jesus can rid the planet of sin and evil and grant eternal life for those who seek Him. After 1000 years of peace, there will be a brief time when Satan is once again released to tempt the population who have not been "born again" and have therefore rebelled. So a second judgment (known as the second death), will come when the first earth and heavens will be destroyed, "melt in a fervent heat" and a new earth and new heaven will be created. But at that time sin and evil will once and for always be extinct and those who had put their faith in Jesus will live with eternal bodies on into eternity.

I sincerely wish you a long and happy life, so that you may exist long enough to realise your expectations were deeply flawed.

In a less well meaning way, I do find your reference to the "clean up of all unbelievers" rather tasteless, elitist and lacking in empathy. Still, if you are right, you'll have all eternity to regret it.

 

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

Let's say that human civilization collapses in 20 years and humans gradually go extinct in 100,000 years. Now fast-forward 1 billion years to the arrival of explorers from an extraterrestrial civilization. Would there be any evidence of humans?

(1) what would plate tectonics do to the traces of our civilization over 1 billion years?
(2) would the lunar landers survive intact under a coating of moon dust?
(3) any other thoughts?

"Andromeda, Urasia Base here - Green Man 1 has landed"
"Roger, Urasia. We copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of greenies about to turn pink. We're suspiring again. Thanks a lot."
Later, the first EVA...
"Isn't that something! Magnificent sight out here."
"Magnificent desolation..."

 

[Ronald]

I sincerely wish you a long and happy life, so that you may exist long enough to realise your expectations were deeply flawed.

In a less well meaning way, I do find your reference to the "clean up of all unbelievers" rather tasteless, elitist and lacking in empathy. Still, if you are right, you'll have all eternity to regret it.

Whether or not my timing is correct, God's Judgment Day is supported by dozens of scriptures and then of the Book of Revelation details the death of at least over half the population.
Liberals and Preterists don't interpret the end times as literalist/ futurists do. They also don't view God the same way, thinking He's a God of LOVE only and is merciful to everyone. HOw niece to think everyone will get saved. He is a God justice and sin will be judged. He did not intend for mankind to suffer in a sinful world for eons without end. The plan is to put an end to sin and evil.
So I am happy, retired and wild like to live out my years in my new home, with my wife, my dog and maybe enjoy grandchildren soon. But it has nothing to do with what I want.
You know that God destroyed the world before and so "as in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man ..."
*[ Ammended. Oops, I just checked your profile, you are NOT a Christian so you wouldn't believe what's in the Bible, unfortunately. So all the above stuff won't mean anything.]
When it starts, a light will go on in your head.

 

[juvenissun]

That's not true.

We know of at least one planet where an organism exists that is capable of space travel. Not interstellar travel, but still - it's a precedent. So to imagine an organism with more advanced technology on another planet is not THAT much of a stretch.

There's no such thing for god(s).

We have so many millions of people believe in God right on this planet.

 

[Strathos]

Armageddon could happen 2 seconds after I hit post, or in 20 billion years from now. There's no way to know.

 

[Ophiolite]

Whether or not my timing is correct, God's Judgment Day is supported by dozens of scriptures and then of the Book of Revelation details the death of at least over half the population.

While the holy books of other religions, having as much evidence for veracity as do the Books of the Bible, generally do not agree with it. This leaves the undecided in the interesting philosophical position of being presented with a suite of equally likely, or - if you prefer - unlikely, alternatives.

Liberals and Preterists don't interpret the end times as literalist/ futurists do. They also don't view God the same way, thinking He's a God of LOVE only and is merciful to everyone. HOw niece to think everyone will get saved. He is a God justice and sin will be judged. He did not intend for mankind to suffer in a sinful world for eons without end. The plan is to put an end to sin and evil.

If that was his intention, two possibilities appear. First, his creation was poorly planned, since he need not have allowed any suffering or sin. Or, secondly, he intended that billions should suffer. As you say, such an unflattering picture of God only emerges if one chooses a particular interpretation of scripture.

So I am happy, retired and wild like to live out my years in my new home, with my wife, my dog and maybe enjoy grandchildren soon. But it has nothing to do with what I want.

This is true for everyone regardless of their theological leanings, or the nature of reality.

[ Ammended. Oops, I just checked your profile, you are NOT a Christian so you wouldn't believe what's in the Bible, unfortunately. So all the above stuff won't mean anything.]
When it starts, a light will go on in your head.

It always puzzles me that some Christians automatically assume that

• All atheists and agnostics are unfamiliar with Christian beliefs.
• All atheists and agnostics are unfamiliar with the contents of the Bible.
• All atheists and agnostics are unaware of the history of Christianity.

Such assumptions will often prove accurate: just not in this case.

At any rate, my principle objection was to your apparent callous indifference to what you expect to be the fate of the unbelievers. A smidgeon of Christian charity would have been nice. [1 Corinthians 13:1 may apply.]

 

[Ronald]

While the holy books of other religions, having as much evidence for veracity as do the Books of the Bible, generally do not agree with it. This leaves the undecided in the interesting philosophical position of being presented with a suite of equally likely, or - if you prefer - unlikely, alternatives.

Wrong, no one has had as much veracity as Jesus. He has influenced and changed the world more than anyone. You have chosen an alternative because:
1. "the natural man does not receive the things of Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14
2. "because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so;" . Rom.8:7

If that was his intention, two possibilities appear. First, his creation was poorly planned, since he need not have allowed any suffering or sin. Or, secondly, he intended that billions should suffer. As you say, such an unflattering picture of God only emerges if one chooses a particular interpretation of scripture.

Wrong, the Knowledge of Good and Evil was necessary. We could not know or appreciate anything that is good, any of God's attributes if we did not experience what it was like to be without them. We wouldn't know mercy, forgiveness, love, kindness, hope, faith, patience, self control, peace and ultimately life unless we experience darkness. It was a necessary and perfect plan. But "God causes all things to work together for good for those who love the LORD, for those who are called to His purpose.": Romans. 8:28 So we learn from the evils, from history, from all the pain and suffering and death. This is why we yearn for good and when we receive it, it is a blessing. Suffering is temporal, but His gift is eternal.
" For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Rom. 8:18

It always puzzles me that some Christians automatically assume that

• All atheists and agnostics are unfamiliar with Christian beliefs.
• All atheists and agnostics are unfamiliar with the contents of the Bible.
• All atheists and agnostics are unaware of the history of Christianity.

Such assumptions will often prove accurate: just not in this case.

At any rate, my principle objection was to your apparent callous indifference to what you expect to be the fate of the unbelievers. A smidgeon of Christian charity would have been nice. [1 Corinthians 13:1 may apply

I didn't assume you were ignorant of the Bible or Christian history. I said you were an unbeliever/not a Christian, since your profile read agnostic -- that's all. And that for sure means you do not believe in the Bible completely enough to put your faith in Christ.
I know you believe in the principles that have permeated the world, you may not realize how Jesus has changed the world. Without Him, at best, we would be Barbarians or having governments similar to the Romans, Greeks, Persians, Babylonians, Egyptians, etc. Democracy? No. Even those governments were ordained by God and they had purpose as well. Good and evil have been woven throughout history but we are at a precipice - where the two will part soon.
If I had no love, there would be no words wasted on atheists or agnostics. And believe me, the discussions throughout the years have not been for some ego boost to win the argument. Christians witness to the world. I am not an evangelist because that is a gift (Eph.4:11) My gift is exhortation, I warn people or what's coming. If you don't take the warning, I move on. I am not getting anything out of 3600 posts that I have written similar to this. If I can plant a seed or encourage someone or correct someone, that's fine too. Most people want to go their own way and be the rulers of their own destiny. That is futile. Life is vanity of vanities ... chasing after the wind - without God. Our purpose in life is to be reconciled to God through Jesus. We are given many opportunities. Jesus stands knocking at the door and all you have to do is open it.

 

[Chriliman]

See, these kinds of beliefs are actually a real threat to society and human kind. Not to mention the planet itself and every living thing on it.

Your comment, to me at least, reads like "why should we care about pollution, global warming, destroying the environment? I mean, god will burn the place anyway so who cares!"

When people ask me why I am concerned about people believing in religions... well, this is one of the many reasons. This is how blind belief, can make empires crumble and destroy everything. I find it truelly worrying.

The other day I had an argument with another christian (not on this site) who was talking in really hostile terms about the situation in Israel and the tension with its neighbours. It made me feel as if he didn't actually want a solution and that he would prefer all out war.

After a while, it became clear why...

He actually believes there needs to be some kind of apocalyptic war there, because it is one of the criteria in his opinion that needs to be met before Jesus will return. And he wants Jesus to return - preferably in his own life time.

If he could push a button which would set fire to the entire middle east and have nukes flying in all directions - he most certainly would. As he feels like that would be a fullfilment of prophecy. He WANTS that to happen. And his motivation for it comes from his religion, for the full 100%.


To quote the late great Hitchins: "Religion poisons everything"

Wars and destruction of the earth are due to man’s evil desires. God has made it clear through Christ that he wants us to love Him and our neighbor and live peacefully on the earth. Don’t let a few confused Christians muddy that clear message for you.

 

[DogmaHunter]

We have so many millions of people believe in God right on this planet.

That's a precedent of people believing that gods exist.
Not a precedent of gods actually existing.

 

[DogmaHunter]

Wars and destruction of the earth are due to man’s evil desires. God has made it clear through Christ that he wants us to love Him and our neighbor and live peacefully on the earth. Don’t let a few confused Christians muddy that clear message for you.

That seems like a completely random resonse to the points I raised.

 

[juvenissun]

That's a precedent of people believing that gods exist.
Not a precedent of gods actually existing.

That is a strong "evidence".
What if we discovered that all bacteria on Mars believe in God?

 

[Strathos]

That is a strong "evidence".
What if we discovered that all bacteria on Mars believe in God?

How would that work?

 

[juvenissun]

How would that work?

The theme of this thread is: imaging.
That is how.