How will "religions" handle the discovery of alien life?

BobRyan

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They had the "1 in 10" rule for intelligent life a long time ago.

Drake equation. Drake equation - Wikipedia

The Drake equation is:

N = R ∗ ⋅ f p ⋅ n e ⋅ f l ⋅ f i ⋅ f c ⋅ L


08459525b4c05af9b9e1748406e26ad869d9462d




where:

N = the number of civilizations in our galaxy with which communication might be possible (i.e. which are on our current past light cone);
and

R∗ = the average rate of star formation in our galaxy
fp = the fraction of those stars that have planets
ne = the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets
fl = the fraction of planets that could support life that actually develop life at some point
fi = the fraction of planets with life that actually go on to develop intelligent life (civilizations)
fc = the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space
L = the length of time for which such civilizations release detectable signals into space[5][6]


Heb 1 - NKJV/KJV
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Heb 11 NKJV/KJV
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.



The arguments for alien life are all arguments from silence.
.

Interesting summation
 
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JacksBratt

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Regarding this article "How Will Our Religions Handle the Discovery of Alien Life?"

How Will Our Religions Handle the Discovery of Alien Life? - Nautilus - Pocket

The article raises some interesting points but one thing they miss when it comes to Seventh-day Adventists (and many other Christian groups) is that "angels are aliens" and we already accept the fact that there are good ones and bad ones.

What is more -- we are not trying to "evangelize the fallen angels". Nor do Christians attempt to "Evangelize" the good angels.

1. Is there anything that prevents the bad angels from "mock" spoofing as bad aliens from other worlds? IF that is part of their "plan" they have the technology (power) to pull it off, no question.

2. Is there any reason that good beings on other worlds would want to come here on "vacation" - to a world where the Bible says the devil is "the god of this world"? 2 Cor 4:4?

===================


Heb 1 - NKJV/KJV
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Heb 11 NKJV/KJV
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Job 1 and Job 2 --- Satan says "he comes from Earth" -- where does everyone else in the room "come from"?

If there was "only one place to come from " why is Satan being asked "where do you come from"?
You mean when they find out that aliens are just demonic forces and beings of a different dimension?

There are no beings from other planets....

Like they would fly over thousands of light years and then just watch us for 50 years.

Sheesh.. what would we do... go all the way there and stop.. without saying HEY?
 
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BobRyan

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You mean when they find out that aliens are just demonic forces

How far into "too late" might they find that one out?

Like they would fly over thousands of light years and then just watch us for 50 years.

Sheesh.. what would we do... go all the way there and stop.. without saying HEY?

That's "the story" I think folks are trying to sell
 
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yeshuaslavejeff

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That's "the story" I think folks are trying to sell
Sorry I just noticed the title.... "how will" they handle .... something...

They might sell deception.
They might give it away.
They might market it in every way possible.
They have made it up, or been deceived, so they will do whatever they want to with it.
 
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HatGuy

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Regarding this article "How Will Our Religions Handle the Discovery of Alien Life?"

How Will Our Religions Handle the Discovery of Alien Life? - Nautilus - Pocket

The article raises some interesting points but one thing they miss when it comes to Seventh-day Adventists (and many other Christian groups) is that "angels are aliens" and we already accept the fact that there are good ones and bad ones.

What is more -- we are not trying to "evangelize the fallen angels". Nor do Christians attempt to "Evangelize" the good angels.

1. Is there anything that prevents the bad angels from "mock" spoofing as bad aliens from other worlds? IF that is part of their "plan" they have the technology (power) to pull it off, no question.

2. Is there any reason that good beings on other worlds would want to come here on "vacation" - to a world where the Bible says the devil is "the god of this world"? 2 Cor 4:4?

===================


Heb 1 - NKJV/KJV
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Heb 11 NKJV/KJV
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Job 1 and Job 2 --- Satan says "he comes from Earth" -- where does everyone else in the room "come from"?

If there was "only one place to come from " why is Satan being asked "where do you come from"?
Haha, I like how "creationism" is labelled a religion.

Good to see another Pocket user - an underused but extremely useful app.
 
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d taylor

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Very good chance , people are seeing angels moving when they are seeing, what the world calls a shooting star.
As for aliens if it is not the governments of the world, then the only other option would be a angel.

But angels do not appear as little green beings, they when visible to humans, appear as men.
 
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yeshuaslavejeff

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As for aliens if it is not the governments of the world, then the only other option would be a angel.
A lot of religious/religion in the world , not governments, make up things, like aliens.
It is thought by them to be part of their scheme to gain power over others, support, and other things.
 
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Handmaid for Jesus

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Very good chance , people are seeing angels moving when they are seeing, what the world calls a shooting star.
As for aliens if it is not the governments of the world, then the only other option would be a angel.

But angels do not appear as little green beings, they when visible to humans, appear as men.
There are two types of angels, Holy and fallen. Neither are of this world, but both types have been manifested here.Some look just like you and me. That is why it is written
Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
 
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yeshuaslavejeff

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There are two types of angels, Holy and fallen. Neither are of this world, but both types have been manifested here.Some look just like you and me. That is why it is written
Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
footnote for research: this might be a mis-translation. the same word translated angels might be 'messengers' (as in human beings - apostles or prophets or disciples).

When ever people welcomed and received 'messengers' of God, the Shalom of Jesus remained with them. If ever people rejected/ did not receive/ the 'messengers' of God, the Shalom of Jesus did not remain with them. They did not have to be aware that they were 'messengers' of God either - it is true regardless, as Yahweh Says.
 
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BobRyan

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There are two types of angels, Holy and fallen. Neither are of this world, but both types have been manifested here.

True. And they can take on the appearance of people so that as in the case of Sodom - the people cannot tell that they are not just ordinary folks.
 
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I've honestly never understood this idea that religious people will struggle in some way to cope with the (thus far unproven) existence of alien life.

If there are sentient (or hnau, to borrow C. S. Lewis's word) aliens out there, i. e. if there are aliens out there who are made in the image of God, then they are also affected by the Fall, like all of humanity. In which case, Christ arguably died for them too (unless Christ revealed Himself to the aliens in a different way, but I'm not here to argue the theological possibilities or implications of that entirely hypothetical situation) and they are among the nations to whom we should preach the Gospel. It would be no different than if we discovered another continent with a country we'd never met.

The other possibility is that these alleged alien/UFO sightings people go on about are actually modern attempts at rationalizing encounters with angels or demons, which is what many Christians I know (creationist and otherwise) have already theorized.

I should mention that I believe in a more literal interpretation of the creation story in Genesis and this has never—never—been an issue for me. It's a place for discussion, certainly, but to call it a "major headache" feels like a gross exaggeration.
 
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DamianWarS

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Regarding this article "How Will Our Religions Handle the Discovery of Alien Life?"

How Will Our Religions Handle the Discovery of Alien Life? - Nautilus - Pocket

The article raises some interesting points but one thing they miss when it comes to Seventh-day Adventists (and many other Christian groups) is that "angels are aliens" and we already accept the fact that there are good ones and bad ones.

What is more -- we are not trying to "evangelize the fallen angels". Nor do Christians attempt to "Evangelize" the good angels.

1. Is there anything that prevents the bad angels from "mock" spoofing as bad aliens from other worlds? IF that is part of their "plan" they have the technology (power) to pull it off, no question.

2. Is there any reason that good beings on other worlds would want to come here on "vacation" - to a world where the Bible says the devil is "the god of this world"? 2 Cor 4:4?

===================


Heb 1 - NKJV/KJV
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Heb 11 NKJV/KJV
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Job 1 and Job 2 --- Satan says "he comes from Earth" -- where does everyone else in the room "come from"?

If there was "only one place to come from " why is Satan being asked "where do you come from"?
if there are aliens they are part of God's creation and also part of God's plan thus have a focus and role that God desires for them. If it is angels there is a role for them that is different for us (and we don't know all those details), if it is another like-being then I would guess they too would have a message of redemption just like we do and be a part of a greater plan of restoration just like we have.

I actually doubt there are such worlds because I feel the bible shows us an image of Christ existing unique to his resurrected body. if there were a bunch of other worlds with redemption models from God Christ would have to come to those places as well, be born and die all over again and be resurrected in a new body and I don't see Christ have multiple resurrected forms. It is either this or there are more sons of God sent all over the place, each with their own redemptive model and resurrection which is starting to turn into LDS doctrine. So because these both don't fit the model scripture presents to us I think the universe is our private canvas painted just for us. The creation account would seem to confirm this as well presenting a very geocentric universe with the sun, moon and even the stars made just for us.
 
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JacksBratt

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The arguments for alien life are all arguments from silence.
There are many requirements for life and so far while many planets have been discovered none meet them.
A small stable sun with an small planet with a large moon whole in the Goldilocks zone, several giant outer planets and the whole solar system in a stable part of the galaxy.

The science says no et.

My understanding is that what you are saying is not true. Scientists have found a few planets that could support life.

Scientists find 3 Earth-sized planets that may support life

Even worse imagine if there was intelligent life with interstell space going ability.
Why should they visit earth?
There are two options.
They have similar technology to us or technology they is so advanced we think it is magic.
Option 1 we would see them coming as they travel at sunlight speed, we would know where they were in space at all times.
Option2 we would not be able to detect them, would not know whether they were here or not and having visited us we would be as useful to them as the Pacific islanders were to the American marines in the Pacific war in ww2.

Yes, they may never visit us, either because their technology is below ours or because we just aren't important enough.

The Pacific islanders were not useful to the Americans during World War II? A guy by the name of John F. Kennedy might disagree with you. It was two Pacific islanders, Eroni Kumana and Biuku Gasawere, who delivered Kennedy's distress message regarding his sunken PT-109 to the US Navy.
 
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yeshuaslavejeff

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Yes, they may never visit us, either because their technology is below ours or because we just aren't important enough.
...or simply because they never existed. (the simplest answer is usually correct).

Since many other self-serving interests in the world promote false things, it is or may be important to warn others,
just as when entering a jungle where there are Tigers or Lions Roaming about seeking whom they may devour....
 
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...or simply because they never existed. (the simplest answer is usually correct).

Since many other self-serving interests in the world promote false things, it is or may be important to warn others,
just as when entering a jungle where there are Tigers or Lions Roaming about seeking whom they may devour....
You are assuming that life does not exist on other planets. You could be correct. I'm betting that such life does exist.
 
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Ronald

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Heb 1 - NKJV/KJV
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Heb 11 NKJV/KJV
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.





Interesting summation


The fact that in Genesis, the earth is made before the sun, moom and stars. Therefore earth came first which hifhly suggests the universe was made for is to enjoy His power and handiwork.
But in Revelation 21 lies the crucial point. At the end of the Millennial Kingdom, God destroys the first heaven and first earth and the New Jerusalem appears, which is the new heaven. "The city had no need for the sun or of the moon to shine In it ..." May I say the dimensions of this city are 1600 miles × 1600 miles × 1600 miles. (12,000 furlongs).8 In Revelation 22:5, there is no more night, no need for the sun. "The former things shall pass away"! That means all physical and evil things. Hades and death arw cast into the Lake of Fire and destroyed.
2 Peter 3:10 confirms that not only will God destroy the first earth but also the stars, meaning the Universe as well.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with a fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are the run shall be burned up."

Conclusion: There is no one else out there. If there was, they had a shorter history than us and so not much time to advance in technology. Star Trek, Star Wars and ET are wonderful, but fictional stories. The universe was made for us to ponder God's awesome power and of course He set the earth in a precise location with all the astrophysical properties to support life as we know it.
 
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yeshuaslavejeff

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I've honestly never understood this idea that religious people will struggle in some way to cope with the (thus far unproven) existence of alien life.

If there are sentient (or hnau, to borrow C. S. Lewis's word) aliens out there, i. e. if there are aliens out there who are made in the image of God, then they are also affected by the Fall, like all of humanity. In which case, Christ arguably died for them too (unless Christ revealed Himself to the aliens in a different way, but I'm not here to argue the theological possibilities or implications of that entirely hypothetical situation) and they are among the nations to whom we should preach the Gospel. It would be no different than if we discovered another continent with a country we'd never met.

The other possibility is that these alleged alien/UFO sightings people go on about are actually modern attempts at rationalizing encounters with angels or demons, which is what many Christians I know (creationist and otherwise) have already theorized.

I should mention that I believe in a more literal interpretation of the creation story in Genesis and this has never—never—been an issue for me. It's a place for discussion, certainly, but to call it a "major headache" feels like a gross exaggeration.
Perhaps little children* just shrug and go on without worry. (and no need to talk about the stories)
*(Trusting the Father in heaven and Jesus)

All the different stories made up in the world don't scare them nor worry them.
 
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