JWST, Life Elsewhere and Salvation.

[FaithT]

There’s speculation that the JWST may be on the verge of finding life on another planet or in another galaxy.
If intelligent life is ever found elsewhere, what does that say about Catholicism, the Bible and salvation?
I read an article from, I think Brother Guy Cosolmagno, that said something to the effect that Theologians would have a lot of work to do.
What would all that do to Catholicism?

 

[Michie]

Are you talking about these articles? Do you have a link?

What would alien life mean for Catholicism? The Vatican’s chief astronomer explains.

He also digs into Galileo, icy moons, and the relationship between science and religion.

www.vox.com

https://www.vaticanobservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Intelligent-Life.pdf

 

[chevyontheriver]

There’s speculation that the JWST may be on the verge of finding life on another planet or in another galaxy.
If intelligent life is ever found elsewhere, what does that say about Catholicism, the Bible and salvation?
I read an article from, I think Brother Guy Cosolmagno, that said something to the effect that Theologians would have a lot of work to do.
What would all that do to Catholicism?

Well, first I suppose we should plan to send some missionaries just in case they have fallen and haven't heard the Gospel. Perhaps they are waiting, like the Jews of old, for word of a savior from the stars? Or to report back that they were unfallen or else how they were redeemed. I see this as an adventure.

I don't think there is a thing to fear theologically. But I'm sure that relativists will say this disproves the faith. I don't think so for a second.

 

[FaithT]

Are you talking about these articles? Do you have a link?

What would alien life mean for Catholicism? The Vatican’s chief astronomer explains.

He also digs into Galileo, icy moons, and the relationship between science and religion.

www.vox.com

https://www.vaticanobservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Intelligent-Life.pdf

I don’t think that’s the article. I’ll look and see if I can find it.

 

[FaithT]

https://www.vaticanobservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Intelligent-Life.pdf

This might be it.

 

[Michie]

https://www.vaticanobservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Intelligent-Life.pdf

This might be it.

That’s a book!

 

[FaithT]

That’s a book!

Yeah but I read a lot of it

 

[FaithT]

That’s a book!

But what I want to know is this. If intelligent life is found elsewhere, would that discredit the Bible or our faith? BTW, I’m returning to the Catholic Church. It was iffy for a long time, back and forth between Catholicism and LCMS but I think I’m ready to return. I just hope it sticks for me this time.

 

[FaithT]

I’ve read that if aliens are found, it would affect salvation though I don’t understand how.

 

[chevyontheriver]

I’ve read that if aliens are found, it would affect salvation though I don’t understand how.

I don't think it would have an effect at all ... unless they could show how the whole Bible was staged by them. I think that's most unlikely. So I would be happy to see intelligent aliens if they were peaceful and scared out of my wits if they weren't. But as to my faith, I have no worries from aliens.

 

[FaithT]

I don't think it would have an effect at all ... unless they could show how the whole Bible was staged by them. I think that's most unlikely. So I would be happy to see intelligent aliens if they were peaceful and scared out of my wits if they weren't. But as to my faith, I have no worries from aliens.

Good.