Is belief in God as valid as belief in Extra Terrestrials?

Question

We can calculate the probability of life on other planets. Can we calculate the probability of God and is it greater than the probability of life elsewhere in the universe?

Answer 1

It's easier to prove extraterrestrials. We can use clear formulae and known facts to project their existence. In order to calculate the existence of God, we would have to quantify 'faith', because the miraculous events (which would tend to prove Gods existence) in various religious texts have not been seen since those texts were written. Thus, faith cannot be quantified with hard facts, and without a calculable value for faith, we cannot accurately calculate for God. The value of faith would be exaggerated by a very religious person, while it would be discounted by an atheist. No facts, no calculation.

Answer 2

Yes, we can calculate or make a guess at calculating the probability of life elsewhere (other planets, galaxies). We know what some of the conditions of life are, and we know some of the variables involved, and most importantly perhaps, we can TEST our hypotheses.

The probability of god's existing is either 50/50 or none at all. If by god you mean Jehovah or Allah or Yahweh, the probability of such a god existing is virtually nil, nada, nothing. The additional problem is that there is absolutely no empirical test for existence or inexistence. God is a matter of faith (things unseen) and belief, not a matter of experience or rational assessment.

I don't think belief in extra-terrestrials is the correct wording. Better would be belief in the possibility or probability of...And belief has really nothing to do with it. Extra-terrestrial life may or may not exist no matter what I believe--I may believe they don't exist and they do, or that they do exist and they don't. Extra-terrestrials is not a belief but a testable hypothesis. God is not a testable hypothesis but a belief.

So, to answer your principal question: No, belief in god is less valid than belief in extra-terrestrials. There is no valid basis for belief in god; there is valid basis for the possibility of extra-ts.

Answer 3

We cannot calculate scientifically the probability of the existence of God, but we can calculate the probability of life on other planets, so, although I don't believe you can compare one to the other, I do believe that the fact that the probability of life elsewhere in the universe can & has been calculated, and the figures are astonishing. Therefore, based on what has been concluded, the probability of life elsewhere in the universe should be viewed as equally valid as the existence of God/Higher Power/Divine Creator. Why couldn't God have created the life in other parts of the universe? Do we humans think we are that important & that we could possibly say that aliens, say they exist, couldn't have been created by the same Divine Source? We are not God, so I believe it's pretty over-confident & ignorant to say we are sure of anything when it comes to God & His/Her Creations. We aren't that smart.

Answer 4

There has never been the slightest tangible, testable proof of the existence of ANY of the thousands of gods that humans have worshipped over the eons. If a god existed--and specifically, the Christian God--then it would have manifested itself in some way that all of humanity could agree upon, and there would not be thousands of denominations, cults, and religions vying for your attention and money.

However, as you said, scientists can calculate the probability of life existing on other planets. We are able to detect increasing numbers of planets around other stars, and the size of them gets smaller as our technology improves. It will not be long before we are detecting Earth-size planets around other stars that are much like our own. The odds of ours being the only world in the universe to evolve life are pretty slim--the sheer size of the universe, number of galaxies and stars, dictates that somewhere, there is life, maybe even intelligent life. Scientists have valid reasons for believing that extra-terrestrial life exists, even if it hasn't yet been detected; the only things religious people have are their emotions, and no god has ever been detected.

Answer 5

We can prove the existence of God but not extra terrestrials. Science is based on cause and effect, thus can not go on for ever. If you believe matter to be eternal, then you must also believe that it is perfect, b/c nothing perfect is not eternal. If it is perfect and eternal, then it would not require change as it does. If it was perfect @ one point, how did it come to a decision to change matter having no intelligence? A Higher Being is required into the equation for existence to work. If you want to go by probability of the perfection of the intellect of man, you can say the majority of scholars believe in the existence of One God, and those dazzled by the after effects of science are in awe and do not take the time to ponder. Like a child eating candy, only focused on its sweetness; as soon as the candy is gone, he wants more candy but does not ask how it came into being. The existence of God is 1 + 0 = 1 (One God + His creation = One God).

Answer 6

I believe God is extra terrestrial because he lives in a place called Heaven and he created the earth so he had to have a home before. I also believe there are other worlds since if God is a creative God and all, he made angels, the world animals us etc. I think He would create other worlds, however, I do not believe though that the other worlds that are created are sinful as ours. The Bible says that Satan was cast down to this earth.

Answer 7

It is human nature to question the why's and wherefore's of nature, lives, losses and literally everything that goes on. So how can you calculate the loss of a pet, the loss of a loved one, a fight with a spouse, a lottery winning, a new job, a new vehicle, a new romance or anything that happens to someone during their lifetime? Probability calculations on the existence of God/Goddess are difficult to say the least, how would YOU calculate the unexplainable?

Answer 8

I would believe so... however, there is minor proof-whether or not you believe in area 51- that aliens do exist. There is no actual proof god exists.

here's an interesting thing- my father once told me, him being a military man- he could not say whether or not area 51 is real because it is confidential... but he did add, that he personally does believe aliens do exist... and he's a see it to believe it person... so I would have to say area 51 and aliens do in fact exist.
Area 51 (also known as Dreamland, Watertown Strip, Paradise Ranch, The Farm, The Box, Groom Lake, and The Directorate for Development Plans Area) is a remote tract of land in southern Nevada, owned by the federal government of the United States, containing an airfield apparently used for the secret development and testing of new military aircraft. It is famed as the subject of many UFO conspiracy theories.

Answer 9

Your saying that Extra T is valid, there is no validation for E.T.
The question should be phrased in reverse.

Probability does not equate to validity.

Its like saying because of your question the probability that your an idiot is hi

Answer 10

the problem you've is that we are taught Jesus died for our sins that we ought to bypass to heaven. The Bible also teaches that the in undemanding words thanks to heaven is by Jesus. With that in recommendations, IF there is existence elsewhere...does no longer those lifeforms might want to be "proper" with out flaw or sin? would those civilizations no longer be confronted w/ wars, crimes and different "incorrect" issues?? What about their "beliefs"? Even the following we've themes between different communities interior of Christianity no longer to prepare the different religions. So, because Jesus is the in undemanding words way into heaven, doesn't that propose he would have had to bypass and be born, stay and die there like he did for us the following? doesn't make experience. i'm no longer saying there is not any longer existence elsewhere...I in simple terms experience that it should be of a "sinister" nature.