If we humans had the intelligence to settle on other planets, how would religion apply?

Question

I just read that if humans can avoid killing each other in the next 100 years, we would be able to settle into other places in the universe, but wouldn't that make Christianity and many other religions null and void? How would we be able to beleive in anything if certain religious events happened on our home planet Earth? How would Jesus be able to come onto Earth if we have moved on? Doesn't it bother you that space settlement is possible but we'd be leaving our religious beleifs behind? How would we beleive in anything if we left our planet Earth? Wouldn't it be hard to beleive in an afterlife and a creator if we left the planet in which was created from the creator and the afterlife he gave us?

Answer 1

Even as I doubt the statement that it will only take 100 years to settle beyond Earth-currently there are obstacles ranging from the threats posed by cosmic rays to lack of funds and support for large scale scientific research (if it does happen, odds are the US is not going to have a singular roll in it, look for action from the ESA or Russia or China with some US support)-I am confident that religion will not become obsolete.

First use astronauts as an example, have many emerged from flights into orbit around Earth or, in the past, moon walks, atheists? Separation from "home" does not make the faith and memories of home pointless, indeed it makes them more dear to those who hold them. Also think of religions that have connections to specific places on Earth but which have spread far beyond them.

Religion's role in a multi-planetary society will continue to be strong perhaps strengthened by the challenges of living in harsh conditions. Religions with specific connections to Earth, such as Christianity will not lose their value (in Christian belief Jesus came to save humanity not the planet Earth). In religions that believe in omniscient creators of the universe, the faithful will simply see themselves as living in another place created to nurture life. Thus, just as people have spread their religions far from their homelands, people of the future will spread their beliefs and all that comes with them throughout the universe.

In my opinion, the greatest threat to religion is not space travel but pressure from scientifically and technologically advanced societies that are also tradition poor. My hope, and faith, compel me to believe that religion will survive. My experience tells me it will not be easy in some places. The future will hold courage from the religious to face challenges from many fronts, cooperation from both sides, and education on both science and religion. Both remain at the heart of what it means to be human for many people and neither shall be going anywhere for years to come.

Answer 2

I don't see any problem with people taking their religion wherever they go. Jesus never visited America, yet most Americans are Christians. Nothing about space travel nullifies religion. Do you recall the Apollo 8 astronauts reading from the Bible live on TV on Christmas Eve, 1968? I do. What a great Christmas present to the world that was!

Answer 3

Astronomy and Space right?

Go to "All Categories" there is a sub-category called "Society & Culture", below that a sub-category called "Religion & Spirituality" and once there pose this question again.

I suspect you will find different answers.

Matt 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

I would like to think it means we should not feel badly if many of us do not wish to leave earth, when the time comes.

I am comfortable believeing religion will evolve as knowledge grows.

We settled on other continents didn't we?

I would feel comfortable we have learned from our 'mistakes'.

Answer 4

I imagine that any religious beliefs existing on earth would likely be propagated to such a settlement, given enough time and a large enough population. If you wish to believe in a creator or an afterlife, where you are need not affect your belief. However, neither would the fact that neither belief can be demonstrated in any way.

Answer 5

I believe we were created by scientific means, not by gods. and when we settle on other planets, which we will. it will prove that we as the human race are capable of great things, and will no longer need a religion to keep us going. we will use facts and scientific means to advance ourselves. we will encounter obstacles, but we will always keep going and will never stop. our civilization will never end and we will spread throughout the universe, seeking life, and new challenges.

Answer 6

If God created this universe and we actually reach the capability to inhabit other planets im sure he will know and understand where we are. He is God he knows everything and where we all are all the time. I think as a Christian I would be safe. Salvation is eternal everything else around us isnt.

Answer 7

The same way it applies now. Religion is a methodology to explain ones humanistic experience. So we will adapt our beliefs to fit our new paradimes. If anything new knowledge and exploration(exploration of the cosmos) enhances or creates religion.

Answer 8

Humanity in its present form spreading to other planets would be considered a cancer to the universe.

Religion doesn't belong in an advanced civilization, knowledge does. Religion is not knowledge, it is ignorance and greed.

Answer 9

it would apply just the same as here. remember jesus can be in any number of places at the same time. with god all things r possible

Answer 10

Religion would adapt or we would have new religions!

Look at all the science fiction stories.