Could earthly religions survive the discovery of life elsewhere in the universe?

Question

I think it would igniye a passionate theological debate, the truely difficult issues surround the prospecy of advanced alien beings in possession of intelligence and technology. Why were we not given what they possess? Why were we given leftovers?

Answer 1

Smart question indeed. Christianity for one cannot survive if this happens because it would go against its fundemental beliefs that God created man in his own image and made him the smartest so that he can care of his other beloved creatures. Infact all organised religions would get a kick in the balls if it does happen and the very concept of God would go for toss.

Answer 2

Actually, it's pretty sad that the human collective reaction would be that we'd been given leftovers. Each place has its own good and bad aspects; we don't what they might have had to go through as individuals and as a species to make contact with us. A couple decades ago there was a t.v. show called Alien Nation that was built around the concept that the aliens were refugees. They had tech and intelligence, but they also desperately needed a safe place to live, which the governments of Earth were willing to provide.

I think it would spark a lot of debate, much of it religious. I also think we would eventually find a way to work it out.

Answer 3

The Vedic literature's state that this is one universe, out of infinite universe's both Spiritual and mundane(material), empirical scientists cannot even measure the dimensions of this singular universe, yet many foolishly deny the existence of a Supreme entity or God.

The Vedas also provide knowledge of higher and lower planetary systems and 8,400,000 different species of life, including superior forms, this does not place the Vedic religion in any jeopardy, because the broader knowledge is already documented, but I suspect some fundamental religious bodies may experience some difficulty.

A very intelligent question, to discuss further:-Sriman Sankarshan Das Adhikari ([e-mail])

Answer 4

I think that us receiving leftovers is inaccurate, that other lifeforms are far more mature than we are, that our planet and lifeforms are far younger than those others and thus they have had more time to develop their intelligence, thus having far more advanced technology than we do. As far as earthly religions reacting to the discovery of other lifeforms, more than likely most would declare them to be evil demonic creatures of some sort sent here by the devil himself to create havoc and seperation and doubt in the minds of the good christians...all of which i scoff at btw! Few would realize that the existence of other life is an inevitable truth because there is no way that we are the only beings created and capable of living, surviving and thriving in the many galaxies.

Answer 5

Closetcoon has it partily right at least most of humaity would go insane if it was proved and the leading religion would have to do a quick turnaround in thier thinking to fit it in.
The spirit that was supposd to be this planets Garden Angel (ST. Lucifer(light bringer)) went and got a swelled head and thouht that he could run creation better than the Creator and lost big time. So we have had to put up with saviours instead.and have been more or less on our own as to things religious.

Answer 6

I think that members of the Abrahamic death cults of desert monotheism would have their faith shaken. It would certainly disabuse them of the notion that the earth is the center of creation, and that they are the object of creation. Poof.

I also think that it's quite likely that we will know for sure that we are not alone within the next 10 to 30 years, at the latest. SETI will be having a huge amount of assets coming on-line over the next decade. Also, new telescopes will be coming on line over the next 20 years which should be able to directly observe planets in orbit around nearby stars, even to the point of spectroscopically analyzing their atmospheres; life-bearing planets should exhibit tell-tale signs. Personally, I think that life is as common as dirt in the universe.

Answer 7

I think that the Alien beings would also have a religion and faith.
All living beings have souls and we are all God's children - even the space aliens.

You are assuming that if the space aliens were advanced beings that they would lack faith because they are advanced. And I don't think that is necessarily so.
If anything, they would know the importance of God in their lives because they are so advanced.

Answer 8

I think some religions would be just fine, some would not. I figure, if aliens are more advanced than us, well, maybe they are more rightous than us and so were more blessed. think of how technologically advanced we would be right now if we didn't have to pour trillions of dollars and untold manhours into the military and healthcare for people who destroy themselves and then want the government to take care of them for free. everyone gets what they earn.
good question, very interesting!

Answer 9

It's stubbornly survived the discovery that the world is round, that the earth orbits the sun, that heaven is not above us - the solar system is, that mental illness and disease is not caused by sin and demons, plus the sexual revolution. It'll manage to survive this, too. Bummer.

Answer 10

Religion thrives on the psychological weaknesses of humans. So alien intelligence wont be a problem.