If life were discovered on another planet what would be the religious explanation?

Religion and Life on Other Planets

Here are opinions:

• There's nothing in my Bible that says God created life only on this planet. Doesn't even rule out other intelligent life in the universe. But after seeing the mess we created in this world, He would probably not try again.

• Most certainly. The Bible speaks nothing of life on other planets, though some of you may craft an explantion through through vague references and loose endings. However, the fact remains that would seriously hinder Christian credibility as an absolute religion whose implications are universal. What I think is more interesting is that this does not rule out the existence of God as creator, merely the existence of a God we thought we knew. This discovery would force us as entire race to seriously question our faithe - at least where we rest our faite - because a discovery like that would prove beyond doubt many religions false.

• The original unadulterated idea of God transmitted to us by Adam through Noah is one of having no form, no physical or natural bounds, one beyond perception and even conception (the imagination). That theology is completely invulnerable and impervious to a discovery of life at another location. Only theologies which are self (human)-centric could be weakened by such a discovery.

• The simple answer is no. God has no limits, and the only limit in religion is the mind of man, who is unable to comprehend this. The real answer is: the Baha'i Faith teaches that there are an infinity of other planets out there, and each is alive with God's creatures. They may be very unlike us, but they exist.

• For some religions, the answer would be "we already knew that". For most others, the answer would be "we already knew that, it's just that you misunderstood us before".

• I do not think that it would debunk religion. Science and religion serve VERY different needs of humanity, religon is a matter of faith, faith is belief without proof. Science is a tool to understand our surroundings and has zero room for "faith". I do not think that religeon and science are mutually exclusive.

• Who said God only created Planet Earth? God created the entire Universe and everything and everyone in it. Why would "religion" be debunked by discovery of life on another planet? Personally, I don't have "religion." I have a RELATIONSHIP with the God of this universe. To me, discovery of life on another planet would be quite exciting scientifically, and for me, it would strengthen and enhance my faith and beliefs. God is not a limited being.

• To debunk a religion with such a discovery, you would have to first identify a particular sect that insists no alien life can exist. Not even all sects of Christianity make such a claim.

• Rather than 'debunking' religion, I believe the opposite would hold true...at least for a while. The discovery of life on other worlds - I'm assuming you mean sentient life? - would be a momentous thing, indeed. I think it would draw people to churches and religious communities in a way that only life-altering events can - for emotional and spiritual support and guidance, to pray for protection or to give thanks, for any number of personal and spiritual reasons. Once the discovery becomes 'old news' people will probably be drawn back to their old ways and habits, but, at first, there would be a huge revival of religion.

• This is an interesting type of question that has no definite answer, and will not be known until it actually happens. Every person will be different if and when it happens, and of course by human nature there will be people who panic and be full of fear. However, I am sure most people who are religious will believe that instead of debunking God and religion, it would instead be a testament to his/her/its/their power. God is supposed to be diverse, with unlimited power and love. If you believe that, then it should be difficult to believe that he would create one single lonely planet in this huge, possibly infinite universe.

• Read the Scritures as God speaks to Abraham. He says that he has created worlds without end. The Sciptures do not say that life and Gods children are restricted to just this place. If God would create one world where Billions have lived why would he not create another place that more of his children can be tested wether they will follow what is right. Here is also a scientific way to test the truthfullness of the Gospel. Put it to the test. Exercise a little faith, read the scriptures, pray about it and wait for answer. And when you recieve the answer feed it and let it grow. It's an experiment. Try it. And to expres an idea that God has killed millions is incorrect. We have the freedom to chose its a sacred right. We are judged by those choices. We are free to choose and those who have decided to murder suffer their choices.

• When you speak of "religion" I am assuming you are thinking of the Christian Religion. Actually, the Bible itself says there is intelligent life other than man. There are intelligent beings called angels, cherubim, seraphim, there are the four beasts which stand before the throne of God. The Bible is full of "life on other planets." Also, Christian writers in the last century wrote many sci-fi stories about encountering life on other planets, etc. Some were better than others, but the concept is not foreign to Orthodox Christianity. And if you incorporate Christian fantasy writings such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings, the treatment of the idea of intelligence other than man is even more fully developed. The "problem" posed by the possibility of life on other planets is mostly a moral question. If there are other beings, do they have to obey the same rules as we do? What if their religion were contradictory to ours? Would that challenge the truth of ours? If they experienced a "fall" as our first ancestors did, do they need redemption? In fact, I once heard about a sci-fi story written by a non-Christian author (I have not read it) in which humans land on a planet and Jesus is there getting ready to die on the cross. Several of the earthmen try to stop His execution but Jesus won't let them. He tells them it's necessary for Him to die there, just as He had to die on earth.

• In every single religious book eg. "Bible" it doesn't say that life doesn't exist on other planets. But in most religious books it stats that there are nine planets eg. Mercury, which have life on them... Life being some form eg. Bacteria, not necessarily "Aliens" and in my personal opinion UFO's are a load of CRAP, you can see in UFO sighting pics and videos that its all rubbish. But religions' explanation would be along the lines of what it says in their religious books.

This answer is closed to changes. This is done in rare cases when questions are being vandalized or answers have become debates. E-mail WikiAnswers @ Answers.com if you would like it to be reopened.

First answer by Rfor. Last edit by Macky. Contributor trust: 2966 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 176 [recommend question]

Can you answer other questions about religions and faiths?