Darryl Maddox wrote:
> I would like to thank all those who responded to my question about
> sources dealing with the implications of the religious beliefs of
> allien being (should we ever make such a discovery). Most of the
> references provided were to science fiction novels. That makes me
> think some of those books I read may have not been the trivial drival
> my 7th grade English teacher said they were when I asked if I could do
> a book report on one. I didn't see the connection between the quality
> of my book report and the quality of the book I was reporting on but
> that is another story. However, as pleased as I was to get these
> references, what I was trying to ask for was references to works
> dealing with the salvation, or lack thereof, of the populations of
> cultures here on earth when that culture had not heard of Christ
> untill they were contacted by western civilization. And for a bit of
> slippery slope questioning, how about references to discussions of "to
> what extent memembers of such cultures must be "aware" of Christ
> before they come under condemnation", assuming of course that one
> believes that all are condemed who do not profess (and live?) a faith
> in Jesus as the sole author of salvation.
>
> To the charge that "95% of science fiction is trash", the SF writer
> Theodore Sturgeon replied, "95% of everything is trash," & at least
> that's true for literature. But in the 5% there is some which
> provides useful material for theological reflection - even though it
> may not use explicitly religious language. The 1956 film "Forbidden
> Planet" is a good example.
> The question of salvation for those who have not had an
> opportunity to hear the hear in explicit terms has been debated
> extensively in modern theology. Carl Braaten's _No Other Gospel?_
> would be one helpful - though not neutral! - entry point. (Sorry I
> can't put my hands on it right now to give publication data.)
> On the extrapolation of that to the question of the gospel &
> ETs, Ted Peters' article in the Summer 1994 _CTNS Bulletin_,
> "Exo-Theology: Speculations on Extra-Terrestrial Life", has a number
> of useful quotes and references, besides presenting his own views. I
> might mention also an article of mine, "Mars Needs Theologians"
> (_Works_ 6.1,2, 1, 1997). It isn't terribly accessible but I'd be
> happy to send a copy to anyone interested.
> Shalom,
> George
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