Steve Jones responded with comments from Henry Morris (who seems to
argue for life to exist exclusively on earth), and Walter Remine (who
seems to believe that extraterrestrial life and extraterrestrial
intelligence would falsify his Biotic Message theory)
Steve added:
> However, not all Creationists agree that life on Mars (if proved)
> would be a problem. Ross, actually predicts it:
Also:
> I personally would not have a problem if extinct (or even living)
> micro-organisms were found on Mars. Such life could have originated
> on Earth and was transported to Mars or it is even possible that life
> originated on Mars and was transported to Earth.
In these latter cases, I think it is important to distinguish between
the independent origin of life on Mars and the dependent origin (by
transportation from earth). I wonder if Steve and Hugh Ross would be
as comfortable with an independent origin of life on Mars?
The reason for asking is that I have been struck by the diversity of
reactions Christians have shown to the possibilities of life outside
the earth. Speaking personally, I would have some adjustments to
make if single-celled life forms were found on Mars and if they were
shown to have an origin independent of earth life - because it is
life out of context. God has gone to some trouble preparing this
earth to be a fit place for living things - and we worship him for
it. Looking around the solar system, we find every other potential
home to be deficient: conditions there are hostile to life. This
includes Mars - although it is conceivable that some extraordinarily
specialised life forms could cope. I associate life with God's
purpose - and, if Martian life were confirmed, would have to adjust
to the thought that God has purposes for living things which are
completely outside the terrestrial scene. Nevertheless, I hasten to
add, the adjustment could be made.
The issue of extraterrestrial intelligence seems to me to be a
different one. I associate "intelligence" with man being an image-
bearer of God. Theologically, in my view, only the human race has
this characteristic. (This is thinking along the same lines as -
were the Neanderthals Adam's descendants?). So, I would find it a
major theological problem if extra-terrestrial intelligent life was
recognised. So, I am happy to be aligned with others who predict
that this extraterrestrial intelligence will never be found.
Two UK figures have recently said that there is no theological
problem for Christians to accept the idea of extraterrestrial
intelligent life. Rev Dr John Polkinghorne said this on a Radio
interview soon after the Martian meteorite story broke, adding that
if these beings were in need of redemption, then he would expect
Christ would have taken their flesh to bring God's grace to them
also. The other figure is Rev Tony Higton, an evangelical Anglican
leader, who speculated on becoming a missionary to extra-terrestrial
races.
What do others think about this? My concern is to think biblically
and not to elevate human wisdom to the level of revealed truth. But
does the Bible provide us with direction here? Can we make any
predictions about life on other planets? How do we avoid the
impression that our theology is so malleable that anything can be
accommodated within the "Christian" tradition?
Best wishes,
*** From David J. Tyler, CDT Department, Hollings Faculty,
Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
Telephone: 0161-247-2636 ***