QOTW - If aliens were proved to exist, how would it impact the Christian faith?

The Question of the Week by GotQuestions.org [Click here to view this email as a webpage]( Join us for a summary walk through the life of Jesus. Journey toward Resurrection Day with a renewed vision and appreciation for the life of Jesus Christ. Each day you will find a link to the Bible passage for that day and helpful resources for your study. [Easter Bible reading plan]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Question: "If aliens were proved to exist, how would that discovery impact the Christian faith?" Answer: First, let it be said, we do not believe that [aliens]( exist. The Bible gives us no reason to believe that there is life elsewhere in the universe; in fact, the Bible gives us several key reasons why there cannot be. However, that has not stopped theologians, astronomers, and science fiction fans and writers through the years from contemplating the “what ifs” long and hard. The debates have narrowed down where the problems would arise, if the existence and discovery of extraterrestrial life could be proved. Those who contemplate the existence of aliens and the impact their existence would have on the Christian faith commonly discuss the identity and work of Jesus. God sent His only begotten Son, [God incarnate]( to save mankind and redeem creation. Does that redemption include life on other planets? Or would God have manifested Himself on those other planets, as well (in the manner of Aslan in [Narnia]( Does “only begotten” mean “only physical representation”? Or is it more limited, referring only to the human species? Another consideration: would an otherworldly, sentient, advanced life form sin and need redemption in the same way we do? Human life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). Where is the life of these hypothetical aliens? And what would have to be sacrificed to save them? Could the shedding of Jesus’ human blood save silicon-based glass creatures whose sin was melting and reforming themselves into unnatural shapes? Another topic of discussion concerning the existence of aliens and Christianity is what it means to be made in the [“image of God.”]( Since God has no physical body, we take this to mean a reflection of God’s non-physical aspects—rationality, morality, and sociability. Would aliens, if they exist, embody the same characteristics? One issue rarely broached is the impact of young earth creationism on the discovery of alien life. It is conceivable, if highly unlikely, that the geological pyrotechnics that took place during the global flood could have spewed a bacteria- or lichen-tainted stone all the way to Mars where it found shelter in a misty canyon. But any life form more complicated or farther out would be much harder to harmonize with a literal reading of Genesis 1. Could demons have taken trees and shrubs and rodents and bugs to another planet with an environment similar to Earth’s? Possibly. But without the Spirit’s blessing of life, it’s unlikely any of it would have survived. Parallel creations? Maybe. The Bible does not mention them. Considering what we know about space and life and the world as the Bible portrays it, we already have an explanation for so-called alien activity on Earth. Reports of “close encounters” describe the ethereal, transient, deceptive, and malevolent. Accounts also record that encounters with supposed aliens can be stopped by a real, authentic call to Jesus. Everything points to the activity of demons, not extraterrestrials. In fact, it is plausible that the “powerful delusion” spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:11 will involve an [alien-abduction theory]( to explain away the rapture. The “discovery” of alien life would have no effect on genuine Christianity. The Bible stands as written, no matter what secular theories are advanced or discoveries are claimed. The Bible says the earth and mankind are unique in God’s creation. God created the earth even before He created the sun, moon, or stars (Genesis 1). Yes, there are strange and inexplicable things that take place. There is no reason, though, to attribute these phenomena to aliens or UFOs. If there is a discernable cause to these events, it is spiritual or, more specifically, demonic in origin. In the final analysis, all conjecturing about what would happen to our faith if aliens were proved to be real falls under the category of “godless chatter” and “foolish and stupid arguments” that we are warned against (2 Timothy 2:16, 23). Recommended Resource: [The Quest Study Bible]( [More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!]( --------------------------------------------------------------- What’s new on GotQuestions.org? [What is the spiritual house in 1 Peter 2:5?]( [What does it mean to be rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)?]( [What does it mean that there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18)?]( [Why was Paul in prison?]( [What does it mean that we should think on whatever is true (Philippians 4:8)?]( [What does it mean that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)?]( [Who was Aeneas in the Bible?]( [Why do Christians suffer?]( [What does it mean to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15)?]( [Is it true that, “My God shall supply all my needs” (Philippians 4:19)?]( [What does it mean that a man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7)?]( [Who is the Comforter?]( [Why will not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” be saved (Matthew 7:21)?]( [What does it mean to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)?]( [What is the circle of the earth (Isaiah 40:22)?]( [What does Exodus 23:2 teach us about not following the crowd?]( --------------------------------------------------------------- GotQuestions.org seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing biblical answers to spiritually-related questions. To continue in this mission, we need your support! For more information, please visit our [Support Page]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [More...]( --------------------------------------------------------------- GotQuestions.org Recommends: --------------------------------------------------------------- The GotQuestions.org Network: This message was sent to {EMAIL} from: Got Questions Ministries | 6050 Stetson Hills Blvd., #254 | Colorado Springs, CO 80923 [iContact - Try It Free!]( [Unsubscribe](